I'll be back soon

This week we are MOVING into our new house!  So I will be my blogging this week and I'll be back next week with some exciting stuff. Plus ill be getting our Internet hooked up on Friday. 

I am exhausted from moving and unpacking but we are almost done. We should be all done by Friday!  YAY...

Decorating is going to be so much fun!

See ya next week!

Kendall is 9 months old

Kendall Morgan: 
You turned 9 months on Saturday 7.27.13.  You are 3/4 of a year. Two hundred and seventy days old. You have been out in this world as long as you were in my belly.  I have to tell you these 9 months with you on the outside have gone by way, way faster than when I was pregnant with you. I cant believe we are 3 short months away from celebrating your FIRST birthday.  I'm glad I still have 3 months to prepare myself for that cause I'm not ready for you to be ONE yet.  I hate that your growing up so fast but I love you at this age.  You are so fun, I love your little personality, you smile at anyone that talks to you and you are still my little snuggle bug and 100% a mommy's girl!

I love you to the moon and back sweet girl

Love, Mommy

SLEEPING: This month has been a little rough.  My sweet girl you are teething and let me tell you, you and teething are NOT friends.  You are a bad teether just like your sister Keira was.  You wear your amber teething necklace and during the day it seems to help you, but when it comes to nap or bed time you just cant seem to relax and put yourself to sleep like you were before.  I'm hoping that after both your top 2 teeth come in you'll go back to sleeping great again.  You are still taking 3 naps a day and you don't seem like you'll be cutting it down to 2 naps anytime soon.  Once you finally fall asleep you do sleep pretty good, at night you'll cry out 2-3 times and I only have to give you your pacifier and you'll stop.

Here is your schedule:
7:30am - wake up and play with your stuffed animals for a bit
7:45am - get up, change your diaper and drink a bottle and then play
9:15am - you go down for a nap {1 - 1.5 hours long}
10:30am - you wake up, diaper change, drink a bottle & eat some puffs, if we have no where to go   then you'll play
12:15pm - go down for your afternoon nap {2-3 hours}
3:00pm - wake up, diaper change, drink a bottle and eat some puree and play
5:00pm - you go down for your last nap {1 hour}
6:00pm - wake up, diaper change, drink a bottle and eat some puree, play and hang out
7:30pm - bath, bottle, and bedtime story with your sisters
8:15pm - bedtime

EATING: You have become very interested in people food this month.  When you see any of us eating you will watch us like a hawk in hopes that you'll get some.  You have tried a few new people foods and are loving every minute of it.  You've tried...green beans, meatloaf, teddy grahams and crackers.  Since you do so well with chewing I'll be introducing more people food to you this month.

PERSONALITY: Baby girl you have the greatest personality ever.  You are always so happy, your sisters were happy babies but you are beyond happy all the time.  When people talk to you {strangers or family} you get the biggest smile on your face and get so excited.  Its the cutest thing.  You've also started showing your little sassy side.

STATS:

Weight: 17lbs 4oz

Height: 29"

Clothes: 9 months

Shoes: size 2

Diaper: size 3

Teeth: 3 {2 bottom, 1 on top}

Hair: Dark brown

Eyes: Dark blue
 

MILESTONES:

* you can wave HI
* you got your second bottom tooth {right}
* you can sign "more"
* you look in the direction when someone calls your name
* when laying on the floor on your tummy, you spin in circles
* can play peek a boo
* tries to copy different sounds and gestures
* can stand while holding onto something
* top L tooth {7.24.13}
* when laying on your tummy you can scoot back

LIKES:
* bath time
* swimming in grandma's pool
* sophie the giraffe
* climbing on mommy
* playing peek a boo
* screeching really loud!
* playing with mega blocks
* swinging on the swings

 

DISLIKES:
* getting your diaper changed
* waiting for me to get you your bottle
* your sisters taking things away from you
* being told NO NO {we've only had to say no no when you put things your not suppose to in your mouth}
* sitting in your carseat unless we're in the car and the car is moving
* TEETHING
 

 

FAVORITES:
* your exersaucer
* your lovey {we need to get you another one, when it was nap time the other day and it was in the wash cause it was dirty, you refused to take a nap and mommy needed to rock you instead}
* Sophie the giraffe
* having books read to you

THINGS I WANT TO REMEMBER:

* you are so ticklish, it's the cutest

* you are still in your rear facing car seat {by this time both of your sisters were in a big kid car seat}

*  you went in grandma's pool for the 1st time {6.29.13} and you loved it!

*  you ate your first bite of waffles and loved it {7.13.14}

* your skin is so much dark than your sisters ever were, my little Portuguese baby.

* you like to dump things out of buckets when you play

* you are showing signs of separation anxiety when I leave the room even if your with daddy
* while your standing you like to stomp your right foot {like your dancing}
* all I have to do is look at you without saying a word and you get the biggest smile on your face

 

WATCH ME GROW

{Newborn - 9 months}

 

 

COMPARISON OF THE GIRLS @ 9 MONTHS

KAYLEE | KEIRA | KENDALL

 

WW: Kendall's 9 month photoshoot sneak peek

Jameson Monroe headband review & giveaway!

 disclosure: I received this product in exchange for highlighting this business. all opinions are my own

 

  

 

I LOVE today's shop, you may have heard of them Jameson Monroe and if you haven't heard of them, well your in luck.  Go check out their store and you will fall in love with all of their amazing headbands, just like I did.  They have so many cute things it's hard to decided what to get.

 

 

 

They create some of the cutest headbands I have ever seen.  The shop is owned by two stylish mamas and you see their adorable girls modeling the headbands

 

You can follow them on...

instagram: @jamesonmonroe_chelsea & @jamesonmonroe_megan

facebook: Jameson Monroe

etsy: HERE

 

  

They sent me two adorable headbands from their new lines

* KNOT just a wrap CUSTOM COLLECTION 

and

* A large pink silk flower on an aqua & white chevron elastic headband with a rhinestone button in the center 

 

I mean just look at these headbands on my sweet girl, doesn't it make you want to go buy some cute headbands for your girls.  I know it makes me want to get more!

 

  

Everyone one of their headbands are unique and I love that they are willing to make custom headbands to match any color scheme or event.  I know I will be turning to Jameson Monroe for some custom headbands for Kendall's first birthday as well as my wedding. 

 

   

Here are some of my favorite headbands!

Seriously go check them out.  They take customer orders too.

 

Vintage Lace Collection

 

Camel with black polka dots

 

Paris Chic II Collection

 

Wrap Collection

 

 

 

Jameson Monroe would love to give you a chance to receive 15% off any order in their shop
Use code: JOEYLEE at checkout
Offer expires July 26th

For ONE lucky reader you could win a $30 shop credit!
The contest will run for ONE WEEK {July 22-26}
Winner will be announced on Monday July 29th

Here's how to enter:
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Guest post: Tips for traveling with kids

Today's guest post comes from Kendra, a stay at home mom of 3.  Before being promoted to the full time position of mom, she was the former Orbitz Director of Communications where she was able to travel a great deal.  She loves to write about travel trends and tips.  If your interested in more travel tips from Kendra you can follow her on Twitter @KendraThornton

Tips To Help You Travel With Your Kids And Have A Stress Free Vacation

I’ve always loved traveling. Since becoming a mom though, I’ve learned that I have to do things a little differently with little ones tagging alone. However, all the adjustments and preparation are worth it in order to spend time together and get away from the chaos of real life for a bit. Even though it's late in the travel season, you can still plan a memorable trip for your family. The following tips will help any parent be prepared and have a fun, hassle free travel adventure with their kids.

1. Lists Can Be Your Best Friend

There’s nothing worse than going on vacation and suddenly realizing that you forgot something you really need. You can avoid this by making a list of items you will need for your trip. As you are packing, refer to your list and check off items that you’ve packed in your suitcase. Making a list of things to do on your trip can insure that you don’t forget to do anything fun that you had planned on doing. There are many helpful apps like Packing Pro that can make life easier for us moms.

2. Choose Your Destination Wisely

One of the most important things you can do when traveling is picking the right destination.  Family friendly resorts will be the most suitable for those traveling with kids. They not only have fun things for the kids to do, but for the adults as well. Places like dude ranches or hotels with water play areas are both perfect vacation destinations. If you can, stay at a place that has a kid’s club. This will allow for the kids to be entertained while mom and dad get some alone time.  You can use travel services like Gogobot to find hotels with amenities like a continental breakfast or a pool.  My family was able to find a great list of Orlando hotels that offered tons of family-friendly tricks and tips when it came to making a decision.

3. Document Your Vacation

You can create some great family memories on a family vacation. It doesn’t matter where you go or what you choose to do, you need to document it! Make sure that you bring a camera with you (even if it’s a disposable one). Also, have your kids document the trip by writing in a journal or drawing pictures. When you get home you can make some sort of scrapbook to remember your vacation.

4. Make Children As Comfortable As Possible

Children will do better on a long car or plane ride if they are comfortable. Try to bring a blanket and pillow. Also, pack their favorite stuffed animal to provide a sense of security as well. You can also invest in blinds for the windows to block out the sunlight that might be too bright or too hot.

5. Use Technology To Your Advantage

You can easily entertain your kids while traveling without taking a bunch of items with you. Audio books can be easily downloaded on many electronic devices. These books can be listened to no matter where you are. Just make sure you invest in a pair of headphones ahead of time! This will keep your child from disturbing other passengers nearby.

6. Utilize Your Child’s Sleep Time

If you are facing a lengthy travel time, plan on flying or riding in the car during your child’s nap or sleep time. This will make it easier not only for them, but for everyone around. Traveling when it’s your child’s sleep time will be especially beneficial for younger children who are constantly on the move. If your travel time is on the shorter end, depart to your destination when it’s your child’s naptime. If you will need to travel for extended lengths of time, it may be best to travel at night so your child can sleep.

Oh how pinteresting - engagement outfit & picture ideas

With our engagement pictures coming up in October.
I've been on the hunt for some cute outfits & photo ideas.

Where else does one go when they are looking for outfit & photo ideas but none other than pinterest.

In October the weather should still be on the warm side.  I've read that for engagement pictures people usually wear a casual outfit and a dressier outfit.  But if you know me than you know that I don't really dress up a lot or wear dresses.  So our engagement pictures might be a little different than the norm but I think they should represent us. I am excited to take these pictures.  Jason and I haven't ever had professional pictures done and it will be nice to be able to display these all over our house.

If you want to follow me on pinterest you can find me HERE


Here are some engagement picture ideas I want to try to recreate!

 

As for the outfits here are a few I have in mind

Which ones do you like the best?!
or if you have any suggestions on something I can wear, please let me know!
 

 

Guest Post: DIY Celebrity Inspired Summer Parties

My guest post is coming to you from Arianna she is a full-time mom and a fashion-lover, world traveler, animal lover, and family woman extraordinaire. She loves to cook and bake, travel to new places, share great fashion finds, and spend time doing crafts and projects at home with her kids. She’s got a crazy busy life, but she wouldn’t have it any other way! Follow her blog at http://ariannaknowsbest.blogspot.com/!

 

Today she is going to be giving you all some DIY celebrity inspired summer party ideas!

 

 

 

DIY Celebrity Inspired Summer Parties

 

     While the hottest celebrities are enjoying wining and dining in St. Tropez with parties on their oversized yachts, they sure make it easy to stir up the little green monster inside all of us! Their wine never seems to stop flowing, and their lavish diamonds only gets larger. Instead of getting stuck resenting parties held on exclusive islands while I'm camped out in my living room, it can still be possible for women to create their own luxurious life for a summer that will be one for the record books!

Celebrity summer: ALBUM RELEASE PARTIES

Celebs don’t give it a second thought when their G650 private jet charter picks them up to spend the night dancing away at one of summers hottest album release parties. It’s just a typical work commitment to brush shoulders with the hottest names in Hollywood, while sipping on $500 dollar bottles of champagne. With much anticipated album releases from Kanye West and The Black Keys, there will be no shortage of hot music populating the airwaves this season.

Real-Life summer: DANCE OFF!

Even if you haven't made a hit record that's climbing the charts, you can still get the neighborhood together for your own speaker bumpin’ bash! On the concert poster inspired invitations, instruct guests to compile into different dance teams for a competition that is fun and entertaining. Encourage teams to dress in costume for their performance. Designate one of your witty friends as emcee for the night to host the event. Have everyone vote at the end for their favorite routine and reward the winners with swag bags that include iTunes gift cards and headphones!

 

Celebrity summer: ELLE STYLE AWARDS

Versace, Loubiton, Givenchy… oh my! The Elle Style Awards is the night for celebs to dress up in designer clothing and allow the most regal jewelry companies to drape them in diamonds. The stars of “Tinsel town” can enjoy being named "Next Future Icon" or designers as "Contemporary Brand of the Year," while Joan Rivers gives her own spunky commentary of the red carpet hits and misses on "Fashion Police."

 

 

 

Real-Life summer: CLOTHING/ACCESSORY SWAP PARTY

For a fun summer event that gives your wardrobe a facelift, invite your closest girlfriends over for mojitos and a chance to exchange their unused or lightly worn clothes and accessories! At a swap party, participants can trade different items of their wardrobe for an item of another guest that they like! No money is involved, but make sure your bargaining skills are on point! After refreshing your wardrobe, you can take silly photographs each other on a faux red carpet afterward with your new items! An affordable and fun get-together for a relaxing afternoon!

 

Celebrity summer: MASON'S 3RD BIRTHDAY

Kourtney Kardashian had no reservations when celebrating her son Mason's third birthday with an over-the-top Thomas the Train Engine theme, complete with lunch at well-known hotspot, Serendipity. The bash was extremely impressive with a visit to the Gold Coast Railroad Museum and guests that included enough celebrities to make the Golden Globes jealous!

 

 

Real-Life summer: DIY "ARTY" PARTY

Let the kiddies run loose and have some summer fun while exploring their creativity! Set up stations for finger paint, play-dough and sidewalk chalk. Use tarps and smocks to keep the backyard clean where necessary, but let kids get messy and wild while they discover their inner Van Gogh! Supplement with colorful snack displays such as a fruit tray and jars of Skittles!

      With a pink Cosmo in hand, my closest gal pals and I have I've decided to plan our own summer soirees for nights where we can live the high life but still have the comfort of home. This summer, in between potty training and play-dates, we can also give ourselves the VIP treatment!

Kaylee turns 4 with a pool party bash

On Saturday we finally celebrated our big 4 year old.

She turned 4 back in May.  The weekend in May we originally had her party scheduled for a lot of family wasn't able to make it, so we cancelled it.  The whole month of June wouldn't work since Jason's mom rented the beach house for the whole month and would be gone.  So after our family beach trip and 2 months after her actual birthday we had her pool party bash on Saturday.

In the beginning Kaylee said she wanted a Merida party {Brave}.  I had some ideas in my head but in the end was having a hard time with the decorating and what I really wanted to do.  So when she changed her mind and said she wanted a pool party, I was super excited.  I searched around on pinterest and etsy and got a lot of ideas.

Before leaving the house I wanted to get some pictures of the birthday girl in her outfit {made by my mom}.  I knew once we got to grandma's house that getting pictures of her might be impossible!

We arrived at Jason's moms at 10am to set up and get everything ready before guest started arriving at 11:30am.  On the menu was greek food {Grandpa made gyros and potatoes} and hot dogs for the kids.  The food was so good and everyone LOVED it.  For dessert we had nutterbutter flip flop cookies, waffer surf boards, red vine noodles, peach ring inner tubes and cupcakes {I made 48 cupcakes - vanilla chocolate chip & chocolate chocolate chip.  On 24 of the cupcakes I did pink lemonade and orangesicle icing with cupcakes toppers & on the other 24 cupcakes I put blue icing with life saver gummies and a teddy graham in the gummie and an umbrella.  They were a big hit!} 

We got a bounce house for the kids but they didn't really use it, it was hot and they all played in the pool instead.  The kids had an awesome time in the pool.  I picked up some blaster guns at the dollar store for the kids {which the adults plated with too!}

With all the hard work planning this party and every other party, its always nice to hear your kids say "this was best party ever!  I had so much fun mom"  I am so glad Kaylee had such a great day.  It was fun to see her and all the kids having so much fun!  Only 3 in a half more months and we'll be back at grandma's house for another little girls 1st birthday party!

A few of the cousins had to leave, so we got everyone out of the pool to sing Happy Birthday!

After singing happy birthday the kids ate some cupcakes and ran around before getting back into the pool to swim some more.  We had a good day!

I think she really enjoyed that cupcake!

my cousin

 

Jason's dad had a special surprise for Kaylee and everyone else.  He did a fly by in an L39 jet.  Everyone and Kaylee loved it.  It was pretty cool.  I mean how many 4 year olds do you know that get fly overs for their birthday party?!

 

 

More people were getting ready to leave so we got the kids out and changed to come inside and open gifts.  She got some clothes, barbies, books, hungry hungry hippo, a riding helmet {for riding on a razor} & some cash!  Keira couldn't contain herself during present time.  After Kaylee opened each present she would take the present and go every single person.