Friday, June 28, 2013

Remember When I Used to Blog?

Happy-frickin-Friday everyone! 

I am at home with my baby girl who has a little cold, broke TWO teeth this week and is minutes away from crawling {so basically is an adult} and am PUMPED for another weekend full of fun!

I was sitting here thinking that I really should blog...ya know, so I can up the average of two posts a week to three. But I couldn't for the life of me come up with anything to write about. Apparently if I'm not recapping my weekend or sharing stories about Kenley, my mind is mega blank. 

So then I thought..why not turn to the people who get it....my fellow bloggers. 

So I want to know....

-Where do you find your blogging inspiration?
-How do you get motivated to compose a post?
-What kind of posts interest you the most?
-Do you have any questions for me? Or anything you'd like me to write about?
-What do you do to get out of a blogging slump?
-Should I just throw in the towel and be done with it? {kidding. kind of.}


I realize this hardly counts as a post, but I'm trying, right? 
And seriously, I need your help! 


I'll leave you with my kid trying to make moves. 

Have a great weekend everyone! 

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Baby Talk :: Little Swimmer

Happy Tuesday mamas....it's time for another edition of BABY TALK!

Here's the rules:
{1} Write a post on ANYTHING baby related...pregnancy, parenting, products, stories, advice, you name it!
{2} Grab this button and put it somewhere, anywhere in your post!
Grab button for Busy Bee
<div class="BUSY-BEE-button" style="width: 250px; margin: 0 auto;"> <a href="http://fawver.blogspot.com"> <img src="http://i1170.photobucket.com/albums/r529/knfawver/baby-talk-button_zps829f6bd6.jpg" alt="BUSY BEE" width="250" height="250" /> </a> </div>
{3} Publish your post on Tuesday!
{4} Come back and enter your post in the super neat link-up tool found at the bottom of every Baby Talk post.
{5} Check back and read the other blogs who have linked up!

Easy as pie!

-----------

I am REALLY excited about today's post because it involves my two favorite things:: 
Kenley & The Pool!

Anyone who knows me in real life or has been following this blog for a while knows that I have an addiction to sun and warmth and tanning and swimming pools. There is literally NOTHING I love more than chillin by the pool on a hot day. NOTHING. 

It's no surprise that I have been busting at the seems for summer to arrive and to get Kenley to the pool. I was hoping and praying that she loved being outside in the sun and splashing in the pool as much as mom and thankfully - SHE DOES! 

But as with anything regarding a baby, getting to the pool takes some planning. So, today I'm going to share my favorite baby swim products and share what we have in Kenley's pool bag!

1. A SUN HAT. 
It is incredibly difficult to get sunscreen on through a baby's hair, so I always make sure I have Kenley's sun hat with me. This is probably the single most important thing after sunscreen! It protects her little head from the sun and keep it out of her eyes.


2. SUNNIES! 
No one likes getting sun in their eyes, especially babies! So I always have Kenley's sunglasses with us at the pool. Also, my eye doctor said that protecting infant's eyes from the sun is crucial because it can cause damage to the eyes resulting in vision trouble down the road.


3 & 4. Dry Diapers & Outfit.
I always make sure to bring some regular diapers and a change of dry clothes for when we're done swimming and ready to go home.


5. Towel.
My best friend, Libby, got Kenley this adorable beach towel and she loves it. It's nice and cozy and has a hood with a crown for crying out loud! It's perfect for giving nice big towel hugs after we get out of the pool.


6. Sunscreen
Obviously you don't want that precious little baby skin to burn. I SLATHER this stuff on, so much so Kenley looks like a zombie until it soaks in. My doctor told me after 6 months she could use regular sunscreen, but I still use the special baby 
sunscreen because it's tear free, which is helpful when rubbing it in her face.


7. Cover Up
I got this cute little cover up from Carter's and it works great for getting Kenley to the pool.


8. Swimsuit
Most of the time I put Kenley in her suit before we leave the house. But obviously if we're out running around before, I've got to make sure it's packed.


9. Swim Diapers
We are using the Pamper's Lil Swimmers and they seem to be
working great! They don't poof out like regular diapers and fit great. PLUS, they have Nemo on them...can't be that!


10. Snacks
Kenley and I have been loving the Ensure bottles for the pool. You don't have to refrigerate it {ala breast milk} and you don't need to mix it {ala formuala}. They are great to just grab and throw in the bag and then pour into a bottle. I've also been packing the little baby food pouches. My homemade baby food aren't conducive for a day at the pool, so the pouches work great. Plum Organics is our favorite brand.


11. Wipes
Pretty sure I don't need to describe this one.


12. Floatie. 
This little floatie is fantastic! It folds down small enough to fit in the pool bag but is nice and big to safely fit Kenley. Plus, she'll be able to grow in to it and probably use it next summer too.







Baby Talk :: Little Swimmer

Happy Tuesday mamas....it's time for another edition of BABY TALK!

Here's the rules:
{1} Write a post on ANYTHING baby related...pregnancy, parenting, products, stories, advice, you name it!
{2} Grab this button and put it somewhere, anywhere in your post!
Grab button for Busy Bee
<div class="BUSY-BEE-button" style="width: 250px; margin: 0 auto;"> <a href="http://fawver.blogspot.com"> <img src="http://i1170.photobucket.com/albums/r529/knfawver/baby-talk-button_zps829f6bd6.jpg" alt="BUSY BEE" width="250" height="250" /> </a> </div>
{3} Publish your post on Tuesday!
{4} Come back and enter your post in the super neat link-up tool found at the bottom of every Baby Talk post.
{5} Check back and read the other blogs who have linked up!

Easy as pie!

-----------

I am REALLY excited about today's post because it involves my two favorite things:: 
Kenley & The Pool!

Anyone who knows me in real life or has been following this blog for a while knows that I have an addiction to sun and warmth and tanning and swimming pools. There is literally NOTHING I love more than chillin by the pool on a hot day. NOTHING. 

It's no surprise that I have been busting at the seems for summer to arrive and to get Kenley to the pool. I was hoping and praying that she loved being outside in the sun and splashing in the pool as much as mom and thankfully - SHE DOES! 

But as with anything regarding a baby, getting to the pool takes some planning. So, today I'm going to share my favorite baby swim products and share what we have in Kenley's pool bag!

1. A SUN HAT. 
It is incredibly difficult to get sunscreen on through a baby's hair, so I always make sure I have Kenley's sun hat with me. This is probably the single most important thing after sunscreen! It protects her little head from the sun and keep it out of her eyes.


2. SUNNIES! 
No one likes getting sun in their eyes, especially babies! So I always have Kenley's sunglasses with us at the pool. Also, my eye doctor said that protecting infant's eyes from the sun is crucial because it can cause damage to the eyes resulting in vision trouble down the road.


3 & 4. Dry Diapers & Outfit.
I always make sure to bring some regular diapers and a change of dry clothes for when we're done swimming and ready to go home.


5. Towel.
My best friend, Libby, got Kenley this adorable beach towel and she loves it. It's nice and cozy and has a hood with a crown for crying out loud! It's perfect for giving nice big towel hugs after we get out of the pool.


6. Sunscreen
Obviously you don't want that precious little baby skin to burn. I SLATHER this stuff on, so much so Kenley looks like a zombie until it soaks in. My doctor told me after 6 months she could use regular sunscreen, but I still use the special baby
sunscreen because it's tear free, which is helpful when rubbing it in her face.


7. Cover Up
I got this cute little cover up from Carter's and it works great for getting Kenley to the pool.


8. Swimsuit
Most of the time I put Kenley in her suit before we leave the house. But obviously if we're out running around before, I've got to make sure it's packed.


9. Swim Diapers
We are using the Pamper's Lil Swimmers and they seem to be
working great! They don't poof out like regular diapers and fit great. PLUS, they have Nemo on them...can't be that!


10. Snacks
Kenley and I have been loving the Ensure bottles for the pool. You don't have to refrigerate it {ala breast milk} and you don't need to mix it {ala formuala}. They are great to just grab and throw in the bag and then pour into a bottle. I've also been packing the little baby food pouches. My homemade baby food aren't conducive for a day at the pool, so the pouches work great. Plum Organics is our favorite brand.


11. Wipes
Pretty sure I don't need to describe this one.


12. Floatie. 
This little floatie is fantastic! It folds down small enough to fit in the pool bag but is nice and big to safely fit Kenley. Plus, she'll be able to grow in to it and probably use it next summer too.







Monday, June 24, 2013

WEEKEND: Shower at the Track, Special Road Trip Reunion & a Birthday!

Good gracious! I am a slow-movin'-train this morning. One - because I am exhausted and Two - because this was one of the best weekends ever and I am seriously depressed that it is over. 

Friday night me, Jason and my mom headed out to Canterbury Park {the race track} for a couples shower for one of my high school girlfriends, Liz and her fiance Justin. 
The weather was questionable and some races were cancelled due to crazy storms, but we were able to bet on some ponies and have a great time with great friends. Liz's parents had the 4th race named for Liz and Justin which was SO cool. At the beginning of the race they announced it as the "Cutshall / Maiser Wedding" race and the couple, their parents and the wedding party got to watch the race from the winner's circle. 
pretty cool. 


Saturday morning we were up super early for something I have been looking forward to for a LONG time. Jason and I made lifelong friends on our honeymoon and this weekend we were reunited with Billy & Jackie after a year and a half {they came to visit us last winter}. We dropped Kenley off at my mom's for her first away-from-home sleepover and were on the road for the 3.5 hour drive to Okoboji, Iowa. Billy's grandma has a beautiful home right on the lake and was kind enough to let us "kids" take over the place. It was an incredible day filled with boating, sunshine, some rain, a LOT of drinks, a LOT of food, a couple of restaurants, old inside jokes and new inside jokes, some man love, TEQUILA, serious boat chicks, night floating, dance parties, fireworks, great friends, new memories and laughing until we got cramps in our sides. 
It's crazy to think we randomly met a couple on our honeymoon who live just one state over and are so similar to us. We have so much fun with Billy & Jackie and wish we could see them more often.


Sunday we took a morning boat ride with Billy & Jackie before saying our sad goodbyes. The we were back on the road home to Minnesota. On our drive, we made a pit stop in my dad's hometown to visit my grandpa Donald's grave. 


We made it home safely around 3pm and after picking up Kenley it was time to kick our butt's into gear to get ready for my Mother-in-Law's birthday! We had Jason's family over to our pool for a birthday BBQ. It was wonderful having the family together to celebrate Judye and have a little pool time as well. 
Jason - we have got to work on that farmer's tan! 

By 8:30 last night all three of us were in bed and out cold. 

It was an incredible weekend and I am super mopey this morning as a result, even still, I'm linking up with Sami for Weekend Shenanigans! 
Sami's Shenanigans


Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Summer Bucket List

I'm a little late to the party on this, but I've seen a lot of people posting Summer Bucket lists and I love the idea! I thought creating a bucket list would be a great way to set some summer goals for myself AND share some of the summer plans that I am really looking forward to!


Be a better blogger! 
This is a little vague but overall I'd like to be better at posting more regularly and DEFINITELY need to be better at responding to e-mails in a timely manner and staying up to date and commenting on all of your blogs! I'm reading them...I'm just usually a few days behind and read from my phone so it's hard to comment.



Plan a super fun {and special} FIRST Father's Day for Jason. 
I already have something in the works....but I need to make sure it's a day he'll remember. 




Sign up for a 5K.
I set a resolution to run three 5Ks this year and I've already done two. This summer I need to sign up for (and maybe even run) one more. 



Organize Kenley's clothes / equipment / etc.
My little angel will be 7 MONTHS OLD this month and has obviously outgrown a lot of her stuff. I need to go through every thing and start packing up / donating / giving away what Kenley no longer needs.



Road Trip to See Billy & Jackie!
Jason and I made some amazing friends on our honeymoon and we've been so lucky to be able to keep in touch and hang out with them beyond the honeymoon (they live in Iowa). This summer we're road tripping to a fun lake town in Iowa for a mini reunion and some fun!


Run / Walk 175 miles this summer. 
It's a tall order but if I'm going to make my 400 mile goal this year, it needs to be done!





Enjoy a wonderfully festive 4th of July weekend! 
I love the 4th of July and I am excited to celebate Kenley's first! She already has a couple of patriotic outfits for the occasion and I just cant wait. Maybe it will actually feel like summer by then!





Shake my booty with my mom & Beyonce!
My mom and I saw Lady B when she was here a few years ago and knew we HAD to see her again when she announced her new tour. It just doesn't get any better than Beyonce.





Take Kenley to a play group!
There's a place near our house that has a baby play group every Friday and I'd love to bring Kenley! She definitely is around a ton of people with her 8 grandparents and 10 Aunts & Uncles but she hasn't had a ton of time around other babies - so I want to get her socialized.


Celebrate Alex & Lina! 
One of my best buds is getting married this summer in COLUMBIA {where his fiance is from}. I am so sad I won't be able to go, but am so happy they are having an at-home party to celebrate!



Throw a kick ass Baby Shower for the Beeb!
Planning & organizing is in full swing and I am SO excited for her to see all the details and to have friends and family together to celebrate Jake, Carolyn & baby Beebo!



BACKSTREET BOYS IN CHICAGO! 
My mom and I JUST (as in this morning) bought tickets to see BSB in Chicago the first weekend of August! I am SHAKING with excitement! My thirteen-year-old self is jumping up and down, screaming and probably crying a little!


Celebrate Kristen & Joe!
My oldest friend {since we were 4!} is getting married in Chicago this summer! I can't wait for a mini-vacation with my husby and to see one of my dearest friends walk down the aisle!!!



Go to Mommy & Me Yoga!
We had such a great time last time we went, I'd like to make it a more regular thing! Plus, my mother-in-law very sweetly gifted me two classes! My goal is to go at least 3 times this summer!




Celebrate Pat & Nikki!
ANOTHER one of my best buds is getting married this summer! All of my best high school guy friends are in the wedding, all of whom moved out of state, so I CANNOT wait for this mini - reunion!





Celebrate my Husby's 33rd Birthday! 
We love birthdays in our house and I'm excited to plan something fun to celebrate the birth of my man!







Start a "ME" night. 
I want to find one night a week to have some me time away from the house. This is going to be hard for me because I LOVE being at home with my little family. But I need some me time to get some errands done, maybe take a weekly yoga class and spoil myself.





Kick off GOPHER FOOTBALL SEASON! 
I would never wish away summer but the start of football season might just be my favorite time of year! The season opener this year is a HOME GAME. A NIGHT GAME. IN AUGUST & ON A THURSDAY. BOOM!





TIM MCGRAW at the State Fair!
The summer finale will be the Tim McGraw concert on Labor Day at the Minnesota State Fair with my family and our best friends! CANNOT.FRIGGEN.WAIT to spend my day chowing down on fatty foods and spending my night hangin' with Tim!






What are you up to or hoping to accomplish this summer?