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Mother’s Day Out 2017 to 2018

Today was the last day of Mother’s Day Out for this school year (cue tears, mainly from me!). Ha. The girls’ last week each consisted of a class party, lots of goodbyes, and an early dismissal. I felt very emotional saying goodbye to Isla and Emilia’s teachers, as Sasha and I are so incredibly grateful for them and how much they have loved and taught our girls this year. Isla thinks that Mrs. Tellkamp and Mrs. Etzler hung the moon – she always asks things like, “What will Mrs. Tellkamp think about this dress?” and “Is that Mrs. Etzler’s favorite book?” She incorporates them into our daily conversations, even on days she wasn’t at school. Beyond just her wonderful teachers, Isla made some great friends this year – all of whom she talks about constantly. She loved the girls and the boys, but is adamant that her princess party is “No boys allowed!” Sasha is just hoping that is her mantra for the next 18-or-so years.

Isla ran into her classroom the first day, but Emi’s reaction wasn’t quite so happy. That sweet girl cried the first two weeks at drop of, but has been elated about seeing her teachers and friends since that time. For the first “semester,” it was just Emi and Abby, which was amazing – a 1:1 ratio! And Emi talks about “Abby! Abby! Abby!” all of the time, and more recently, “Anto!” (one of her teachers). Mrs. Anto and Mrs. Juanita were like mothers to the sweet babies in their classroom, and the kids just adore them. I know that so much of what Emi has learned in her short 16 months can be attributed to these two wonderful ladies.

At the end of the year, the teachers prepare a memory book for each of their students. Both Emi and Isla’s books made me cry – it’s such a blessing to know that while I was gone working, they were in such great hands.

On the first day of school, I took photos of the girls in their pretty cuteheads dresses, holding custom signs made by my friend Monica of Paper Flour Ink. Today, I took another matching set. Isla’s growth is less drastic, but gosh, Emi looks way, way bigger! They’ll be so excited to return in the fall (Isla, as a pre-schooler! OMG!!). Until then, gimme all of the camps! We’re having a sweet nanny for a few weeks and have help from Monica’s daughter, Riley, too. Lucky little girls! Photos from today and the first day below!


Last Day of School – May 2018 (Emilia: 16 Months, Isla: 3 Years and 11 Months)

Week(s) in Review

Can we talk about how we are already halfway through May? It’s unbelievable, people!! I can’t handle how fast 2018 is flying by. We leave on Saturday for Colorado and this is going to be a ringer of a week with getting things ready at the house for us to be gone during a very critical point in the home build process. We also get back two days before Isla’s birthday party, so I’m trying to (finally!) get my ducks in a row for that too. I’ve got photos to edit, emails to reply to, and collaborations to photograph. Who needs sleep anyway? Ha.

Yesterday was a wonderful Mother’s Day. We went to church, then spent time at my parent’s house before going home to let Emi nap. Sasha went to the new house in the afternoon to get work done (he’s going to be gone for 2.5 weeks and is freaking out!), then we went to a family dinner with my parent’s and sisters at True Food Kitchen.

On Saturday, we went to Isla’s friend’s birthday party, then celebrated Monica’s 40th birthday party in the best bash ever. Her backyard is the most amazing place ever and the party was so fun. This past week was one of my favorites, because Destiny came into town very last minute and ohmygosh, I HAVE MISSED HER SO MUCH. I am so sad she couldn’t bring the kiddos, because I also miss Truman and Tatum. We had the best time catching up over lunches, dinner (a rarity!), pedicures, and lots of photo taking. I need to get to Utah immediately.

Since I never got around to posting about the week before, I’ll give a short recap – Isla had her first dance recital. It was hilariously adorable and totally like herding cats. I taught two photography classes, which were extra fun. It is getting easier and easier every time I do it! Sweet Isla caught whatever Emi had the week before and was knocked right off her feet for a few days, which wasn’t fun. But oh those snuggles!

I am going to get caught up on emails now! It may be 12:46am, but there’s no time like the present, right? xo

My Love for Carter’s Baby Basics Line

This post is sponsored by Carter’s; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Ever since Isla was a little baby, I have bought Carter’s onesies in all different colors for every stage, beginning with newborn and going up until she was 24 months old. Sweet Emilia has been wearing the hand-me-down onesies, which still look amazing despite lots of wear from her big sister. I recently checked out the new 2018 Baby Basics Line and ordered Emi some new, colorful onesies/bodysuits (most of which are under $20 for 5!), some comfy white and black shorts, and a ‘Character set.’ The Little Boys options are equally as cute as the Little Girls selection.

The price points for these basics is perfect for bulk new baby shopping or for a gift for a friend who is expecting. I always recommend getting a handful of onesies to a new mom, as the cute outfits are fun for special occasions, but most new babies end up living in their pajamas for most of the day. Now that summer feels like it’s here in Houston, Emi’s wardrobe is transitioning to warm weather gear – i.e. as minimal fabric as possible. She will likely be living in her new onesies every day in the coming months.

You can shop the Carter’s Baby Basics line in a store near you! Carter’s is offering 20% of $40+ now through June 30 with code CART4342 online and 066944 in store.

PS When did my little babe get so big?! With her new teeth coming in up top, she is beginning to look so old to me.

 

Week in Review

Monday’s ‘Week in Review’ post comin’ in hot on… Friday. It’s been one of those weeks! We’re less than three months away from moving into the house, so we’re in the throes of the building process right now with ordering all of the tile, countertops, baseboards, etc. We have been at the house multiple times, meeting with the carpenter who is starting on all the paneling and cabinets. Going back today to share the plans for the closets that we worked on until midnight last night. It’s all very exciting – and exhausting 😉 But in the best way.

A few highlights from last week included seeing Mere and sweet Piper for some fun pics/video, going to Fredericksburg for Jill’s bachelorette weekend, eating family dinner with Ivana, Bob and Milly at The Del, going to Isla’s friend’s birthday party and teaching another photo class. I had one yesterday and another tomorrow – lots of teaching going on. I love it!

Isla’s dance recital is tomorrow. I can’t wait. Hope you have a great weekend. xo

Week in Review

Sweet Emi has had a high fever since yesterday, so I’ve basically haven’t left the house since Monday morning except to do school pickup/dropoff for Isla. I honestly thought it was teething related, but when it hit 103.2 this afternoon, I began thinking maybe it’s one of the millions of viruses going around right now. I pray she gets better soon!

I’ll keep this short, since she will inevitably wake up in five minutes time and the pile of dishes will only grow taller! The past week was a fun one, with Jill’s gorgeous wedding shower at one of my mom’s best friend’s house, family dinner at The Del, taking maternity photos with Jessica (taken by Sydney – I snapped three, but her gallery is unreal!), babysitting my nieces and nephew (Sasha’s cousin’s kiddos) on Sunday (the girls were in heaven!), and photographing Alex, Jennifer of  Golden Thread, and Baby Guy.

We spent lots of time working on and visiting the new house – it’s moving along now, and I need to make my mind up about door and window trim and crown moulding (i.e. spend hours on Pinterest looking at the hundreds of options!). I hope you have a wonderful week! xo