Mikey's nursery reveal!

I'm not going to lie...not knowing the gender of the baby does make nursery planning quite a bit harder (at least for me).  And I'm claiming that is the reason it was no where near done before Mikey arrived.  I might have also been super busy and completely uncomfortable and dead tired.  #endofpregnancyproblems  (here was my original inspiration)

But with his newborn pictures scheduled just a week and a half after his arrival- I knew I had to use his first week of life (and my maternity leave) to get my act together.  And that's just what we did.  We had a fun time shopping at Hobby Lobby, Target, Amazon, etc. to put together his room.  And I love that I got to know he was a boy to add some masculine touches as well.

Welcome to Mikey's room!

This is what you see right when you walk through the door:

I love it because it's just so peaceful in his room.  My main requirement from day 1 was that we use the glider from Charlie's room (the navy one pictured) because it is soooo comfy.  Made the mistake with Maddie of using a free one that was not comfortable which in turn meant I never wanted to sit in her room and feed her. So lesson learned!!

The geometric shelves are from target (can find here) and was something I picked up last minute and love.  The decor in those I picked up from hobby hobby (the arrow and moose head are actually door pulls!!).  The side table I love and got on clearance at target and the lamp (per my SIL recommendation!) is from the Target Pillow Fort collection and it's a touch lamp!!!  Amazing!

The window was hard because it has a half circle at the top (just like Maddie's room does). It needs to be covered so it's somewhat dark for daytime naps, but since I bought all his bedding (versus making it like Maddie and Charlie's), I was stuck on what to cover the valance with. And then the Shiplap trend occurred to me.  So I told Jimmy my vision and he delivered.  With some boards from Home Depot and after some experimenting with stain colors (ended up using a gray stain + 2 coats of brown to get the resulting color), I was in love!!!  The curtains are just from Amazon and were WAY cheaper than the $96 each panels to match the bedding.

I have put a reading book similar to this in all my kids rooms and I love it for multiple reasons.  1) the shelves are so cheap and easy DIY (three boards, some screws, nail gun + paint and done!); 2) a great and accessible - for kids - way to display the books; 3) the rug welcomes the bigger kiddos to take a seat and read while I'm nursing the babe (and yes, that does happen quite frequently!)

The shelf plans you can find here and the prints hanging I got from here as a free nursery printable and I love.  The frames are cheapo Walmart frames that I spray painted navy --- by the way, if you didn't know I literally spray paint everything.  Rug is comfy and from Amazon too!!

It was very nice of Charlie and Maddie to share their books!  The color of the shelves matches the color of the dresser I painted. It's Annie Sloan chalk paint in Xxx.

The crib!!  I thought this thing wouldn't be used for awhile but grunter mc grunterson was a loud sleeper from day 1 and has actually been sleeping here since he was a week old- and he loves it!

Ahhh the space above the crib.  I was struggling for a long time what to do with it.  I originally wanted to do an accent wall and was thinking painting it, maybe removable wallpaper and even thought of like a wood type wall that you see on Pinterest.  In the end, all were either more expensive that I wanted to go or more work or both :) So this is what I ended up with and I love it.  Simple, clean and easy to change up.

The clock and arrow are from Target (the arrow was one of the first things I bought after the bedding!).  The "M", canvas, antlers and cross are all from Hobby Lobby. And the white frame is from Walmart.  I will say I had quite a few more items purchased as I tried to figure out what to hang and where, so it was nice having options and then I returned what I didn't use!!

Bedding is from Carousel Designs and I actually ordered through Amazon here.  I love the yellow and navy and the arrows (PPFL).  If Mikey had been a girl, my plan was to play up the coral in the arrows more (and less navy) and use the arrow crib sheet I also have!

While we are using the Nest cams for the kids rooms now, we have our old Motorola monitor (we have something like that but ours is 4 years old and they don't sell it anymore) set up because that sound and video stays on constantly (which is what I need with him).  The nest is perfect for Maddie and Charlie because it's accessible from our phones and alerts us of movement (aka someone is trying to escape their crib...Maddie..). But I still love the Motorola for the babe!

Oh this view.  I love it so much.  Really I love the whole room and especially the resting babe in it!!!

PEGBOARD!!!

Seriously you must have this.  I love it so much! Stylish AND so useful because baby supplies are right there but not in a drawer or sitting on the dresser.

This was another work of Jimmy's (thanks babe!). I told him what I wanted, sent him these plans and he (with my dad's help) executed them flawlessly.

Quick summary: we bought the pegboard from Lowe's, painted it navy, bought the trim boards and he used the kreg jig to attach those in a rectangle.  We stained them the same color and the he and my dad mounted over the pegboard.  The tricky part was getting the pegboard far enough away from the wall to be able to hang things on it.  They stacked washers behind the screw before attaching into the wall and it worked perfect.

The baskets I got for cheap from Home Depot and spray painted them gold!

The "Mikey" banner letters were from hobby lobby for like fifty cents each and I just love them!  The print is the fourth one (other three above the bookcases).  And of course, a Royal's hat...courtesy of Uncle Mike and Aunt Lindsay!  Oh and the teething necklace was a great gift from Sarah that I know will go to good use!

The dresser?  That was a Facebook swap and shop find!  Only $150 and I painted it with Annie Sloan chalk paint in Arles (if you haven't ever used it - it's sooo easy! No sanding required!).  And the new handles I got off amazon.

Changing pad and cover were from Charlie's nursery!  And of course baby Mikey loving his room.

This is a view from the other side (and what I stare at frequently while nursing him!).  You can see the contrast between the white walls and the off white trim really good here because of the closet doors.  I was nervous doing white at first but I think it looks just fine with the trim! (PS we used Behr Marquee paint - it said it was guaranteed one coat (with no primer).  We had a mid/dark brown/beige on these walls before and Jimmy did have to do two coats #fail)

I love the gold arrow (hobby lobby) but my favorite thing is the picture from hobby lobby that says "Ladies love a Gentleman".  I had a few other pictures I bought but this one I loved too much to not use!

Mikey has his own bathroom with a shower (this used to be our guest room), so when he's big enough for baths in the real tub, he will join his brother and sister in their shared tub!  Eventually this might be Maddie's room- or Charlie's...all depends on if we decide to have another baby eventually.  For now, this bathroom works great and serves its purpose well!

And of course...this boy's room wouldn't be complete without something about the 2015 World Series champions- haha.  That might just be why he's here ;)

So there you have it.  It's pretty simple, but like I said...I really do love it and it's so peaceful to me.  I hope Mikey can grow with it too just like the other kiddos have with their rooms!!!

DIY chore chart

At 4, 2 and 0 (ages of our kids), while they might not be SUPER helpful (as in, "go take out the trash, go mow the lawn"), but we do think they can be doing things around the house.  Obviously we make them do stuff, but after getting some birthday money, Charlie kept asking to go back to Target and buy more cars.  Ummm.  Sorry, we don't just go to Target whenever and buy toys for you.  He then told Jimmy he wanted to earn some money to buy cars.  On the way to school, Jimmy called me and asked if I could come up with a chore chart for him.

Oh, yes I can.  So after browsing Pinterest and contemplating the easy option of buying a poster board and drawing on it, I decided to do it Brittany style and go completely over the top.  Because, I'm on maternity leave and I can.  I never have time to do fun stuff like this - so why not?  

I decided to go with the magnetic chore charts on Pinterest that the kids move the icon to "to do" to "done" when they are completed.  Easy enough.  After gathering the materials for all that, I had to figure out where to hang it.  While it would be easy to put downstairs, I thought it would be better upstairs, since a lot of the tasks take place in the morning/night (get dressed, brush your teeth, make your bed, etc.).  And I had the perfect wall.

While Charlie is the one that wanted the money, why not get everyone involved??  Maddie can do most of those tasks and I'm sure she'd like to earn some dough too, right (they don't have to know we are talking cents here...).  Mikey - well, poor kid.  He's a little helpless right now - so his "chores" consist of basically surviving through the day (sleep, eat, poop, nap, burp, pee - enough said) but I couldn't leave him out because someday he will be able -and hopefully willing - to help out!

I had these done for a while (along with the super easy DIY picture ledge I built), but on Friday, my dad showed up at my house in the morning after some miscommunication - and I asked him if he would help me hang these up.  Of course, he said yes, and then pretty much did the whole thing perfectly while I took care of Mikey.  Have I mentioned how awesome my dad is???

And I'm in love with the final product - so in love!

Charlie is pretty into it - Maddie is clueless, but I'm confident she will get there soon - and Mikey, well, he's only 5.75 weeks old.  So yeah.

Here's a closer look.  I love the picture ledge shelf and just used some items that I already had that weren't being used but I had stored in the basement.  Everything else is from Walmart.  And the chore chart icons were from this website I found via Pinterest.  

Charlie and Maddie have a goal of completing 6 of the 10 chores they have on their each day.  Then you move the little circle magnet at the bottom as you complete each chore until you get to 6.  Then you get your money for that day.  If you don't complete at least 6...no money.  We have still yet to determine how much per day.  I'm thinking 25 cents?  Maybe?  That would be $1.75 per week - sounds reasonable for a 4 year old?

I also got some jars from Target's dollar spot around back to school and there are 3 for each kid - Mikey did not get these because I'm not paying him for these tasks :) - but one will be to spend, one to save and one to give.  After studying finance and working in it for almost 10 years, I know the importance of having a good understanding of finances and your personal finances, so I know they won't understand, but I'm hoping that they can somewhat.  At least the giving part because at church each week they have an offering at Kids COR.  So we will see how it goes!

It was a fun and easy project (however, as Jimmy mentioned, yes, a poster board and markers would have been WAY easier and less expensive...) and I love the look of it.  Like I said, only one day in and Charlie just loves it and picked up his toys and put Toby away so he could move some over...so we will see if it sticks.  Anyone have any tips to making it hold?

Happy DIYing!

Five things

It's Friday and we are looking forward to a fun weekend.  KU Football kick off tonight, first soccer practice/game of the fall for both Charlie AND Maddie (she's pumped!), a friend's birthday party and my birthday on Sunday!!  

These are all super random - so beware.

{ONE}

What have I been watching on TV/Netflix seems to be the common question I get in regards to my maternity leave. Haha.  I have found some shows on Netflix, but also some On Demand shows on our cable.  Night now I'm loving The Night Shift!!  Have you seen it?

{TWO}

Per an instagram recommendation by my friend (also a new contributor for KCMB!), Stephanie, I downloaded the book Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty and soared through this book.  So suspenseful and when you have anything that involves a kid, put things in perspective.  Check it out for sure - I love this author! 

{THREE}

In exciting news - I am going to be writing for as one of the new contributors of the Kansas City Mom's Blog!  I've read all the articles for the awesome mom's in the KC area since it came about.  The group of women is already so awesome, I'm excited to get to know them all more!!

My first post was published last week (check it out here).  It was all about our next door neighbors, the Wilson's, and their sweet son Noah, who passed away in June 2015 of cancer.  While Noah was being treated at Children's Mercy Hospital, he started an amazing organization called Noah's Bandage Project, that is continuing to encourage kids and raise money for pediatric cancer even after he's gone.  I was so nervous to start writing for this, but this was just the most wonderful thing to write about and I'm excited to continue writing for them!

{FOUR}

So what ELSE am I doing on maternity leave?  Is there some kind of nesting AFTER the baby is here?  Haha.  For some reason I'm on this organization spree in my house and this week I made it into my closet.  Holy cow - I have 3 full trash bags of stuff that I will be donating to Big Brother's and Big Sister's.  Luckily Mikey has been a champ in hanging out with me in the closet (and taking some decent naps in his crib so I can have my hands free!).  It's looking better and better by the day and guess what?  I'm feeling better because I don't have a closet full of clothes that I don't wear and organized drawers and jewelry!

{FIVE}

In somewhat of an attempt to get Charlie and Maddie to not consume a crazy amount of sugar daily (I mean let's be real - mom's a candy lover so sometimes that can be an issue)...I found these energy bites and have been giving them to them after they get home after school.  They LOVE them.  And they are so so easy (only 4 ingredients - yes please) to make.  The kiddos really like helping me roll them into balls too.  And bonus when mom and dad like them too!!

Check out the recipe here!  I actually whipped some more up today because Charlie kept asking me for them and they were all out - I like them because I know the ingredients exactly that are in it...however, I'm for sure one that passes over a breakfast bar as well.

And sorry - I can't end a Five on Friday post without something about my kids (duh!).

These kids make me crazy but make me love life more every day.  Seriously the emotions of parenting literally blow my mind daily!

Ok I'm almost done I promise- these cracked me up this week:

This one ^ omg- I died because it's sooo true!  Mikey seems to the easy one to put down!

Happy Friday friends!

Linking up with:

Sept Farm | Oh hey Friday!

A. Liz Adventures | Five on Friday

Momfessionals | Friday Favorites 

Mikey is ONE month old (how?!!)

Somehow, my sweet baby boy, Mikey, is one month old (as of Friday, August 19).  I'm not sure if it was the longest or shortest month of my life, but it's over and we're already rocking month #2!

Length: 23 in (95%)

Weight: 10lbs 4oz (77%)
Head: 15 in (68% - I think this is our first kid without a HUGE head!)

He's been steadily growing and I (of course) have been a crazy breastfeeding mama and been stalking his weight constantly because I am still paranoid three kids in that they won't grow!!  But good news is that he is growing like a champ.  I (again) have an oversupply of breastmilk for sure but am really trying to not pump unless I really need to this time.  I already have a healthy freezer supply, but I'm not feeling engorged constantly, so that's good.  

P.S. I love the baby pics app for the baby (I had fun with it during pregnancy too!)

Milestones:

• You are for teh most part a pretty alert kiddo when you are awake and it's fun to chat with you.  I cannot WAIT until you smile.  Seriously dying for this to happen.
• Well, so far you seem to be our best sleeper.  In an attempt to stay somewhat in sync with Charlie and Maddie's schedules, I've been bathing you, feeding you and putting you down around 7:30 or 8 and then getting a few snuggles in with Charlie (as Maddie is already asleep).  You have been going the longest stretch right when you go down - one time you went almost SEVEN hours and I freaked out and made sure you were still alive.  But now you've gone a few more longer 5-6 hour stretches and then the rest are more 3-4.  Trust me, I'll take it for sure, kid.  Thank you, thank you!!!!  It makes everything so much easier with a little sleep
• We moved you to your crib after ONE week.  I know.  I'm sorry, but I'm really not.  After talking with the nurse at your one week check up...YOU ARE SO LOUD.  Like grunting, making noises, etc.  But I wasn't sleeping because I would just stare at you.  So yep, kicked you into your room.  It's been a smooth transition and was mentally what I needed for sure.  The Dock-a-tot for sure helped as well.  And the Snuza gives me more confidence putting you in there alone.  We are both sleeping so much better and at your one month check up, the pediatrician totally agreed and said it helps too!  so yeah!  We will see!
• You lasted about one week (maybe) in your newborn clothes --- or really your brother's old clothes, but it's been so fun getting them back out and remembering when he was that little.  Now you are up to 3 month in Carter's and 0-3 month in other stuff.
• Newborn diapers I think lasted less than a week - you quickly were having some wicked marks and are much more comfortable in the size 1 for sure.  You haven't peed on us yet (well except during your first bath on me when I was holding you!).
• You have OLD MAN hair!  Haha.  Yep, you've lost a lot on the top and have kept it on the sides - it's hilarious
• AND it's slightly red!  Not fully but hints of it for sure - potential red head kid?!?!?
• Your belly button fell off in the middle of newborn pictures (so July 31) and for some reason that makes me feel like you are less fragile and got some more snuggles and a bath!
• We picked up some probiotics at Whole Foods during your first week (per the suggestion of other mamas when I asked about the grunting and gas!).  It's the powder kind, so it's kind of nice because that means you have to get a bottle each day - I only give you about an ounce in it and mix in the powder....but you also got a full (3 oz) bottle when I went into visit my work friends one day and took it like a champ!

Things you like:

• Eating. You are a fast little eater and have been from day 1 - which is appreciated by all!
• Love being held as well - some days you don't ever want to be put down - that can make for interesting days!
• The Ergo carrier.  (YEAH!)  My awesome co workers went together and got the new Ergo 360 and the mesh one that is a little cooler.  We used it during your first Royal's game and I actually didn't even use the infant carrier because it's FAR too hot and you did great - well besides the puking on me, but we lived.
• I'm going to say that you like your brother and sister - but to date I think they are much bigger fans of you than you are of them - but I'm sure that will change sooner than we think.  Once you start stealing their toys, they might be singing a different tune!
• Pacifier - thank goodness!!!  This has been clutch for us!
• You're neutral about your play mat - but the good news is that it's not a hand me down.  You started with one, but then it broke because your siblings used the tops as swords.  Typical.
• Surprisingly, you don't mind the bath or the car seat.  I hope I didn't jinx that!

Things you don't like:

• When you have GAS or have to BURP.  I cannot figure out why you are such a hard kid to burp - but sometimes at night after you eat, I try and try to get you burp and you won't!  But then if I lay you down...you freak out because you need to burp.  Poor thing!
• When your siblings poke you - sometimes in the eye or the mouth.  Oh Maddie.  Charlie is more about rubbing your face and head softly - Maddie doesn't quite understand the concept of "soft touches" quite yet.  Haha.

Special memories:

• The first night in my hospital room together with you - the first night of your life you spent in the NICU (ok, yes, still need to write your birth story!), so I was more than thrilled to have you in my room next to me
• Watching your older brother and sister get to officially meet you and touch you and kiss you for the first time - and our first family picture of 5 (when you were out of the NICU).  I love this picture so much.  I never want to forget how happy I was here.
• 
• Bringing you home and our first couple of *CRAZY* nights
• First visit over to Grana and Pop's house to meet the rest of the Carter clan and your bff cousin, Jay, who is just 3 months older!
• A fun first night out to dinner with the whole family (and just our family).  It was crazy, but fun!
• We have already had two trips to the shaved ice place too - YUM!
• During the day you've got into a good eat-wake-sleep routine, but does like to eat more like every 2 hours during the day.
• already had a sick doctor visit! Poor guy woke up on a Sunday with stuff in his eye and I figured just clogged tear duct- Monday morning rolled around and oh my...pus and swollen, I went in and he had an eye infection.  It's been a week now and getting better!  And I know have a dispenser of hand sanitizer in the seat pocket on each side of our van for our grimey big kid hands :)
• you've been to church 4 times and done great!  Usually get hungry during the sermon which is just fine!
• attended two birthday parties (he's a popular little guy haha!)...his big brother's and our friend from our small group
• have yet to make it on a walk because it's sooooo hot
• gets lots of gripe water during the day for his tummy- seems to help!
• likes to be held but if he's in a good mood he can just chill on a blanket staring away!
• ok at tummy time- won't quite hold his head up yet on the floor but will if he's on your chest
• visits from SO many friends and family.  I have to say this time around it's just been so nice to have people come visit and stop by.  I think the last 2 kids, I was so overwhelmed and stressed out about "what if he has to eat/poop or {God forbid} cry while people are visiting".  This time it's like whatever and I couldn't be more thankful for some of the great times I've had so far to catch up with friend!!! So THANK YOU for those that have come by to meet him and visit- I've loved this "slowing down" that he's forced me to do
• about 7,000 shopping trips already under his belt (nursery and big bro birthday shopping)--- I seriously laughed at hobby lobby when a lady asked how old and I said 2 weeks and she said"oh this must be his first trip out!" - ha, or like 30th (#thirdkidproblems)

A note to our sweet boy:

Little baby Mikey.  You made us a family of five and I don't mean to sound cliche, but my heart is bursting and has been from the minute I met you.  There is something about being the third kid - I'm so much more relaxed as your mama this time around that I feel like I'm truly able to enjoy my time with you.  I want to soak in every moment because I just glance across the room and see your brother and sister and just cannot believe how fast time flies.  Before I know it, you'll be rolling around, sitting up and then walking.  And eventually, I'm guessing you'll talk back to me just like they do :)  I could just stare at your sweet face all day.  Your little hands, little feet, the way you look at me!  AHH!!!  I'm obsessed and yes, I'm nuts, but I just love you so much.

That's not to say this first month hasn't been a bit crazy.  Adjusting to being a family of five and officially having the kids out number the parents...well that's had it's challenges for sure.  But luckily, right now you seem to roll with the punches and are a pretty stellar addition to the family.  You let us know when you're not happy, but luckily don't stay too unhappy for too long.

Pretty much everyone in our house just loves you so much.  Charlie begs to hold you every night.  He is so sweet with you and softly touches your face and head and likes to put his cheek next to yours.  He is such a good big brother and I can't wait to see how your relationship grows over the years.  Your dad makes sure I know how lucky you guys are to have each other as brothers. As for Maddie?  Oh my.  "BABY MIKEY" is what she screams about every time she sees you.  She always acts like she's surprised you're still here but is so happy to see you.  She always wants to hold you and kiss you and not-so-soft touch your face and hair.  Maddie has no concept of how much bigger she is than you (see below)...as she likes to lay on you and we have to stop her immediately as she almost crushes you!  But trust me, there is no ill will intended.  She's so in love with you.

You and your dad...you'll get there.  You're a momma's boy because you like to eat, but since dad usually has big kid duty, I try to be conscious of giving you two your time together as well, as it's so important.  But let me tell you what, he's the best dad in the world and you're so lucky to have him.  He love you so much already!

Looking forward to all the fun that is to come in watching you grow and change and love on you!

Love,

Your mom (and dad)

**************************************************************

Just for fun - here is Charlie and Maddie's one month side by side picture.



Charlie and Mikey are TWINS!

And there we go - one month down!  I'm just impressed that I got a great picture of him on my own!  It was a quick set him up and pray that he stays!  Can't wait for the fun of the months to come!

A crazy day at the K

This is how our Sunday started out.  Full bed and full hearts.  We had a busy Saturday after going to the KC cares walk through Childrens mercy hospital in the morning (and McAlister's for lunch- my new obsession!) and then had Jimmy's friends and their families over Saturday night.  So everyone "slept in" until 7 and it was truly glorious!!

We went to church and on the way home, Jimmy said- what do you think about going to the Royal's game today? Weather is perfect.

Ok - here's the deal.  Brittany two years ago wouldnt even have considered that crazy talk.  Like wait- you want to PAY money to go somewhere with three kid AND skip naps? Not going to lie, that was the first thought that came to my head.  But I didn't immediately respond.  I just kind of sat there thinking.

Thinking about how we haven't really gotten out of the house much as a family yet (I mean I know Mikey's only 1 month old...so that's normal) and really it's been because it's been SO hot and humid in KC.  But Maddie and Charlie have taken it in stride and really been very good being in the house most of the time.  We are always sticking to our schedule and never skip naps.  Never.  

So I kicked my initial "absolutely not" out of my head--- and turned to jimmy and said "yeah, let's do it".  The look on his face when I said that was priceless.  We hurried home, got everyone dressed in royals (or ku or KC- because of course that was a battle), packed lunch for the car, bought tickets online, packed our bag and were off to the K!!

I decided to carry Mikey as I knew taking his car seat and big stroller would likely be a little inhibiting trying to get through people and up to our seats- so we decided on the umbrella stroller for Maddie and the ergo for big Mike.  Charlie had to walk - which he protested to at first but then we told him only big kids get to do that.  Haha.  They look so thrilled.

We met Jimmy's brother's (three of them that were there also) before the game to see the cousins and hang out a bit.  Charlie and Maddie were ancy to get in the stadium to each some COTTON CANDY!  In the mean time, Mikey was not too happy in the Ergo and then I quickly figured out why....when he puked all over me.  That was fun :)  Luckily I had a change of clothes for him - not so much for me.  Haha.  So I got to smell spit up the whole time, but at least he wasn't upset!

When we finally made it to our seats, we found the perfect spot to the side where we were all alone and there was some shade.  Kids got their first treat (cotton candy) and were satisfied. When that was done, they had a chance to roam the area and put down about every seat.  In the mean time, Mikey and I enjoyed the views and some nursing time.

Oh Pot Roast miss pickle bottom (BTW this is her brother's shirt...they are the same size - 4T!)

When they started to get restless, off to the bathroom dad and the big kids went and then got the second treat - popcorn!  Yum!  

Annnndddd - of course we had to take a family selfie!

(PS I just love Charlie in his hat. So much!)

Mikey was so good hanging out and there was a nice breeze.  Slowly the sun started creeping into where we had found some shade though (bummer!) and I had to pee and Charlie kept asking when he could go play with Slugger.  So off we went to the bathroom first.  I could smell Mikey's diaper...but he was completely unphased getting changed.  It was hilarious - peaced out the WHOLE time I was changing him (it was a 4 wipe poop).  People were commenting on how funny it was!

What might have been funnier - was if people would have seen me going pee in the bathroom with Mikey in one hand ;)

Charlie, Mikey and I made it over to the kid's section at the K.  Maddie on the other hand - was not too happy.  No nap for Maddie is not pretty let's just say.  Jimmy said he spent 10 minutes with her right outside the elevator as she was completely flailing and SO strong and he couldn't get her to calm down.  So he just sat there while she through a fit on the floor and then he finally got her in the stroller - then she wouldn't let him push her.  

BUTTTTT - they did finally make it over.  In the mean time, it was complete CHAOS in the kid's area of the K.  Charlie really wanted to get in the fountains they have in that area.  However, the lady behind us in line when we were waiting to get in the stadium told me that 2 years ago they brought their 2 and 4 year old here, let them play in the fountains and they got hand foot mouth.  So yes - my kids were not going into that fountain to play, sorry.  Charlie did play on the playground for awhile and loved it, but there were SO many kids everywhere.  We ran into two of Jimmy's brothers and hung with them for a little bit.  When Maddie and Jimmy found us, Maddie was so tired but demanded on playing with Charlie on the playground.  After about 5 minutes, not sure if Jimmy and I were just tired or paranoid about losing a child -but we pulled the plug.  The Royal's were up anyways and it was the 7th inning.

However, Charlie wasn't about to forget his third and final treat - he wanted some ice cream but I'm not kidding when I say the line to the Belfonte place was literally at least an hour long.  So dippin dots for the win (luckily we had a bit of cash left)!  Maddie was satisfied with fruit snacks (thank goodness).

When we were leaving - you could tell it was time to go.  However, Charlie was SO slow and we were SO far away from our car.  I am not kidding that at the moment I thought to myself, God help us - Bobby, Hillary and Jay showed up right behind us (Love that Jay and Mikey got to go to their first Royal's game at the same time!)!!  And Uncle Bobby to the rescue because he swooped Charlie up and put him on his shoulders.  Which is pretty awesome in general - but when you're 6ft 9in - that makes a shoulder ride like the best thing ever (Charlie was pumped!).  And then - just like that a guy in a golf cart shows up and offers to drive us to our car - OMG - lifesaver.  So seriously, that was not a coincidence - because while we had fun, I'm not going to lie that we were all exhausted and just so ready to get to the car.

And in about 5 minutes, this is what our back seat looked like.

Jimmy and I were both starving though because we didn't really eat, so we enjoyed some quiet "date" time and made a stop at Quik Trip for some tea, taquitos, a hot dog and shared a pretzel.  Now that's love.  Mikey started crying about half way to QT (which was right by our house), but the big kids stayed asleep somehow and I snuck him out of his car seat and fed him while Jimmy got our snacks. 

And then being the mom ninja I am, I went through the back and got Mikey back in his car seat (while asleep - after he ate), without waking him or the big kids up.  Seriously #parentingwin right there.

Once we got home, the skipped naps were showing their ugly head.  Charlie was crying for no reason (aka tired) and Maddie was literally off the walls.  However, nothing the fuf and a movie can't fix.  And then after a delicious dinner of cereal (two kinds for them of course), it was time for baths and bed at 6:45. 

Everyone slept like a champ (well, Mikey not so much because he slept most of the day!), but overall, I went to bed and I was just so happy in my heart.  Was the day long and tough?  Yes.  Were there moments that Jimmy and I were both frustrated?  Absolutely.  However, I'm so glad that we said "yes" because it was overall a fun day and a memory we will never ever forget.  

As we were going to sleep, I was asking Jimmy if he thought I had changed in the last few years.  And he said I was absolutely almost a different person from when we got married - in a good way.  I was so much more laid back, went with the flow more than ever and he's loving every second of it.  And I told him that I felt the same way.  It's weird because the more kiddos and chaos we add to our family, the more relaxed I feel like I'm forced to be because honestly, there is just not the time or energy to stress about all the little things.  Go with the flow (to an extent) has turned out to be a lot more fun and enjoyable.  Yes, I still have meal plans, lists, schedules, etc.  I'm still a little crazy about things (like - it's non-negotiable to me that the kitchen as to be clean at night - the floors/toys...not so much a must for me anymore!).  You won't see me giving up my calendar (or calendars) anytime soon - but I'm loving the person and mom and wife I'm becoming.  It's amazing how you are constantly changing as a person and I'm so thankful that my kiddos are making me better each day.  A little more crazy and throw in some gray hair popping through- but better in the long run for sure!!!!