Loving Life

Stitch fix

2013-08-29T13:04:00.001-05:00

Usually my posts deal with kids, kids and more kids. But this post has to do with me, shocker right?! A while back, I heard about a new styling website called Stitch fix. I signed up and honestly forgot about it for several months. Recently, I've had several friends chatting about it again so I decided to give it a try.

So, what is Stitch fix? Basically, it's a styling service. You sign up online, fill out a style profile, choose a desired price point and decide when you want your first "fix" to come. In a typical "fix" there will be about 5 articles of clothing, a style guide for each item and a prepaid bag to return what you don't want. It's $20 for the style fee but that $20 goes towards any item you keep from your "fix". Once you decide what you like, you can go online and write what you liked and didn't like about each item.

What I like about stitch fit: It's easy to get started, you try on everything at home, they send clothes I wouldn't regularly try on and it's WAY easier than going shopping with two kids at the mall!

Negatives: If you don't find anything you like in a "fix", you are out $20 (I haven't had a fix where I don't like at least one thing). Taking the time to drop the unwanted items off at the post office (not a big deal but does take time).

Overall: I love this! It's such a great way to expand your wardrobe and have a something fun for yourself.

Treat yourself and try it out!

http://stitchfix.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f1619cbdecdbc01ba15e89ea5&id=f732873aa7&e=e3243fe50b

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Kendley is 3!

2013-08-28T08:58:00.000-05:00

Our little princess is three! It is insane how fast these last three years have flown by us. Our tiny 6lb 5oz bundle of joy has turned into a walking, running, jumping, singing, dancing little girl. I find myself looking at recent pictures and wondering when she started looking like a girl and not like our little baby.

Kendley-

Things we love about you: You are such a kind heart. You help your brother every chance you get. You are constantly worried about how people feel or where they are. Your smile and laugh light up a room and others can't help but smile with you.  You wear your feelings on your sleeve (making you a little dramatic) and it's so easy to read you. You're one smart cookie and it's so fun to watch you learn and discover.

Things you love:  pink and purple, princesses, being called Kenny, reading, telling stories, coloring, your cat (Yucky), dancing, singing, and playing outside (you could swing for hours!)

Things you could to without: Eating new foods (and most foods I make), getting in trouble (dramatic), cheese on your pizza, anything dirty

Kenny girl, you are turning into such an amazing little girl and we are so blessed to have you in our lives.  You've done so much in the past 3 years; we can't wait to see what is in store for you. Happy birthday baby girl!

Our Little Girl

Newborn

3 Months

6 Months

9 Months

12 Months

2 Years

3 Years

Unconditional Love

2013-06-04T15:41:00.001-05:00

Feeling extra grateful for my babies today. Theses little people are my world.

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Our Buddy is One!

2013-04-23T15:05:00.001-05:00

I can't believe this weekend is Miles' first birthday. He has gone from a little newborn baby to a crazy, funny, attention demanding little boy. Everything that Miles does screams BOY! Below are some of the pictures that our amazing photographer (and friend), Ashley, took. At Kenldey's one year pics, Ashley got a super cute picture of Kendley sucking on a lolly pop. I wanted to get a picture of Miles with a lolly pop, and the first thing he did was smash it into the ground. The pictures show our kids' personalities so well! I love that we have these to look back on and remember these awesome times. I seriously got choked up looking at the pictures. I wish I could freeze time.

Ashley's website is www.tooxhouseproduction.com

Let's go fly a kite

2013-04-04T20:20:00.001-05:00

Kendley and Miles got a kite for Easter. Crazy thing is, there hasn't been any wind to fly it! Jeff and I always talk about how windy it is in KC, and the one time we want wind there's none to be found. Kendley has been so patient so today we decided this kite is going to fly! Wind is overrated when you have a pretty cool daddy. Miles and I had fun watching.

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Easter 2013

2013-04-01T14:44:00.001-05:00

This Easter was so fun for us! It was Miles' first Easter and Kendley's first Easter that she really was excited and understood what was going on. Friday, we dyed Easter eggs and played outside. Saturday, we went to zona rosa and walked in the parade, saw the Easter bunny and played outside. Sunday, we played with Easter baskets, hunted for eggs, played outside, took naps, and headed back outside, ate some yummy food, and did another egg hunt. It felt SO good to be outside in the fresh air! Here are some pics from our Easter weekend!

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Kendley and Miles

2013-03-31T10:08:00.001-05:00

Here's a little update on what the kids are doing now.
Kendley: Kendley is a little over 2.5 years now. If you ask Kendley what her name is she will respond "I called Kenny". She has decided that's her nickname so that's what we call her too. Kenny is getting bigger and smarter and sweeter and more dramatic by the day. She is SO fun to watch learn and discover new things! Some of her likes: books, cats (especially her cat,Yucky), singing, swinging, daddy, Miles, dresses, and pretty much anything girly.
Some dislikes: bedtime, trying new food, being dirty.
Miles: Miles is almost 1. It's crazy for me to look at him and see a little boy instead of my baby boy. We call Miles our little buddy. He is spunky, wants to do everything just like his sister and has a little stinker spark in his eye. This little guy is going to be a handful when he gets bigger and I love it! He's crawling, standing on his own, and ready to walk at any time. He says "go go", "uh-oh", "Ta-da", "mama", and "dada". Miles' likes: fruit, music, throwing balls, playing with Mav, mommy, torturing our cat Yucky. Miles' dislikes: not being able to play like a big kid (yet), when mommy leaves the room, and sitting still.
Here are some current pictures of the them.

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Long time no post

2013-03-31T09:41:00.001-05:00

It has been a LONG time since I've posted on here. Let's just do a little recap,Thanksgiving and Christmas happened (and we had an awesome time!), we have had 3 8+ inch snow falls this year, Jeff and I took an relaxing, sun filled trip to Cancun (without kiddos!!), the kids and I went to my parents for a week and hung out with Aunt Sissa and Uncle Justin and GG. I think that catches us up! I'll try to do a better job from here on out and I know GG Faber will hold me to it!!

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Disney World!

2012-11-08T16:33:00.004-06:00

At the end of September, we took a trip to Disney World with my parents, sister and her husband. It was such and amazing trip! We weren't sure how Kendley would react to seeing characters and riding rides since she is only 2 years old. She LOVED it and we did too! The first day she was a little scared of the characters but after we had lunch in Cinderella's Castle with all of the princesses, she was sold! Watching her face every time she saw something new was priceless! We had so much fun with our family and can't wait to share that experience together again!

A Minnie Party

2012-09-13T16:26:00.000-05:00

Our little baby girl turned 2 at the end of August! We had a Minnie Mouse party for her. Kendley loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and we are going to Disney at the end of September so we thought it was fitting. Kendley had a blast at her party and has been talking about "Kenny's birfday party" for the past 2 weeks!

A little note to our princess:

Kendley,

You continue to brighten our lives. We can't imagine living a day without you and your precious smile. You have changed so much in the past 2 years and we are amazed by your beauty, intelligence, imagination, and loving heart on a daily basis. We love you SO much!

Love,

Mommy and Daddy

Things Kendley loves/does:

Calling her self Kenny, Plays in "Kenny's House" (a small corner that she has a pretend pet kitty and other various toys), Calls everything that is around her "Kenny's" ex. "Kenny's Moon", "Kenny's Miles", "Kenny's Swing", Calling her daddy Super Daddy, Singing, Gymnastics, Dancing, Elmo, Minnie, Mickey, Princesses, Dressing up, Shoes, Hugs, Swinging, Laughing, Smiling, brushing her teeth

Things Kendley Doesn't love:

Being dirty, Miles' spit, Veggies, doing her hair, bedtime

Here are pics from the big event:

Daddy made a vanity for her room

Kendley is 2!

Our little buddy is 4 Months!

2012-09-13T15:40:00.000-05:00

It seems like I say this in every post, but time flies! It seems like just yesterday that I was planning a wedding; it seems like yesterday that I had a sweet little baby girl, and it seems like just yesterday that I was entering the hospital to meet our little Miles. I need days like this where I can sit back and remember all of the amazing things that have happened to us in the past 6 years. I can't say that every second has been touchdowns and field goals since Miles has entered our lives but this is what I can say:
    Since Miles arrived, our hearts have grown. I love watching him grow, and seeing his smiling face
   every morning when I get him from his crib. I love that he watches his sister with such amazement
   and already looks up to her. I love that he gets excited every time his dad looks at him and he
   already spits like a boy. I love that he can sit by himself (sometime) even if it's just for 3-5 minutes.
   I love that he looks like his dad, and I love that he can look at me and melt my heart.

Having Miles has definitely tested my patients and emotional stability, but I wouldn't change a thing. He is our little buddy and man do we love him!

Here is Miles with his Brutus. He has become such a big boy!

2 Omas!

2012-08-16T15:47:00.001-05:00

Kendley, Miles and I took short vacation to visit my Oma in Delaware last week. I was brave and flew with the two kids solo to Charlotte, met up with my sister, and then we all flew to BWI where we met up with our parents. It was great to see my mom's side of the family and especially fun to hang out with my Oma. We don't get to visit often enough! Kendley still is in shock that there are 2 Omas in her life! Everyday we were in DE and since we have been home, I hear her yell "2 OMAS!". While we were there, we also took a trip to the beach. Kendley had a BLAST. Here are just a few pics from the visit.

Miles wouldn't stop staring down my margarita

Kendley and her 2 Omas!

Papa said he brought the beaches to the beach :)

Sleeping on Aunt Sissa on the way to DE

Miles waiting for his first plane ride

Papa successfully bouncing Miles to sleep

Kendley waiting to get on the plane (soon to be scared to death!)

Great Grand-kids pic

Leaving DE to fly home and see Daddy!

Flight home (Miles was sad to say goodbye)

In KCI Kendley kept putting the bags back on the luggage pickup so she could watch them come around

Kendley isn't sure what Aunt Sissa is doing (neither am I!)

"Waves, COME!"

Matthew and Miles Matthew at the beach

Checking things out before she makes her move

The Pink crew

Papa gave Miles some Ice cream

Papa making a bigger mess than Kendley

The beach makes Miles sleepy

Wearing a helmet like her cousin Lara

Miles 3 Months

2012-08-16T15:04:00.000-05:00

I can't believe that Miles is already 3 months old! Time is just flying by. Jeff and I often have to remind ourselves to slow down and enjoy the moment. A few weeks ago our friend/photographer

Ashley took these great photos of our family. Looking at these makes me smile :) We hope they make you smile too!

The tools in the background are Miles Great Grandpa Elchert's and Great Grandpa Faber's

Pictures taken by Ashley Schmidt www.tooxhouseproduction.com

Miles Baptism

2012-07-23T14:41:00.000-05:00

This weekend, some of Jeff's family traveled to Kansas City to participate in Miles' baptism. Jeff and I enjoyed having everyone here, and I know Kendley and Miles always love to hangout with their aunt, uncles and cousins! Beth, Chris, Tyler and Avery got in on Friday and we took the kids to gymnastics open gym. Kendley and Avery enjoyed following each other around and holding hands. Tyler liked running and jumping on anything and everything he could! Miles liked hanging out with mommy in the baby bjorn. Friday night, Nana, Grumpy and Uncle JoJo arrived and Saturday was Miles' big day! Sunday, we were also able to spend some time with Jeff's other brother Danny and his girlfriend Ashley. Thanks for coming everyone!!!

Godmother Aunt Beth

Godparents

Godfather Uncle JoJo

A trip to Hell...I mean Sams

2012-07-18T14:31:00.000-05:00

This morning was one of those mornings that you are glad you never have to relive and wish you could do it all over at the same time. Kendley, Miles and I took a trip to Sams in attempt to prepare for Miles' baptism weekend. The trip started out pretty well. Kendley was helping me with my list and Miles was sleeping in his car seat. After about 15 minutes, all hell broke loose! Miles woke up and decided he was starving, Kendley started crying for pizza and I went from no crying kids to two very distraught little babies! I decided we would pay for what we had in the cart and I would feed Miles while Kendley ate some of Sams pizza for lunch. With Miles crying still, we checked out and headed towards their food center. I set Kendley at the table and gave her some fruit snacks to tied her over. Miles and I went in line to get her pizza and I fed Miles some while in line. I hear Kendley yell to me, "mommy, wet". I am thinking that the table I sat her at was wet and just nodded my head at her. As I am paying for her pizza, I hear Kendley start crying. She had dropped her fruit snacks and fell out of her chair trying to get them. Now, Kendley was screaming because she hurt her head and Miles was crying again because I stopped feeding him. I picked up Kendley to place her back on the stool and noticed that the "wet" she was speaking of was poop all over her back...Awesome! At that point, I decided we should just leave. With both kids still crying, we exit Sams to the car. Luckily for me, I had a up front parking spot. I opened the trunk of the car, lay ed Kendly in it and proceeded to get her naked in front of the entire Sams population. Kendley and Miles have never screamed so much at the same time! I had 2 ladies come ask me if I needed help. I confidently replied, "NO, I got this" while thinking in my head, "WTF is going on???". Finally, everyone calmed down, and we were able to have a calming cry free drive home. The best comment that was made to me while all of this was happening was from a little old lady. She leaned over to me and said, "Take a deep breath and be happy you are here with them. As you get older you miss the sound of your kids even if it is crying." I wish I had the time and mindset to thank her in that moment! I did remember to take a few pics though

A Cool Eye (Persistent Pupillary Membrane)

2012-07-18T13:39:00.002-05:00

Since the day we took Miles home, Jeff and I noticed Miles' iris on his left eye looked different. The best way of explaining it is it looks like part of the iris strings into his pupil. Jeff and I brought it up to his pediatrician and she referred him to a pediatric ophthalmologist. Miles' pediatrician, as well as, his Auntie Melissa MD didn't really have an idea of what the mark in his eye was. This was a little concerning to Jeff and I (no one wants to be the medical mystery!). I have pretty much read everything on the internet about iris deformities; however, there isn't much information out there. All of the pictures online are really extreme cases so it was hard to compare Miles' eye to them. Yesterday, we finally had the pediatric eye doctor appointment and had our questions answered. Miles has something called a Partial Persistent Pupillary Membrane. When babies eyes are forming during pregnancy, they have a lot of these membranes and as the eye continues to form, the membranes usually dissolve. Miles has a membrane that didn't dissolve. The membrane is connected to his iris and his lens. The great news is it should never effect his vision! The nurses at the clinic thought it was pretty cool looking. Now that we know everything is fine, we think it's cool too!!

Here are the best photos I could get of his eye. It is hard to get a 3 month old to hold still for the picture. Also, it is hard to not have any glares in his eyes. The membrane is located around the 3 o'clock position and strings towards the center of the pupil.

Sibling Love

2012-06-27T15:36:00.001-05:00

Kendley is such a good big sister. She often tries to offer Miles his "fire" (pacifier), brings him "blankies", gives him his bottle, tells him "it's okay" and gives him neck strangling hugs. It's so funny how motherly she is and how accepting Miles is of her sometimes not so gentle care. He smiles at her more than anyone in the house. I can't wait to watch them grow up together, fight with each other and fight for each other. There isn't a better friend than a sibling; I think Miles and Kendley already know this!

Potty Training 101

2012-06-14T14:08:00.000-05:00

There comes a point when you are changing adult sized poopy diapers that you decided you are ready for a change. I reached that point on Tuesday. I took Kendley to Target to pick out some "big girl panties". Kendley wasn't very excited about big girl panties until I told her Mini Mouse wears them.

Yesterday, I washed the panties and after her nap, we began potty training. I'm not much of a read a book about it kind of girl. I know how to potty on a big girl potty, that should be enough, right? Well, we ended the night successful and unsuccessful. Success: Kendley didn't potty in her undies. Unsuccessful: Kendley didn't potty on the potty either!

Today, Kendley woke up and we put on her big girl panties. She sat on the toilet several times...nothing. I went to change Miles' diaper and I hear Kendley scream, "what happened???". She had peed on the floor. We went to her potty and talked about how we potty on the toilet and not on the floor. Then, we headed to the gym. I am luck to have a gym that supports potty training! After my workout, I went to pick her up and the ladies at the daycare said they tried to take her but she was scared and started crying. So, I took her and set her on the potty...nothing. We drive home, I get Miles out of his car seat and I hear, "oh no". Again, Kendley peed on the floor. We do the same as earlier and end the chat with a, "1-2-3 potty". I begin to feed Miles and Kendley walks up to me with something in her hand. I look at her and she looks at me quietly asking, "what's that?". I try not to overreact and respond, "It's your POOP". I run her to the toilet where she disposes of the feces.

24 hours into potty training and feeling a little unsuccessful.

Potty- 0
Floor- 3
Mommy- :(

How much was that?

2012-06-14T13:43:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago, I made a poor choice in purchasing some cleaning supplies from a man selling door to door. The sequence of events were a little funny, so I thought I would share the story.

It all started before the doorbell rang. Miles was screaming for an unknown reason most of the morning. Kendley had just woken up from her nap. Kendley wanted "caca uffs", also known as Coco Puffs, for her snack. We didn't have Coco Puffs. This led to a major melt down. Kendley has definitely entered her terrible twos!

The door bell rings. Maverick (our dog) does not like the doorbell and goes kujo at the window by the door. I open the door and Miguel, the sales man, is standing on the second step down looking a little nervous for his safety. Maverick darts out the door; I yell at him to come inside. Kendley continues to cry, pulling at my shirt saying "up". Miles continues to cry in my arms. I ask Miguel how I can help him and he starts his cleaning solution spiel. Before I know it, Miguel is cleaning the outside of my windows, the oil stain in our driveway and the tile grout in our entry way. I was so ready for him to leave and in my mind, the easiest way was to buy whatever he was selling. Finally, I spoke up and said "I'll buy it!". I asked how much he wanted... $80.00. I went got eighty dollars in cash, handed it to Miguel and closed the door (kids still crying and Maverick still trying sniff out the situation). After the door shut I had a "what did I just do" moment in my head. I totally let Miguel use my situation to his advantage.

Fast forward a few hours later. Jeff came home from work to find the gallon jug of cleaner on the counter with Miguel's phone number written in sharpie on it (in case I need to call him for more cleaner). He picked up the cleaner and said, "what is this?" I said, "It's this great cleaner I bought today. Look how clean the grout is AND I cleaned the shower doors." Jeff responded, "cool how much was it?" I said, "Look it got the oil stain out of the driveway." Jeff said, "it's a driveway who cares if there is oil in it; how much was it?" At that point I knew I wasn't getting out of telling him. I said, "$80 BUT, you dilute it so it will last a really long time." Jeff stood and stared at me in disbelief. He gave me the same "unbelievable" that he has given me since I was 15 when I did something stupid. He made fun of me most of the night and I continued to defend my purchase. Finally, I got sick of it and said, "OKAY, I f'ed up!" Jeff looked at me, laughed and said, "that's all I wanted to hear. Now, do I need to get a no soliciting sign or have you learned you lesson?"

I will point out, in the last two weeks Jeff has spilled two glasses of red wine on our carpet AND my cleaner got it out! Winning! :)

It's NOT Colic!

2012-06-12T21:03:00.000-05:00

I wrote this blog a few weeks ago and just realized that it didn't post. Since this, Miles has definitely gotten better. He still is needy and pretty much cries if you aren't holding him . But, I can at least get him to sleep some during the day. One thing that has helped a lot is basically forcing him to go to sleep. It almost seems like he doesn't know that he is tired. Colic or not, it has been frustrating. We love the little guy though!

Miles, in the words of his pediatrician, is a “needy baby” who doesn’t know how to “self sooth”. What does that mean?? It means that he cries A LOT! Jeff keeps asking me if he has colic and I keep denying that he does. Why do I keep saying he doesn’t have colic when he cries for hours at a time without stopping when being soothed? I don’t know. I guess if I think that he doesn’t have colic then it will get better, or maybe it’s admitting that my new little boy isn’t a “perfect baby”. Colic is something that other people’s babies have BUT not MY baby!

They say admitting you have a problem is the first step. Well, yesterday was my breaking point and I am ready to admit…we have a problem! I spent most of the morning holding, bouncing, singing, and rocking a screaming baby. Miles finally decided to take a snooze. I loaded him and his sister into the car and headed to the grocery store. As soon as we go into the store, Miles woke up screaming. Kendley was in the seat part of the cart, Miles’ car seat was in the cart and I was holding Miles while pushing the cart. Everyone at the store looked at me with the, you poor woman look. One lady definitely had the, what’s wrong with your child look. Kendley insisted on a free cookie from the bakery. We went and got one; she took a bite and responded with, “no like”. Who doesn’t like sugar cookies? Miles spends the entire trip at the store and ride home crying. He continues to cry for another two hours. The night ended with Miles on the floor screaming, me sitting Indian style on the floor next to him crying, and Kendley sitting in my lap wiping away my tears with an occasional, “it’s okay”. Of course Miles stopped crying as soon as daddy came home. I wave the white flag…Miles has colic!

Just some everyday pictures

2012-06-12T14:36:00.001-05:00

It is crazy how fast Kendley is learning and how much Miles has changed in the past 6 weeks! New things going on in the Elchert house: Miles has started to smile, Kendley is singing songs on her own and can count to 10. Check out my YouTube videos under TheAshleyE sometime to see Miss Kendley in action! Here are some current pics of our loves.

I left Kendley to eat pudding while I got dressed for the gym, this is what I came back to.

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Back to the zoo

2012-06-12T14:04:00.001-05:00

We had so much fun at the zoo a few weeks ago that we decided to take a second trip! Kendley loves to look at the animals, make their noises and talk about what they are doing. Miles slept most of the time we were there. Some of Kendley's favorites: the polar bear, kangaroos, and monkeys. Parts she didn't like: the polar bear close up and the sleeping gorilla.

Trip to the Zoo

2012-06-05T14:14:00.002-05:00

While my sister and her husband were visiting, we took a trip to the Kansas City Zoo. This was the first time Kendley was really interested in looking at the animals. It was a beautiful day to walk around! Miles wasn't so interested but he lasted pretty long for a little guy!

Newborn Pics

2012-06-04T15:28:00.000-05:00

Here are just a few of the great pictures our friend Cara Brooner took of our little guy. You can see more of her work on her blog www.chasingshinyobjects.com

A family of Four

2012-06-04T15:06:00.000-05:00

After we returned home from the hospital with Miles, Jeff said something to me that still brings tears to my eyes. Kendley, Miles and I were sitting next to him and he said to me, "Our family is complete". I will be the first to admit, going from one to two kids is HARD work! Miles cries a lot right now (maybe a little colicky?) and Kendley wants her mommy's attention more than I can give her. There are times that all three of us are on the ground crying out of frustration and I can't wait for Jeff to walk through the door to help out. But, man is it worth it! Looking at our kids, seeing Kendley grow into a little girl and a big sister, and watching Jeff be an amazing dad is the best feeling in the world. Jeff was right, our family is complete with Miles in our lives.

Bringing Miles home

Kendley holding Miles for the first time

"Bubbles!"