Pure Madness

Last night was the first night this week that I've been able to put Adelei in her crib and walk away. 

Every other night this week was a struggle, a fight.

Teething sucks.

More specifically, molars suck.

Not only is my sweet girl in pain, despite the tylenol & teething tablets, but it's also very emotionally draining for me. Yesterday, after 3 days of whining & grumpiness, my mind kept wondering 'when is this phase going to be over...?' I hate seeing my normally happy baby so...different.

Luckily, today was much better. 

She was still refusing to nap, but she was happy for the most part.

The only real plus side to all of this madness? All of the kisses and cuddles I'm getting. I think she knows it's been just as hard on me as it has been for her. She's been extra lovey lately, and I'm embracing it fully.

Any tips or tricks from experienced moms on how to deal with a teething toddler?

Learning with Adelei

I mentioned a few posts ago how fun my daughter's age is.

She's picking up on things & learning so fast, it's amazing.

Not that she hasn't been learning all along, but her brain is a sponge right now and I love it.

She has inspired me to create a curriculum for her!

My husband looked at me a little crazily when I told him what I was doing, but after all, I do have a degree in education, so it's not like I'm not going into this blindly.

After I put her down for a nap, or put her to bed at night, I pull out my computer and start researching & planning. What I know for sure is that the first step will be a 26 week curriculum learning the alphabet, colors, simple shapes, and numbers 0-9.

I cannot even to begin to express how passionate I feel about this right now. 

I know teaching is something that I am meant to do with my life, and I am so grateful that I have the ability to stay home & teach my daughter.

As we go through the curriculum, I will be sharing our activities, ideas, tutorials, and pictures of my sweet girl in action, so be sure to check back! 

Ready for Halloween?

With Halloween just around the corner, I wanted to offer all of my blogger friends a sweet deal!

All solid color tutus are on sale for $10
Any size 3 mo - 6 yrs
One color only

All two color tutus are on sale for $13
Any size 3 mo - 6 yrs
Any two colors

 

Just think of all the costume possibilities:

Ghost, Pumpkin, Bumble Bee, Ballerina, Owl, Witch, Fairy, just to name a few!

Leave your email in a comment on this post if you're interested, or email me at jaksart@rocketmail.com to participate in this offer.

Sale ends Sept. 30th.

Can You Believe It?

My baby is walking.

WALKING!

It seems like just yesterday, we just sat around enjoying each other's company.

And now?

We're constantly on the move.

Have I told you how much I love this age?

Because I do.

Never a dull moment.

August Birchbox, a little late!

Obviously, I'm a little late on sharing my goodies from August's birchbox.

Here is what I got:

via the birchbox website

Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Beauty Balm SPF 25+

I kept hearing about BB's, but was never interested enough to buy one. When I saw this in the box, I gladly tried it. I don't wear make up daily, but I will definitely use this on the days when I need to run to the store but don't feel like doing 'full face' make up. It's just enough to smooth out my skin and still looks natural. [full size $32]

LÄRABAR® über

I'm always skeptical about protein bars, but LARABAR never disappoints! This time, I got the Apple Turnover flavor and it was DElish! I will definitely be picking up a few of these the next time I go grocery shopping! [5 bars for $9]

Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy La Fleur

A few months ago I received The Original Viva la Juicy sample & fell in love. This new, sweeter scent is equally appealing & will be on my Christmas wish list. It's the perfect date night perfume! [full size $70]

DDF® Brightening Cleanser

I am a face wash snob. Because of my weird skin issues, when I find a cleanser that I like, I stick with it. Lately, I've been wanting something new, and this may be JUST that. It's gentle, but feels like it's working [I hate face washes that are too smooth!]. It doesn't dry me out, and I have noticed  that my skin looks a bit brighter. The best part? Birchbox sent me a HUGE 'sample'! [Full size $38]

LiQWd Professional Volumizing Catalyst

This is the only thing in this month's box that I was less than impressed with. When I saw it originally I was super excited. After my recent [disaster] haircut, I've been needing more volume. It even came in a cute pen style sprayer. The problem? The sprayer didn't work. I even tried taking it apart to see if it was clogged. It didn't work. I then put a little of the product on my fingers & ran it through the roots of my hair before I blow dried. Unfortunately, my hair still looked pretty lifeless. I know it doesn't mean the product sucks, but the packaging did, and that was enough to turn me off. [Full size $22]

If you're interested in trying birchbox, I definitely recommend it! Also, if you sign up through me, I can earn points!

Nan visits Oklahoma

Two weeks ago today, I received a phone call from my Nanny saying that she and my aunt were on their way to come visit me! 

After 3 long months, they were finally able to come see us. That was the longest I've ever been without seeing her, and I was definitely ready to give her a big hug!

While they were here, they helped me finish unpacking the last few boxes I had & put everything in it's place. They helped me get my patio whipped back into shape & helped me organize the garage.

We did some fun stuff, too.

We spent a lot of time just talking on the patio, reading/playing with Adelei, and watching movies.

I took them with me on a thrifting adventure one day, & we made our way to Oklahoma City for a trip to the Zoo & outlet shopping.

Their 10 days here went by all too fast! Before I knew it, Wednesday was here & we were saying our goodbyes see ya laters.

The rest of Wednesday was a little morose, but just knowing I'll get to see them again at Christmas time is getting me back to my old self again.

On being M.I.A.

My Nanny & my aunt have been here since last Saturday, & will be here for a little while longer, so I've taken a little break from blogging while they're here.

Don't worry. I'll have a few interesting stories to tell you soon.

In the mean time, check out this give away over at 

A Boy, A Girl, and the Marine Corps!