tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33442871688656150102023-11-16T03:02:43.755-08:00Snapshots of our loveBoy fashion, mom gushing, general blog fodder. Mrs. Schaafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606561029281116057noreply@blogger.comBlogger234125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344287168865615010.post-28859194147760897612017-01-20T11:06:00.001-08:002017-01-20T11:06:47.091-08:00Romper Set 1<div style="width:600px;margin:0 auto"><div style="position:relative;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.polyvore.com/romper_set/set?.embedder=1096578&.src=share_desktop&.svc=blogger&id=215254483"><img width="600" alt="Romper Set 1" src="http://img2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set?.out=jpg&.sig=gQvmkME9HBzKQ9OvJrkmA&id=JBWIrELf5hGJgbh1ihlwOg&size=c600x546" title="Romper Set 1" height="546" border="0" /></a></div></div><br/><div style="text-align:center"><small><a target="_blank" href="http://www.polyvore.com/romper_set/set?.embedder=1096578&.src=share_desktop&.svc=blogger&id=215254483">Romper Set 1</a> by <a target="_blank" href="http://xoxoandrea.polyvore.com/?.embedder=1096578&.src=share_desktop&.svc=blogger">xoxoandrea</a> on <a target="_blank" href="http://www.polyvore.com/">Polyvore</a></small></div>Mrs. Schaafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606561029281116057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344287168865615010.post-34606846159876834532016-03-31T21:12:00.003-07:002016-03-31T21:12:47.358-07:00Mom Hacks! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Being an adult is a tough gig. I thought it would be fun to list five of my favorite tips. If you have any interesting tips leave them in the comments so we can share and make our lives easier!<br />
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1) Google Calendar. Sign up and have your spouse sign up. Every appointment you make send your spouse an invite. Have them do the same. Voila a free synced up calendar that shows you everything planned. Get fancy with it with dinners or directions for the kids. They have really expensive shared calendars but this is free and pretty user friendly. You can even assign everyone a color.(I'm yellow!)<br />
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2) Emergency Cash in the glovebox. Keep enough cash for a full tank of gas and dinner for your family in the glovebox.That way if you find yourself without your debit card or in a town that isn't credit friendly you are able to get where you need to go and feed yourself. Sometimes this is cash for the $10 you need to pitch in towards a present.<br />
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3) Have a rescue bag in your trunk.I probably will shoot a video on this one at some point to show what I keep in mine but here are the basics. Bottles of water, Non-perishable snacks, extra formula in case of emergency, diaper, wipes of all kinds, hair ties, changes of clothing, and some cash. My reasoning for having this in the car is that in case I run out of what I need there is something I can use in the trunk.<br />
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This came in really handy this week. I noticed he was wet and his outfit was also wet (that sweetie can pee). I get into the family room to change him and no diapers. No diapers. I panicked. We were able to get to the car and rescue bag and all was well. Someone changed the baby last and didn't refill the diapers.<br />
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4) Keep your diaper bag packed and ready to go. As a mom of two I think getting out of the house requires more planning and organization. I keep my diaper bag stocked and ready to go at all times now. I pack using a modular packing system where I have a small bag for each category of item. This way I can make sure I have what I need to leave the house. I usually run down the basics like this- diapers and wipes, milk and bottle, change of outfit, Sammy water, phone, keys, wallet, and charger. I can get out of the house quickly and be confident that I have what I need in case I will be out for the day.<br />
<br />5) External battery charger. This thing is life. I am horrible about charging my phone but this thing keeps me in power. Get one or two. My husband got me two because I always have a dead phone. With two children and one really young I feel better about being out of the house with another charger.<br />
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I hope this helps give you some ideas. Clearly most of my tips involve being prepared and doing what you can to mitigate the times you are out of the house and basically at the mercy of the elements around you. I feel like I am most powerful when I am able to have what I need for any given situation and oddly the most flexible.<br />
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Mrs. Schaafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606561029281116057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344287168865615010.post-83688418069519174472016-03-23T11:39:00.001-07:002016-03-23T11:39:18.725-07:00Second Little Boy. Second Miracle. No daughter. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When my husband told me in the delivery room that our second was a boy I cried. I was overcome with joy that I had a little boy. Being a mother to a little boy has been the best part of my life. Being given a second one to love was a moment I will never forget. <br />
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I knew not finding out the gender that it would be bittersweet in the delivery room. Either way I would be giving up a dream. If it was a little girl we were bringing home- I would not have another little boy to raise. If it was a boy then I would never have that daughter I had dreamed of to bring to ballet class and dress up in frilly bows. I knew I would love that child so much so really either way I would be happy. And sad if that makes sense.<br />
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Tim and I knew going into this pregnancy that this would be our last. Even though I would probably really like to have another child the logistics and finances don't make sense for our family. Childcare is such a burden and for a working mother that cost does not go away until they're able to watch themselves around thirteen. We are no where close. Short of some major changes with my husband's salary this is our reality. <br />
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Having Miles has been a dream. He is gorgeous. And sweet, smiley, and so cuddly. He loves to be held and kissed. He reminds me in so many ways of the baby Sammy was and I feel that I get a second chance to raise a sweet little boy. Plus clearly dressing a little boy is my heaven so that has not been disappointing at all! There is part of me that is really grieving over the loss of the daughter I always thought I would have. Not a big part really but I think if I am being an honest person that part is there.<br />
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At some point we all have to be done giving birth and having babies. That number for me seems to be two little boys. I truly feel so blessed to be their mother and advocate. Watching these boys grow and learn and become the people they are destined to be is the greatest opportunity and gift I could have ever been given. I wish it could have been three - or four- or five little cuties following me around and filling our lives but for me two it is. To their benefit (or dismay!) I will put all of the energy I have into them. Maybe they'll have daughters. Or even more cute little boys for me to spoil. I'm excited to find out.</div>
Mrs. Schaafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606561029281116057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344287168865615010.post-50347396127253134632016-02-25T10:05:00.003-08:002016-02-25T10:05:40.171-08:00Pregnancy Story! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Pregnancy Story!<br />
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I wrote this post when 32 weeks pregnant with our second child. I will publish this after the birth announcement. We've been private about this pregnancy for a few reasons. One being that pregnancies aren't always stress-free and I felt that comments, even helpful and loving ones, were more than I was willing to take on while growing another human. Sometimes even good-natured comments really hurt. Second we had some complications early on and my husband and I decided that this news was best shared with only very close friends and family.<br />
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We decided last year that 2015 was the year we were ready to grow our family again. We always wanted a healthy age gap in between kiddos. One reason being that paying for college would be tough if they were back to back. Other reasons include provisions for health concerns and emotional resources. Plus I felt like I wanted to give myself some time to regain my nutrient stores in my body and teeth. With Sammy I had a C Section and I wasn't really ready until he was around three to think about going through this again.<br />
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I am only 5'3 and short waisted to boot. My husband is very tall and Sammy was a big baby. He was 8.5 lbs born nearly a week early and I am hoping this one is nine pounds. At least eight pounds is my ultimate goal. I like a big baby! Carrying to term is not something I had trouble with before, and really my pregnancy with Sammy was easy- I just knew my body needed time after being so extended.<br />
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We tried for four months. It went by quickly and I had a feeling that the latest cycle was a success around Easter. We were at the Zoo for a visit and I sunburned my cheeks. That was odd so I felt like it could be a possibility. (Pregnancy raises your blood volume and you burn easily) I waited a week or so and tested in the Target bathroom. I know some people would not have wanted to find out that way- but seriously Target is my second home. I love stopping in there on a work lunch break and just seeing what there is to see. Maybe with a popcorn and coke icee in hand. The sales girl wished me good luck after seeing the test. <br />
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I beat my husband home by a few minutes and put the positive test in the mailbox. He came in and acted nonchalant and then let me know he'd seen it and was very excited! We didn't tell anyone until much later and enjoyed the secret between the two of us.<br />
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The first trimester was honestly pretty scary. I started spotting around five weeks and was pretty concerned. The doctor ordered some beta testing to check that all levels were rising appropriately. After the first draw the nurse told me she thought I was losing the baby. My progesterone was extremely low. I was devastated. The second draw was better and the nurse said progesterone was hard to measure. I was ordered to be on a supplement until the placenta took over progesterone production. It made everything taste like metal and retain water. That was a small price to pay! I had no morning sickness and really only an aversion to meat. I craved sweet foods!<br />
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The second trimester was fine. I started having some mild back pain and tiredness but otherwise was great. We announced the 4th of July and everyone was surprised and excited for us. Sammy pretty much guessed the news because we had him watch the Daniel Tiger episode where he learns he's going to be a big brother. He asked me if he was going to get a new baby and we told him that he was in fact going to be getting a new baby at Christmas. He solidly believed the baby to be a girl and likes the names Lucy and Gracie.<br />
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It was pretty funny- Lucy is my grandmother's name and my sister called using it forever ago. I haven't really ever given a second thought after that so I told him that we already have a Lucy. He said he didn't like that one and we need a new one. He actually likes Grandma very much! Turns out his friend Olivia in class had a new baby sister named Lucy so he felt it was a good choice. Once during a OB appt- Sammy let the receptionist know that the baby would be Gracie. I like the name but I know we won't use it. He is a funny kiddo!<br />
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The anatomy scan went really well- my husband was able to attend and
we enjoyed seeing the little one on screen. All ultrasounds have been
pretty hard to read with a titled uterus so this was like the rest-
overall just nice that everything is ok.<br />
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The third trimester was a little more fun. I've been tired and walking around is harder this go round. I passed my gestational diabetes testing which was a relief since sweets are my thing these days. I overall feel less anxiety and have a better time of letting myself be excited and optimistic. I have been focusing on really taking the time to be grateful and enjoying this season in my life. I had a blast during my pregnancy with Sammy and really wished this time would be as magical. With the initial complications I have had a tough time letting myself be excited and relaxed and I think my body has noticed and responded to that. We are getting there though.<br />
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My dear friends threw me the sweetest and most thoughtful baby sprinkle ever! We decorated baby onesies and played games. It was perfection. We are so blessed to have wonderful people around us! I could really go on and on about the wonderful support I have from my close friends. Without them this motherhood business would be a lot harder. I know a lot of moms don't have friends that share their struggles so I know I totally lucked out.<br />
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The lovely and amazing women of my bible study threw me a second baby sprinkle close to delivery and it was a shock! What sweet friends. I can't honestly believe we're this blessed. I mean that very honestly. After becoming a mom you really just hope you're being a good enough friend to deserve that kind of thing. And we all think we're failing all of the time. I just feel incredible that we have so many in our corner.<br />
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At some point I may post a delivery story but may not. I am completely recovered and healthy after delivering a very healthy baby BOY! Miles Henry. Big Brother loves his little baby and does a wonderful job helping out. The adjustment was harder than I expected by about a million percent. We're getting better each and every day and soon I will have Sammy go to Kindergarten. God is so good! </div>
Mrs. Schaafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606561029281116057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344287168865615010.post-69743104637059658802015-11-13T06:51:00.002-08:002015-11-13T06:51:33.179-08:00Cold & Flu <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am not sure if I have ever shared that Sammy has some respiratory issues. They are minor in the grande scheme of problems like that go- but still something that requires constant vigilance. Waking up to your kiddo not breathing well is something I really hope few parents ever really have to experience. I felt like I really wanted to talk about homeopathic remedies and my feelings regarding medical care. Hint: I think this goes against popular/trendy opinion here.<br />
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First of all- if your child is having labored breathing get actual medical help. Don't google- don't call around to your mom friends. Call 911 if it is severe. Get help. Don't mess around with breathing.<br />
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Sammy first got croup when he was around three. We'd had no problems with colds or viruses and anything we'd experienced was mild. No cause for alarm at all. That changed really suddenly one morning when I heard a barking cough. He had the stridor breathing and I thought he may have whooping cough. We went immediately to urgent care as it is right down the street. They listened to him and he seemed to get better during the visit and we got some steroids and went home. I stayed home with him for a couple of days and he was much better. We just used a humidifier and some vicks on the feet.<br />
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The second time was scarier. We went to urgent care and they sent us via ambulance to a local hospital. He received a breathing treatment en route and then another when we got to the ER room. After you aren't stabilized with one treatment they often require an overnight stay so after the second one we went by ambulance again to the children's hospital. We stayed overnight and his levels were fine. We followed up with his ped and she said it was just croup and he would grow out of it. I of course googled everything and was very worried. I decided to change peds because I felt like I really didn't need another go round of this.<br />
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The third time we went directly to his new ped and they gave him a breathing treatment in the office. We were sent home with a nebulizer and enough albuteral for a year. This basically made our croup struggle a non-emergency and things are much easier in this department now. Sammy gets this stridor breathing/croup thing every single time he's sick and we do treatments until he's well. We're managing and I really hope as he gets older and his airway becomes larger that this is a thing of the past. Now for the natural/homeopathic angle to this story.<br />
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I was invited to an essential oils party a few months after his hospital stay. Of course being a mom who realizes things like antibiotic resistance and over medication of our children are things that happen- I was interested in a more natural solution. Maybe even something to get us help before it escalated into actual breathing issues.<br />
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That party was an eye opener for one reason. Be careful who you get advice from and check for credentials. They were touting some breathing mixes for my son and after further review- those fixes and potions could have killed him. Some oils in there can cause breathing distress in children. The person selling that sure didn't know that but I don't think it would have ever occurred to them that their knowledge and lack of education could be deadly. With the rise of homeopathic medicine there is also a rise in people making a profit from you and your choice to not use traditional medicine. Be wary of their education, credentials, and expertise. Get medical information from trained medical professionals. Everyone has a bias. My bias is that I think breathing issues are best treated with medicine like albuterol. I view it as an emergency and we need the best care possible.<br />
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Look also for well respected brands in your treatments. Use the name brands so that you know the support items you are buying will stand the test of time. I really don't want to get a nebulizer or humidifier that stops functioning when we really need it. We love crane for the humidifiers. They are cute for kiddos and really stand the test of time. We use braun thermometers because we really need to know if a cold or virus is coming on. We just were sent the newest one that reads above the forehead with no touching and I have to say- it is amazing. We can check in the middle of the night without waking Sammy and I can trust the reading to be accurate and consistent. I need all products to function that way because I am not messing around with the safety of my child.<br />
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I made this little pinterest board to lighten the subject a bit from snake oil salesmen and respiratory issues. Check it out :) https://www.pinterest.com/andreaschaaf/health-and-wellness/</div>
Mrs. Schaafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606561029281116057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344287168865615010.post-85557750224873645122015-11-05T10:56:00.001-08:002015-11-05T10:56:48.919-08:00Time to Buy.... <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I decided I am going to start a new series here on the blog called "Time to Buy..." Mainly because I always have a friend or two that are scrambling at the last possible minute to buy some weather/gear related essential and missed the popular buying season.<br />
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Right now- buy a coat if you have not already taken my advice and gotten one on clearance in the Spring. Gap has a Friends and Family discount for 40% off.<br />
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Get a few pairs of gloves and mittens and a few hats. Find a a sale. Hanna Andersson has 20% off and Boden is 25% off today as well. Go forth and find a deal!<br />
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Now is for sure the exact time to buy winter boots. They are going to be sold out soon. Sorel has a couple of nice options, Gap has two decent pairs, and Nordstrom has a few as well. Hunter is a good option for a rainboot/ cold gear combo if you get the fleece inserts but they're pricey if you don't catch a sale. I prefer a duck boot option myself :)<br />
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Happy Shopping!!</div>
Mrs. Schaafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606561029281116057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344287168865615010.post-89972549841340110752015-11-02T06:29:00.000-08:002015-11-02T06:29:18.528-08:00Halloween Wrap Up<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Halloween! It is my favorite holiday usually. I love dressing up and handing out candy. Aside from giving things to kiddos- Halloween is a stress free holiday because really no one expects anything from you. This feels like a huge break right before Christmas and Thanksgiving where my obligation list gets very long.<br />
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I woke up in a horrible mood which really isn't like me. We did some housework and I made breakfast. Sammy had a roll up which are about 100% of his daily calories most days. Thank goodness I buy the healthy stuff so it is better for him.<br />
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This Halloween we visited the neighborhood party and Sammy got to bounce in the bouncehouse for a while. That was adorable. It is awesome to see how confident he's getting with climbing up those giant play structures. We then visited the fire dept for a similar event where there was more bouncing. I figured that was a decent plan before naptime!<br />
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We got ready for Trick or Treaters and Sammy got up and handed out candy. It was cute to see him race towards the door from the dinner table to give to other children. After some delicious mac & cheese Sammy and I headed out to hit the mean streets and get some candy. It was such a nice night and Sammy did a great job running to the houses and figuring out based on the porch lights who actually was handing out candy. Tim manned our house then we switched. All in all it was a great time - we were thrilled to have it be just our own family and focus on Sammy for this holiday.<br />
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I do have to mention that there is a big trend away from Trick or Treating in my area. A lot of moms with smaller kiddos take them to the church trunk or treats or park hikes - which those are really cool. But it is sad to see the tradition of people handing out candy waning. There were many fewer homes with porch lights on this year. Maybe 10 on our street total and it used to be almost everyone. One house a few doors down even accidentally left their porch light on and that was pretty confusing for the small kiddos just learning how this goes.<br />
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I've really tried to be community minded this year- and it was a little sad to see so many people not handing out candy. Hopefully as Sammy gets bigger this trend reverses itself because it is such a fun right of passage to ring those doorbells and get your big bag of candy. (We swapped out the candy for some legos because Sammy is the only kiddo I know that actually doesn't care for candy.) <br />
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Mrs. Schaafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606561029281116057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344287168865615010.post-7522746809080090312015-10-06T07:28:00.000-07:002015-10-06T07:28:07.763-07:00My Heart!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Mrs. Schaafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606561029281116057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344287168865615010.post-16837687571473403492015-09-25T08:45:00.000-07:002015-09-25T08:45:44.633-07:00Friday! Finally. Tips for Sizing Up!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Happy Fall!!<br />
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I wanted to share a few tips that keep us sane when changing seasons and cycling through the stored up wardrobe.<br />
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Sammy is going through a growth spurt and we're breaking out more and more of the next size and putting away the 4T. I usually don't put away a size run at once. I find that everything is sized just enough differently to make some things work a few more months than others. Carters is really bad about this! I thought I would share our process for working new things into the cycle and for putting things away.<br />
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The process of marking an item for retirement is as follows for us. I usually notice an item is on the last wearing as we get dressed in the morning. All dirty clothes are folded in the dirty clothes hamper and they go into the washer/dryer once a week. When I take everything out for cleaning things that are being put away get a special once over for loose threads, stains, rips, or anything else that might need attention. If the problem cannot be solved usually the item is thrown away. (We don't donate things we would not wear ourselves).<br />
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Storing clothes that we're saving is a pretty easy process after we've had a few years practice. I use space bags for clothing. I just fold the clothes like usual and when I am putting away clothes in closets- outgrown clothes go into the space saver bag. When I am done with a size run I mark the bag and seal it up.<br />
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I store the clothes that are too big in the closet on the far rack. I coordinate by item type- pants go with pants and so on. I try to store by length. Pants go from shortest to longest so I don't miss anything. If I need a new pair of pants I can guess that the ones that are smallest are the better bet. Same with shirts. I wash before storing so everything is ready to wear. Eventually it is all mixed in because we need a shirt to wear and I just put three away. That is our general process.<br />
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As a mom I notice I have a process for everything. Everything. I just have to have them in place to keep myself together and everything accounted for- and not just in my mind. I rely on systems because I can't rely on myself to remember everything. Find your systems! Don't be afraid to over complicate something you think is simple if the end result is a smooth way to accomplish your needs.<br />
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Mrs. Schaafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606561029281116057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344287168865615010.post-83704925089294973582015-09-16T08:22:00.006-07:002015-09-16T08:22:56.453-07:00Time for Fall Pics! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I know everyone is going to be getting their pics done for Fall! And they will be gorgeous. Who doesn't love changing leaves and plaid with layers. Pumpkin everything is my motto!<br />
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We're having a lovely photographer friend do Sammy's Fall pics this weekend. Of course I am stressing because I am not 100% sure what he'll be wearing on his feet. We're smack in the middle of a growth spurt and I am cheap. And it may rain. Hunter boots maybe FTW? I do love them that is for sure. I was thinking lovely buttery moccasins. (When am I not thinking that right?!) With the rain and orchard location I am thinking our best bet may end up having to be waterproof. First world problems right!<br />
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I am in love with the cooler mornings and crisp nights where we can leave the windows open. Maybe mainly because it gives the house some good air. Our Pug Archie is stinky and it helps! Real life. The weather needs to cool down finally because I am tired of sweating. I am not a Summer person really. I do love the fun adventures that Summer brings, but really love being outside in comfort.<br />
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Sammy is working on turning 5! Mainly we're working on how to accept no with grace and being more patient. Adults struggle with these lessons as well so he's in good company. This morning he came into my room after my husband jetted off to work and wanted to snuggle. I decided that was probably the best thing I could do right then because he's going to get older and want nothing more to do with that. He is such a little love and I pray he always stays so sweet. I'd always hoped that my kiddos would be kind and sweet and I just won the lottery with that little guy!<br />
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I will update with pics soon! I can't wait until it's picture day.<br />
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Mrs. Schaafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606561029281116057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344287168865615010.post-58255056034990594782015-09-16T07:18:00.001-07:002015-09-16T07:18:20.405-07:00Fall Pics!<div style="width:600px;margin:0 auto"><div style="position:relative;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.polyvore.com/fall_pics/set?.embedder=1096578&.src=share_desktop&.svc=blogger&id=176721901"><img width="600" alt="Fall Pics!" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/oh93zVxW3mamENnmAZUWA/cid/176721901/id/mrfjx31c5RGGj2EOtvvecw/size/c600x992.jpg" title="Fall Pics!" height="992" border="0" /></a></div></div><br/><div style="text-align:center"><small><a target="_blank" href="http://www.polyvore.com/fall_pics/set?.embedder=1096578&.src=share_desktop&.svc=blogger&id=176721901">Fall Pics!</a> by <a target="_blank" href="http://xoxoandrea.polyvore.com/?.embedder=1096578&.src=share_desktop&.svc=blogger">xoxoandrea</a> featuring <a target="_blank" href="http://www.polyvore.com/short_jean_shorts/shop?query=short+jean+shorts">short jean shorts</a></small></div>Mrs. Schaafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606561029281116057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344287168865615010.post-55604856249018190782015-09-04T08:34:00.001-07:002015-09-04T08:34:55.975-07:00Friday Duds<div style="width:600px;margin:0 auto"><div style="position:relative;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.polyvore.com/friday_duds/set?.embedder=1096578&.svc=blogger&id=175500909"><img width="600" alt="Friday Duds" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/wKO4Dagiyln6GsNmxjFnNw/cid/175500909/id/9L-TfRpT5RGQMR6Y7EzHKw/size/c600x892.jpg" title="Friday Duds" height="892" border="0" /></a></div></div><br/><div style="text-align:center"><small><a target="_blank" href="http://www.polyvore.com/friday_duds/set?.embedder=1096578&.svc=blogger&id=175500909">Friday Duds</a> by <a target="_blank" href="http://xoxoandrea.polyvore.com/?.embedder=1096578&.svc=blogger">xoxoandrea</a> featuring a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.polyvore.com/beige_tank_top/shop?query=beige+tank+top">beige tank top</a></small></div>Mrs. Schaafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606561029281116057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344287168865615010.post-82371970459431349042015-08-24T06:49:00.001-07:002015-08-24T06:49:04.350-07:00Weekend Fun!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3T7A_2jsdzDyqFqO6TJC7gtKkWERiXgj-JdkWm1acAAEyLcef25FDOVR6tYs10lx6gYYBhcBCoEiQYmXX046P0T6__OGNo707q8UZGE_JsC55LMIz2r_GwKSzxTNckwIUgUw9cvYKID9u/s640/blogger-image-1067279069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3T7A_2jsdzDyqFqO6TJC7gtKkWERiXgj-JdkWm1acAAEyLcef25FDOVR6tYs10lx6gYYBhcBCoEiQYmXX046P0T6__OGNo707q8UZGE_JsC55LMIz2r_GwKSzxTNckwIUgUw9cvYKID9u/s640/blogger-image-1067279069.jpg"></a></div>Mrs. Schaafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606561029281116057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344287168865615010.post-53271054640381331672015-08-19T07:16:00.002-07:002015-08-19T07:16:31.806-07:00Fall... Please Visit Soon!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Randomly I visited Target's kiddo section. I haven't been a regular because I am not finding great sales and honestly I can have it shipped to my house for less from better brands. They do, however, have a lovely <u>Where the Wild Things Are </u> collection that is pretty much something that will jump right into your buggy! Pottery Barn has a wonderful costume series from the book as well. I highly recommend it.<br />
Summer shorts are also currently 30% off at Target for around $5. I like to go 50% so I am waiting it out. I purchased about four pairs from there last year on clearance for $2.70 and it made a big difference. We need a LOT of shorts given that Sammy comes home looking like he's a regular on the dirty jobs show. But if you don't want to risk it head on over!<br />
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I ended up being able to get most of Sammy's Fall/Winter 5T wardrobe second hand on the Gap Boys Resale page on facebook. Most of the things are timeless so I will start doing the weekly outfit posts once it is not so hot out. That will be coming so this space won't be so barren. I do have more inspiration lately so that has been a great feeling.<br />
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Boden is back in action a bit. We did buy a few things from there. They take paypal which is amazing. I view it as Mommy Currency and I love that I can really count on paypal to keep me safe. Hanna Anderssen is still not my thing but sometimes they have a one off piece that we get. I still find shopping online is the key to saving money.<br />
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Carters is having a $10 off $30 sale through today so if you are in need of smaller kiddo clothing- hit that up! We are semi done with Carters for Sammy because the styling isn't really edgy enough to suit our tastes. Also we prefer somewhere with a loyalty program so we can earn back money and points towards free clothing. Also Carters changed their savings polices a bit after Sammy turned two and made it more expensive. Gap on the other hand for us is always the cheapest option. They just sent me another $10 off today. Woot woot!!<br />
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I am gearing up for Apple picking and pumpkin everything. I love Fall. I know it's "basic" of me. But the crisp air and the lack of sweating is really my thing. Sammy and I take a morning walk these days before we jet off to school/work and I would love it to be really cool out.<br />
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So Happy Back to School! Sorry no back to school posts yet. I feel like August pretty much happened and we are still trying to catch our breath!<br />
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Mrs. Schaafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606561029281116057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344287168865615010.post-36807818906238534042015-07-09T06:27:00.003-07:002015-07-09T06:27:35.137-07:00Break.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The last few months I haven't felt terribly inspired. My son is now 4.5 and I still love buying him adorable outfits and he is still such a joy. (That will never change!) But since he is now school aged the daily fun outfits are mostly at an end. He needs to wear things for school that he can get dirty. (It kills me)<br />
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I have often said that boy fashion is just as fun and exciting as girl fashion and I wholeheartedly believe that. I often look at girl clothing and am just drawn back to the boy section. I know that this rut is because Summer is hard to dress a child because of the play clothes factor and that he's just getting a bit older.<br />
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Until he started actual school I had never purchased anything for play or specifically that he can get dirty. It just wasn't needed. Now I have a set of almost identical shorts that he wears to school. We do have some rockin cut outs and some amazing swim wear (see below post) so those are making my heart happy while I wait for Fall to roll back in so I can get some plaid and sweaters on my boy and sit back and enjoy.<br />
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I hope everyone's summer is just fantastic. We have rain - basically perma rain and I am ready for some steady sunshine.<br />
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Happy Summer!</div>
Mrs. Schaafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606561029281116057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344287168865615010.post-78112320620470536402015-07-09T06:17:00.001-07:002015-07-09T06:23:00.351-07:00Swim Roundup 2015<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/swim_roundup_2015/set?.embedder=1096578&.svc=blogger&id=168178831" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Swim Roundup 2015" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/ZavwIb6h9OtR8SIuuulP8Q/cid/168178831/id/fmhi4Dwm5RGGb38Z7EzHKw/size/c600x767.jpg" height="767" title="Swim Roundup 2015" width="600" /></a><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/swim_roundup_2015/set?.embedder=1096578&.svc=blogger&id=168178831" target="_blank">Swim Roundup 2015</a> by <a href="http://xoxoandrea.polyvore.com/?.embedder=1096578&.svc=blogger" target="_blank">xoxoandrea</a> on <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/" target="_blank">Polyvore</a></small></div>
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Mrs. Schaafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606561029281116057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344287168865615010.post-11513274412010928702015-05-27T09:13:00.001-07:002015-05-27T09:13:37.806-07:00Little Boy Meets Playground<div style="width:600px;margin:0 auto"><div style="position:relative;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.polyvore.com/little_boy_meets_playground/set?.embedder=1096578&.svc=blogger&id=162232193"><img width="600" alt="Little Boy Meets Playground" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/LSG1EULtqj2gB8LwbbdJg/cid/162232193/id/hl3JVIsE5RG2RH8ZnCklpg/size/c600x620.jpg" title="Little Boy Meets Playground" height="620" border="0" /></a></div></div><br/><div style="text-align:center"><small><a target="_blank" href="http://www.polyvore.com/little_boy_meets_playground/set?.embedder=1096578&.svc=blogger&id=162232193">Little Boy Meets Playground</a> by <a target="_blank" href="http://xoxoandrea.polyvore.com/?.embedder=1096578&.svc=blogger">xoxoandrea</a> on <a target="_blank" href="http://www.polyvore.com/">Polyvore</a></small></div>Mrs. Schaafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606561029281116057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344287168865615010.post-77743746682199758762015-05-27T09:09:00.003-07:002015-05-27T09:09:48.843-07:00Target... I am side-eyeing you right now.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Usually I can enjoy shopping at Target in the small kiddo section often. They usually have several things I want and it is a joy to pick something adorable out for Sammy.<br />
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Not lately. It has been so boring and lame in there - my money is quite safe. The husband is probably wondering where this sudden boon of income has come from. I am sure I will find something to spend my hard earned pennies on but- Genuine Kids and Target come on!<br />
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Friends have told me it is the same for the girl's section as well. I found the same to be true a couple of years ago. Some times target is just hit or miss. I probably am over annoyed at them but I am just going to let myself be mad.<br />
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That along with Sammy coming home from school looking like a box car kid daily- there has been a shocking lack of inspiration lately. I know that will pick up soon. I did get some adorable sandals and he looked pretty darn cute this morning. So ebb and flow I guess.<br />
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Happy Wednesday! We have a three day week this week. Friday the hubs and I are spending the day in Cincinnati where Jungle Jim is located. We clearly need cheese! That and Sammy is going to make the change from toddler bed to twin bed. He's not keen yet. I am hoping a bed setup in his room will be appealing. I am excitedly trying to decide on bedding so that has been something I am enjoying. More to come on that!<br />
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Mrs. Schaafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606561029281116057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344287168865615010.post-15186075855427696952015-04-28T10:19:00.000-07:002015-07-21T13:25:13.213-07:00Montessori Update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We just had our first conference and were so pleased with the results and feedback given.<br />
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Seriously if you are on the fence about a Montessori education for your child- I can't tell you how much it's enhanced my son's life. Apparently he is also extremely social and has many friends which pretty much is the best feedback I've been given.<br />
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We just don't have the same problems we did before. The peace and understanding there are amazing. The kids are so much more like Sammy and our family. Before we had problems with punching and random violence that children should not be exposed to. We have not had that issue in the slightest at Montessori.<br />
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Sammy is surrounded by true diversity. There are children from all kinds of backgrounds and I am so proud that he gets to learn in an environment that respects culture so richly. The teachers are supportive of anything going on at home and he is just so at home there.<br />
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I was never nervous about this change but I can tell you it was the best change I've made for Sammy. We are thrilled and I want to encourage everyone to listen to your heart about education and doing what you think is best for your child.<br />
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Happy Tuesday.<br />
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(yesterday i managed to completely break the computer at work and a tech had to fix it... so anything above that is pretty much winning!)</div>
Mrs. Schaafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606561029281116057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344287168865615010.post-33083800309491227062015-04-14T08:23:00.001-07:002015-04-14T08:23:35.191-07:00Summer Dreamin<div style="width:600px;margin:0 auto"><div style="position:relative;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.polyvore.com/summer_dreamin/set?.embedder=1096578&.svc=blogger&id=155640883"><img width="600" alt="Summer Dreamin" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/YDSLFQo0eZK42VwnzoiXzw/cid/155640883/id/8M-BE7ri5BG8JWMFm_7EJQ/size/c600x852.jpg" title="Summer Dreamin" height="852" border="0" /></a></div></div><br/><div style="text-align:center"><small><a target="_blank" href="http://www.polyvore.com/summer_dreamin/set?.embedder=1096578&.svc=blogger&id=155640883">Summer Dreamin</a> by <a target="_blank" href="http://xoxoandrea.polyvore.com/?.embedder=1096578&.svc=blogger">xoxoandrea</a> featuring <a target="_blank" href="http://www.polyvore.com/denim_shorts/shop?query=denim+shorts">denim shorts</a></small></div>Mrs. Schaafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606561029281116057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344287168865615010.post-46983867715568138022015-03-31T09:22:00.001-07:002015-07-21T13:26:13.847-07:00I bought some Nikes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sunday was a pretty great day, weather aside.<br />
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Sammy and I went to the mall to check out Gap and Nordstrom. Sammy had outgrown his shoes and needed a school-friendly pair. Kind of backstory; my dad picks Sammy up from school and usually kids are in their sock covered feet at school- no shoes because they work on the floor as is pretty common in Montessori.<br />
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My dad is a disabled veteran and has a knee injury. Getting small shoes on and laced is a job. Frankly it's a job I try to help avoid because he's already doing SO MUCH! He has been lifting Sammy onto the very tall cubbies to tie shoes on the 2-3 days we've sent non velcro or slip on shoes. So it's been on my mind that Sammy needs school shoes that work for him to put on himself.<br />
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So that is the backstory. I probably could have told you dear reader that we needed velcro shoes but I feel confident that everyone loves a little glimpse into our madness.<br />
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Buying the Nikes was easy enough- I really would have preferred some cute moccs that were oddly situation in the girl's section. Hmmph. Unisex thank you! My sister did not agree and I got major side eye. (along with some adorable cut offs from Gap that I just decided I am going to go back and get!) I let her know that there was only one person present in Nordy's shoes with a fashion blog thankyouverymuch. But she is lovely and the best Aunt in the world so I can't exactly say she was wrong or be mad- just didn't have the internal vision of amazingness that would be if I had both said moccs and cut offs on Sammy in an adorable spring ensemble!<br />
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I have felt for the last few weeks that I'm stretched thin. I am the sort that can't operate in a mess. And my house can sure feel messy to me in a hurry. It's large so I am not sure why that is - but I have some accomplished messers in my midst. They're cute so they at least have that grace. Since we have some company staying with us for Easter and family coming for dinner I've been focusing on getting my house back in top shape.<br />
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The blog has suffered because I need things to be orderly and pretty before I can be creative. I need Easter to pass, my house to be clean, and to be on the other side of March before my head is in a good place. I am toying with the idea of trying to sell our house to get something that is just easier for me to keep clean. Or a maid. That would be lovely!<br />
PS I would show the Nikes but they are plain and frankly I need a little more beauty and less plain going on so maybe after I start feeling more like myself. <br />
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Mrs. Schaafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606561029281116057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344287168865615010.post-77736162379008351022015-03-12T06:39:00.001-07:002015-03-12T06:42:55.172-07:00Easter (More. Can you tell I'm obsessed?)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We don't get terribly dressy for Easter here. I will probably wear a cotton dress and the hubs will probably wear about what he'd wear to work. </div>
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Sammy is going to wear his Zara jeans with suspenders. Basically because I love them and cannot find enough excuses to get his cute self into these pants. I bought a pair of suspenders that just go on any old pants but honestly these are easier because they don't clip on. They button on. </div>
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I am on a kick to determine why my friend Robin loves Gymboree so much. Aside from the fact that her kids always look flawless in their clothing- I can never find anything for Sammy there. I probably need to tag along. The shirt is Gymboree and the sweater is Osh Kosh from Target. These boots are from Tea Collection. I really like them and find that they're nice for things that need a bit of style and waterproofing!<br /><small><br style="display: none;" /></small></div>
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Mrs. Schaafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606561029281116057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344287168865615010.post-5976567422380254432015-03-11T10:21:00.000-07:002015-03-11T10:21:12.212-07:00March Goals <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Back in January my husband and I decided that we were going to focus on mini goals. We decided that we're always trying to accomplish the same big goals and that we may not have the skill set needed to get there. Enter the mini goals.<br />
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March:<br />
Limit Carb Intake to Net 25 grams per day<br />
Work out 3x/week<br />
Listen to each other more- no interrupting<br />
Get outside and play when the weather cooperates<br />
Go to bed at a decent time.<br />
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We've done so well at not drinking sugary drinks. I was able to cut out Dr Pepper! I am actually so proud of the fact that even though I've been sick with my third virus of 2015 that I haven't caved. It's been a while- maybe a month. That is pretty amazing for me.<br />
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We need to work on the working out.... Yikes. I practice yoga and have had a rough go of it lately because two weeks ago I got the plague. Or a nasty virus. We'll see if I make it a few more weeks. Ugh.<br />
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Hoping Spring can really help us elevate our energy levels. We're both feeling pretty good these days. Trying out best to keep the positivity and happiness in our lives. We've done good work at eliminating people and things that bring us down and I feel like we're stronger and a better team for that effort.<br />
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Do you have mini goals or a big 2015 goal you are working on? </div>
Mrs. Schaafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606561029281116057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344287168865615010.post-18181825316717729362015-03-11T06:40:00.000-07:002015-03-11T06:40:16.182-07:00Update... Dr Visit<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I mentioned before that Sammy was being evaluated for asthma. I am happy to report that everything looks great and he isn't afflicted. Cue enormous sigh of relief!<br />
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I wanted to put this out there because I know it is really scary to do research on croup and find that usually three years old is the cut off. Sammy is four and we've had two incidents since his birthday.<br />
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The airway on a small child is vulnerable. Whenever he gets sick it seems to settle in his throat/airway and gives him croup/stridor breathing first. He can go to bed without a cough or runny nose and wake up with trouble breathing and that horrible croup sound. We were given a breathing treatment machine so I feel that we're ready in case it should happen again.<br />
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So if your child has this happen please know you're not alone. And big hugs. That feeling waking up to your child making that sound is horrible. (This is probably why I still use two monitors)<br />
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Mrs. Schaafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606561029281116057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3344287168865615010.post-68055218035705913472015-03-09T07:01:00.001-07:002015-03-09T08:09:01.693-07:00Easter Bunny is Bringing...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We had a bit of an Old West theme going apparently when I decided Sammy's Easter basket things. Like everything I like to buy ahead of time so I'm not breaking the bank all at once. </div>
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We saw this Janod train set before Christmas and I really love it. I thought it would be cool to focus on a set so that Sammy can build up a world instead of just connecting trains together. </div>
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The railroad jeans are from Gap and the shirt is from Old Navy. My mom was so nice and picked up Sammy's stuffed animal over at Blabla kids in Atlanta while she was in the area. Luckily she was parked illegally and only had minutes because that store can get expensive quick! We actually got the Georgia Cow because so much of my family lives in Georgia and I thought it would be a fun way to tie the two together. Especially since my family is coming up for Easter. We have big plans for the weekend here!</div>
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Mrs. Schaafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03606561029281116057noreply@blogger.com0