Silas Timothy Terando

Well it is official we will be adding a sweet baby boy coming march 2017! So exciting and crazy to actually believe! I know it may sound silly but I was convinced we would only have girls so to find out it was a boy was pretty exiting and surprising. We chose the name Silas Timothy as Silas was honestly the only boy name we both could agree on ;) and Timothy is my dads name. I am in love with it already and cannot wait to hold him and call him by his name. 

We knew for a week that we were having a boy before we made the official announcement to my family which was unbelievably hard as I just anted to shout it! It was so special though being patient and surprising them all as their reactions were the best. 

It has been so special as well to tell Elcie she is having a baby brother, yes she doesn't exactly understand "brother" but she sure loves to kiss baby and hug baby which makes my heart so happy! Being a mom is truly the greatest gift the lord has entrusted to me and I wouldn't trade it for the world! Now can it be March already?!? ;)

Happy Monday Friends :)

Smoothies for the win

One is such a fun age, from Elcies personality enhancing to the endless possibilities in food! I don't know if it's just me but I have thoroughly enjoyed discovering new meals with the excuse of feeding Elcie ;) one thing I've been looking forward to is smoothies for Elcie this summer! I loved smoothies as a kid and I couldn't wait to introduce Elcie to them! I decided to start a little early considering its in the 70s today so that's an excuse for a smoothie! 

She LOVES bananas and blueberries so I decided to use those two ingredients as an intro to smoothies (she is a picky little girl). 

For my recipe I made enough for her and me: 

•One ripe banana 

•one cup frozen blueberries

•1/4 cup milk (your choice)

•1 cup yogurt (your choice) we used vanilla 

Blend all ingredients and serve ;)

We ended up using her Insulated Stainless Steel No-Spill Flip-it w/360 Weighted Straw Cup. The awesome part about this cup is its insulated so she is able to take her time with her smoothie. She spent about a two hour span drinking out of her cup and it was still cold!

This cup is perfect for those hot sunny days when you're out an about. We also have the Insulated Stainless Steel No-Spill Flip-it cup which is basically the same cup just more room for more liquids ;) This cup I have used to store her cold food items instead of drinks! It has worked perfectly for the times that I drop Elcie off at someone's home and if they forget to throw it in the fridge it won't go bad! The cups are perfect for being thrown around as they are heavy duty and won't crack and are BPA free...plus they are adorable! 

I received these products for a review, all thoughts and opinions about this product are my own. Thank you for joining along my journey of parenthood.

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Intentions Are Right

One of the hardest things of dealing with the aftermath of a miscarriage is the emotions. The things people will say, the things people will not say. For some reason it is an emotional roller coaster one I'm still trying to figure out.

I've had sweet words said to me, sweet things done for me. Intentions are right but it's the grief that strikes the emotions in the wrong direction. The "how are you doing" question. Or the "are you guys going to try again". The intentions are right but the questions hurt. Sometimes I wonder if silence would be best, but in the end I know that wouldn't. 

I am very thankful for Elcie. I truly believe I would be having such a more difficult time right now if it wasn't for her. She reminds me I am a MOM. I am fortunate of that, and my heart breaks for women who don't have that title yet and are going through loss.

What has truly helped through this process beside Jesus and my sweet baby, is other moms that have miscarried. Don't get me wrong I never wanted to be apart of the miscarriage 'moms group' nor does anyone else, but it truly does create a bond in one another. You understand the anger in one another or the sadness. I have expressed hurt to those that have not been through this and I so appreciate the listening ear but its also hard because sometimes I am embarrassed to admit my anger. Anger over people announcing that they are pregnant. I have never been a jealous person so this bewilders me that I am upset when I see someone's announcement. Though I am excited for them I am also deeply hurt, and this is an emotion I am still trying to comprehend. 

One of the major things that strikes anger is listening to those complain about their pregnancies. I don't blame them because I was in their shoes a year ago, but now knowing how deep it hurts I will be quicker to think before I speak while pregnant. Before you complain about your weight your putting on... I would put that weight on just to carry a baby. Before you complain about your acne from pregnancy... I would take that acne any day just to hold my angel baby. The intentions are right but the words hurt. 

The Vintage Honey Shop

If you've been around me in the last year you would definitely know that I am a mom ;) being a momma is seriously a huge blessing. Being able to watch your little grow into their personality and discovering the world is something I cannot put into words.

This last week Elcie turned one! I still cannot believe my little babe is one years old. She is so active, climbing on anything possible. She is 29 inches tall but louder than anyone I know. When she is being mischievous she always knows how to make me bust up laughing instead of being mad. 

That all said she does not like sitting still for hardly a minute at a time! I had the wonderful opportunity to team up with  The Vintage Honey Shop and try out their beautiful necklace with my little girl.

I love everything about this necklace. The fabric for one is me, I am obsessed with floral anything if haven't noticed already ;) but I love this necklace because it is the best thing to distract Elcie and to get her to just sit and be still. It pairs perfectly with my outfits so that I can wear it anywhere we go and then hand it to her if she needs a toy!  We are no longer bottle feeding due to baby girl becoming a toddler, but this necklace is absolutely perfect for you breast feeding or bottle feeding mommas. I know I personally hated my hair getting pulled in the midst of feedings! This necklace is perfect as well for older teething babies. It's easy for them to grab and chew on!

I got to say which to some this does not matter... But I loved the way this package arrived. I am into eye candy and this company personally wraps each necklace and it just made the product feel cared for! 

If you would like to purchase a necklace at a %15 discount use code:VHSHARE 

Feel free to follow them along on Instagram at www.instagram.com/thevintagehoneyshop 

Catching Up

This week has been a "get healthy week" poor baby girl caught a cold and has been recouping all week. I never realized how hard it would be to see your baby struggle with a cold. It seems like every one has one right now including me; I can't resist her smooches even if she is sick.

We have been pumping her full of water to help her stay hydrated, and of course its a perfect time to practice with her sippy cup because it keeps her focused. She gets distracted very easily, but what kid doesn't? ;)

 

We recently received our Nuby Sippy Cup which is perfect because I am trying to get her away from handles and to just hold the cup. Her favorite thing is to lay on her back and drink while playing with the handles. We want her to be able to sit up though and drink, and this sippy cup helps her learn to do that. It is too sweet watching her grow and discover these new steps.

 

Have a wonderful Friday!

If you are interested in buying this product here is the direct link:Nuby No Spill Soft Spout

I received this product for a review, all thoughts and opinions about this product are my own. Thank you for joining along my journey of parenthood.

You can follow along with Nubys Social Media pages below

   www.facebook.com/nubyusa 

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Six Month Old Elcie

I cannot believe my baby is half a year... half a year?!?! I feel like I need to remind myself this daily now because I am a little in denial. She should still be in my tummy right?? It just cannot be possible, and it makes me nervous for her becoming one! It truly goes by so FAST. I miss my bug being a fragile little squish, but I also am truly enjoying watching her learn and discover the world. 

This past week we have been transitioning her from one/ two meals a day to three. Which may seem like no big deal, but this girl is a tough cookie. She doesn't understand yet that "real" food will fill her up just like a bottle will. 

<<If you momma's have any advice, throw it my way>>

I have been feeding Elcie carrots, apples, bananas, peas, avocados and watermelon since she turned four months old. She loves it all especially apples and bananas mixed. We got the "okay" to go ahead and give her everything besides milk, honey and nuts. It has been so cute watching her discover new flavors, and so far she has liked everything!

This was her first time trying plain yogurt, and it was a mess! 

She is learning how to use a sippy cup with water in it. It has been quite entertaining.... she tries to share with her kitty ;)

Nuby No-Spill Super Spout Grip N' Sip

Oh and she also eats socks ;) 

Happy Wednesday friends! 

Two Vaccations in One Week

I am beyond behind on a post about our vacation, but I have been so busy with an active baby lately ;)
We had the awesome opportunity to go to Disneyland... just Tay and I. Crazy I know, but so worth it! My parents lovingly watched sweet Elcie, which we are beyond grateful for.
For our honeymoon we kept it simply and cheap, so we chose the coast. Which was very romantic as our first get away. Ever since, our trips have been very simple as well. So I wanted to do something "big" to celebrate our third anniversary coming up along with getting away before we add another baby! Of course I rooted for Disney, and Tay liked the idea!
We dropped Elcie off the day before we left, and it was easier than expected. I drove half way (twelve hour drive) and Tay drove the rest. We learned VERY quickly that we are not fond of California drivers haha. There really is a difference between California and Oregon drivers. This became a joke quickly, but also became stressful very quickly! I had begged Tay to stop in Beverley Hills, because who wouldn't?!

This was a short in and out of Beverley Hills because we looked like true tourists, and were too stressed haha. You could say we are too used to small town living! 

We arrived at the hotel around three and made reservations for dinner at Rain Forrest Cafe. 

(Thanks to our sweet friends Joshua and Katie for the gift card!)

Necklace from Forever 21

It was SO nice being able to get dressed up for my hubby and not tending to a baby at the same time. Just very relaxing but it also made me miss our angel ;)

The first day we chose to go to California Adventures (we didn't purchase a park hopper)

 We arrived at opening time, and left at seven..... yes we did not stay till close like I imagined we would haha. We enjoyed this park, especially Cars Land, but I will say next time we will purchase a park hopper. If you spend a whole day at California it can get old quickly as there is not a ton of rides. 

Seriously though I cannot get over how awesome Cars Land is.

The next day we went to Disney and the first thing we had to do was go to Star Tours... for my husband ;)

His excitement was the sweetest thing to watch, especially because he is my handsome nerd ;) 

This picture makes me laugh every time... Our goal was to "make the ugliest faces" but of course they were blocked so we failed ;) But I enjoyed this picture because of the little kids in the front hahah. We may have been apart in freaking them out... just maybe ;)

After Splash Mt. my handsome old man was ready to sleep haha. This ended our Disney trip but it didn't end our In N Out trips!

By the time we were on the road headed home I was SOOOO ready to see our baby. I missed her so much and could not wait to kiss and hug her! 

We picked her up the next day and then immediately got back on the road to go camping.... what were we thinking?!?

It was so great though getting together with my side of the family and just relaxing instead of walking a couple miles a day like you do at Disney. When packing for camping since it was our first time with a baby; I wanted feeding time to be EASY. Since she eats two solid meals a day and the rest formula. So I gave in and bought oatmeal (I am a little picky what I feed her since we had to do formula). Of course it couldn't just be easy in the sense of not having to cook oatmeal but I also wanted serving her to be simple. 

Nuby has a garden fresh squeeze feeder that I wanted to use specifically for this trip. 

This product was beyond amazing, super simple and quick! It has measurements on the side of the squeezer and I was able to just shake the mixture of oatmeal and water and feed her within less than a minute -which is perfect for my impatient monster-;) I am very happy with this feeder and highly recommend you momma's trying it out! 

It was so easy Tay even fed her ;) If you have any questions feel free to ask!

If you are interested in buying this product here is the direct link:Garden Fresh Squeeze Feeder

I received this product for a review, all thoughts and opinions about this product are my own. Thank you for joining along my journey of parenthood.

You can follow along with Nubys Social Media pages below

   www.facebook.com/nubyusa 

https://twitter.com/nubyusa 

www.instagram.com/nubyusa 

www.pinterest.com/nubyusa

Nuby Natural Touch Infant Bottle

Oh my goodness I just want to start by saying THANK YOU Nuby. As a mom that was unable to continue breast feeding and had to figure out bottle feeding quickly... I'm a little too stoked about their bottle. Yes a bottle is making me stoked, I guess that's how mom life works ;) we have gone back and forth with bottles, from leakage to not pleasing Elcie to being to HUGE. I am just happy that we have a fit..... Five months later. 

And I must say she is a cutie pie holding that bottle ;) this set comes with three bottles and a pacifier. Let's stop and talk about this pacifier.... It has brush tips on it so for those very unhappy screaming babies that are teething it's wonderful! I have actually never seen a pacifier with that and maybe there is other brands that carry them -new mom over here- if there are please tell me!!! 

The other sweet perk to these bottles is how cute they are. I know Elcie doesn't care as much as I do, so it's more of a perk for me ;) 

If you are interested in buying this product here is the direct link: Walmart // BabiesRus

I received this product for a review, all thoughts and opinions about this product are my own. Thank you for joining along my journey of parenthood.

You can follow along with Nubys Social Media pages below

   www.facebook.com/nubyusa 

https://twitter.com/nubyusa 

www.instagram.com/nubyusa 

www.pinterest.com/nubyusa

Gender Neutral Baby Shower

I had the privilege of throwing my dear friend Katie her baby shower for her second baby! She does not know the sex of the baby so I wanted to really focus the shower on her as she already is a momma! My favorite thing about Katie is the she is so elegant and proper. I have never met anyone like her, and it just makes it so sweet getting to know her more. She has the biggest heart for the Lord and the people that surround her life. So long story short I wanted to celebrate in a way that just felt like Katie! So of course I decided on a tea party ;) Now before I post pictures I need to say..... I HAD A LOT OF HELP, thanks to my sweet mother in law! So jut know that this was all done with help, that I so appreciated! 

I loved how all the little details came together, from the food to the decor. We did all old mix matched chairs which were borrowed from our Nana. All the tea pots, cups, plates, and silverware is my mother in laws. It has inspired me to start collecting my own set ;) The chandeliers were borrowed from my friend Cara, they were in her wedding and are GORGEOUS. Just about everything else was from my home or my mother in laws. For food we did sandwiches (cucumber, ham and swiss, and tuna),  Salami and cheese, brownies, sugar cookies, crudite`, and fruit tarts. For drinks their was obviously hot tea ;) raspberry iced tea, iced coffee, and water. 

In the front of the barn I set up a photo booth section. You would think with how familiar we are all with social media we would be more comfortable with the camera.... but none of us were haha. So instead I improvised and had everyone hold up the white board with a message to Katie.....

It was so cute seeing every one's funny, serious, or awkward messages ;) I loved all the ideas! After the whiteboards were done, we did a few shots with Katie. This is Katie and her momma

She is by far the cutest pregnant lady I know. She is always glowing. 

Check out previous blog for a diy gift jar that I used for the shower! 

Our Favorite Baby Items

I decided to share some of our favorite baby items this past month! These are my go to items to be able to get stuff done without carrying Elcie around with me everywhere! I am able to take showers, wash dishes and so much more because these items distract her ;) 

First item is Nuby Teether because of course no baby is happy when  they are teething. I seriously LOVE this teether because its soft yet gets the job done ;) She also just enjoys playing with it. 

Second is the Block Set, I personally am stoked about these because they are soft so they don't kill my feet if I accidentally step on one! Elcie enjoys these so much, my guess is because of all the bright colors!

Third is the Bumbo....SERIOUSLY you need one if you do not have one already! These are a life saver; When Elcie just wants to sit this comes in handy. I love that you can also buy a tray too so it can become a table for eating.

Fourth  would be the Walker because my child loves to stand and be distracted by plastic objects. Plain and simple ;)

Fifth is the Door way jumper, it comes into play when I am doing my hair/ makeup because she just wants to see me. Its so convenient for getting ready. This product has to be able to hang in a doorway, not all have the molding :(

Last is the Twist and fold gym. By far one of the best inventions. Elcie is so content just lying underneath and also scooting underneath haha.

I hope this helps you Momma's out in anyway! All products I bought at Target, just click on the name and it will redirect you to the site to buy that product! God Bless!

It's finally Monday

Wow this weekend was by far one of the best, but I am thankful it's Monday and I can take a break for the day! We had so much going on, since my brother in law graduated high school. It's mind blowing to me seeing him all done with high school. I've know Noah since he was in 7th grade (before I even met Tay) when I went to his class to talk to them about their future! He was the cutest kid in the class.... Definitely the teachers pet ;) I will never forget him saying his biggest role model was his big brother Tayler! Who would have thought he was talking about my future husband?! This kid ha by far the biggest heart and just absolutely loves serving others. I admire him for his walk with the lord and his drive to be successful!

It was so strange being back at my old school and walking in the courtyard where once hung out with my best friends. It was even more bizarre having my baby there. We don't realize how quickly life goes until we take a step back into our past! 

It was so sweet because on Sunday Elcie was dedicated, a day I'll never forget! She handled it better than I... I've never shook so much in front of 2000 people! ;) not only though did Elcie get dedicated but my grandpa ended up being baptized, truly the most amazing thing to witness! I'm so thankful that the lord set this day up for my grandpa and Elcie!

After church we went to a barbecue/ pool party celebrating Noah and his best friend! We put elcie in the pool and at first she hated it but then grew to love it ;) it's so sweet watching her grow and be able to enjoy new experiences! I'm so thankful I get to be her momma!

HAPPY MONDAY FRIENDS