tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74689390900719426302024-03-26T05:18:57.158-04:00SMIDGE OF THISa blog by april robsonApril of Smidge Of Thishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291578792373482623noreply@blogger.comBlogger1810125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468939090071942630.post-80673092677047461042019-07-31T21:22:00.000-04:002019-07-31T21:22:06.599-04:00The First YearOne year in.<br />
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One year ago, I was sitting in the hospital where we'd just stayed the night. That morning, I was wearing a baseball-style tee with pink 3/4 length sleeves, and in script on the front, it said <i>"though she be but little, she is fierce."</i><br />
<br />
The team of doctors came in and said the words. MRI. Vanishing white matter. Leukodystrophy. Terminal. No cure. Comfort. Genetic. "You need to have your other children tested immediately."<br />
<br />
Ian was at work. After months of no answers, he'd left the hospital room that morning sure that it would be another day of no answers. I encouraged him to do so. Now, I could not believe I was getting that information by myself. Alone. No broad shoulders to cry into. No strength to lean into. No eyes to look into but Charlotte's. "I'm so sorry baby." and lots of "Oh my God. Oh my God."<br />
<br />
Maybe other people thought she could be dying. Maybe it was easy to look from the outside in and think the news would be grim. Maybe I'm dumb, too "surface," too positive, too cheerleader-y, too rose-colored glasses.<br />
<br />
But maybe I'm just a mom who saw a perfect daughter and had all the hope in the world that all would be okay.<br />
<br />
In the past year...<br />
<br />
I have learned how to fight for my family<br />
I have learned to be trusting but not too trusting<br />
I have learned the benefits of Medicaid and why I had to fight to get CAP-C support<br />
I have learned when to say "thank you" and when to say "we need more"<br />
I have learned to say no thank you<br />
I have learned that it's okay to not eat your food using your mouth<br />
I have learned that it's okay to feed your children in different ways<br />
I have learned how to operate a feeding tube and pump, how to change out an extender<br />
I have learned which type of extender I love, which pump I love<br />
I have learned how to not freak out when a feeding tube pops out of the belly<br />
I have learned how you have to be careful because there's now a hole opening up to the stomach<br />
I have learned how to replace it with a new one. You need patience, bravery and lube<br />
I have learned how to creep in at night and set up a nighttime feed<br />
I have learned that medication is pretty darn easy to give by tube feedings<br />
I have learned which syringes I love to use<br />
I have learned what "flush" means<br />
I have learned how to measure in CCs<br />
I have learned how many CCs flush down meds<br />
I have learned how to change a diaper when you can't bend the legs up anymore<br />I have learned which diaper covers fit a 3 year old for modesty and to "look like the other girls"<br />
I have learned which shoes can fit a 3 year old with feet that no longer work in regular shoes<br />
I have learned which outfits I need to let go of for her, like rompers or anything tight or hard to put on<br />
I have learned how she needs to sleep at an incline (aspiration risk)<br />
I have learned how weighted stuffed animals are heaven-sent<br />
I have learned how to connect and read a pulse oximeter<br />
I have learned what do to when it alarms loudly at night<br />
I have learned how to get by on little or interrupted sleep<br />
I have learned that my sleep is underrated<br />
I have learned that two cups of coffee is really my max<br />
I have learned that two glasses of wine is really my max<br />
I have learned what a pulmonologist, neurologist, gastroenterologist can do for her<br />
I have learned the difference between physical therapy and occupational therapy<br />
I have learned how to help her ride as comfortable as possible in a carseat<br />
I have learned the blessing of a family beach trip<br />
I have learned that some things I used to complain about are actual blessings<br />
I have learned what continuous oxygen means<br />
I have learned what skin breakdown signs are<br />
I have learned how to sleep while someone walks around your house<br />
I have learned how to schedule in advance when a nurse is relying upon you to do so<br />
I have learned how to schedule impromptu calendar changes and ask for forgiveness<br />
I have learned how to read minds<br />
I have learned how to read a pulse-ox to see if my daughter is happy<br />
I have learned how to read a pulse-ox to see if my daughter is scared<br />
I have learned how to teach a long, deliberate blink for "yes"<br />
I have learned how to operate a suction machine<br />
I have learned how to operate a CPT (shaky) vest<br />
I have learned how to operate a cough-assist machine<br />
I have learned how to operate a nebulizer<br />
I have learned how to operate a stethoscope<br />
I have learned her target heart rate and relaxed heart rate<br />
I have learned her seizure protocol<br />
I have learned what hospice does<br />
I have learned what therapists can help with<br />
I have learned when to rely on family/girlfriends and when to rely on therapists<br />
I have learned the beauty in connecting with other MLD moms<br />
I have learned the sadness in connecting with other MLD moms<br />
I have learned how sweet the words "mama" sound<br />I have learned how to etch that sound into my memory<br />
I have learned to record everything on my busting-at-the-seams phone<br />
I have learned not to take a moment for granted<br />
I have learned not to expect anything<br />
I have learned to look for hidden blessings<br />
I have learned to look for Godwinks<br />
I have learned to listen more than I talk<br />
I have learned that childhood is fleeting ... it really is<br />
I have learned that family is everything<br />
I have learned that stuff is just stuff<br />
I have learned that a year can make the difference of a lifetime.<br />
<br />
Thank you for allowing me to vent some stream-of-consciousness emotions this evening. A very important evening in our family.<br />
<br />
And for multiple reasons ... Lochlan (nearly 14 months) started really REALLY walking tonight. Thank you Lock for choosing such a special date that we will always remember, buddy.<br />
<br />
Thank you all for listening, reading, and caring.<br />
XOXOXO<br />
<br />April of Smidge Of Thishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291578792373482623noreply@blogger.com143tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468939090071942630.post-5539736477312799242019-05-21T07:55:00.001-04:002019-05-21T07:55:02.102-04:00Charrie's Birthday!I can't believe Charlotte is THREE!<br />
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On one hand, she still feels just so much like my little baby. On the other hand, I feel like we have experienced so much LIFE with her that it's hard to think that she's "only" three.<br />
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If you've read here for a while, you know that we didn't know whether she was going to be a boy or a girl. We decided to keep it a surprise. My one request was that Ian would be the one to tell me the moment she was born if it was a girl or boy. I will never forget his words, "It's another girl!" I loved that choice of words because it immediately linked the two girls together in my mind. I pictured them dressing alike, playing dolls, sharing a bedroom (which they did, even if just for a couple of months).<br />
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The bond between Camille and Charrie is definitely strong and you can tell that Char just thinks big sis hung the moon.<br />
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For Char's birthday party, we wanted a beautiful little celebration with some of our closest friends and neighbors. I didn't want it to be overwhelming for her, and I also didn't want us to lose sight of what we really needed to focus on -- our birthday girl! You know how it can be when you have these mega parties, you're so busy entertaining and running around that you miss out on some of the sweetest, most special moments.<br />
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One of the local nonprofits that has been SO good to us, <b><a href="https://gotsandbox.org/" target="_blank">The Sandbox</a></b>, is the force behind all of the party logistics. The founder, Mara, worked with her team so make this as smooth and easy for us as anyone could ever hope for. I was out of town leading up to Char's birthday, so they took the reigns and made everything come together -- ordered the cake (I just texted them some inspiration photos), brought over trays of Chick Fil A nuggets and drinks, ordered the flowers (I just told them what flowers reminded me the most of Char), picked up the cookies generously donated by <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/sugarysmilescookies/" target="_blank">Sugary Smiles</a></b>, provided us with a photographer, I mean the list just truly goes on and on. <span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
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Having the party in our backyard allowed us all to enjoy the outdoors and the kids could play on the swingset, swing in the hammock and enjoy the big tree swing (<b><a href="http://bit.ly/2HDbaGQ" target="_blank">this one</a></b>, because I always get questions about it!). </div>
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It really was the perfect day just filled with love.</div>
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And can we even discuss that cake. I mean ... exquisite. Just sweet and lovely like Char. There was strawberry filling on the inside.</div>
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Charrie girl, you are THREE. You give the most magical smiles and you have always been the best little girl. We all love you so very much Char. Here's to many more birthdays!April of Smidge Of Thishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291578792373482623noreply@blogger.com65tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468939090071942630.post-10306766825758056372019-02-15T08:56:00.003-05:002019-02-15T08:56:28.390-05:00Five On Friday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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It's time for another edition of Five on Friday!</div>
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Valentine's Day is on the books! We had a really nice one. Camille had preschool in the morning. Later in the afternoon, we had our special visit from the Valentines Man who rings the doorbell and runs away SO fast before you can even see him. Sadly, I happened to be running a diaper to the trashcan when he rang the doorbell so the kiddos had to wait for me to come back in thru the garage before we went to the front door (whew). :) He left chocolates!</div>
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Camille's favorite dinner is ... breakfast. So she got scrambled eggs, heart-shaped pancakes with heart-shaped strawberries. Lochlan had a deconstructed version of the same. </div>
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<img alt="" id="id_c7d0_12dc_ad_da34" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IMcDHsjj5uA/XGa2Fi2MD6I/AAAAAAAAbdw/83rvYBgIh6UKpAG9FpUZnv2ZF7sPLdL0QCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div>
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<b>T W O</b><br />
I'm trying something new and <b><a href="https://amzn.to/2TV5Fs8" target="_blank">adding in some collagen</a></b> to my daily regime. I add a packet into my coffee in the morning. You can't taste a difference at all. I've been so curious to give it a shot after seeing some of my favorite bloggers using it daily. <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2TV5Fs8" target="_blank">Here it is on Amazon. </a></i><br />
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<img alt="" height="400" id="id_1e40_afa1_4f27_ae82" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvy0gHUCDLf07-eJQq_0scuomUO2ahq5aq9mjkFMfD9MGum5pqRLCEVsIe_T76FOaT0hF_6sXIX81NK4YA7ZJaCb6VZDH4HGzJH2tLfo2lzrBuMTu2ODb1N7a0xQ1_1x0L9LRu-0CzgsE/s400/%255BUNSET%255D" title="" tooltip="" width="400" /><br />
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<b>T H R E E</b><br />
Sometimes you just need a little Panera in your life to make it a little easier. This is the Mediterranean Veggie sandwich, which I just love, but I subbed out the greens for arugula and got it on foccacia instead of the tomato bread. This is going to sound so specific but they changed the tomato bread they were using and I'm just not a fan of the new one.<br />
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<img alt="" height="400" id="id_9e20_437f_66d_a4a5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Dtb-8NI6qaE/XGa2H0_uEsI/AAAAAAAAbeA/cXTcbTrrvKIMFaOLpu8zvoLT40GYGh1SACHMYCw/s400/%255BUNSET%255D" title="" tooltip="" width="400" /><br />
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<b>F O U R</b><br />
Yes, this is a thing. There is a podcast done by ... Ron Burgundy. I'll give it a solid B, definitely worth a listen when you are up for a little laugh.<br />
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<img alt="" id="id_43a7_3c04_ccaf_6848" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmZvN6KnL10aD4H9MXqMffS4uqyOuVaNG4a_rtx3w8gufkn39ky5MPwfWSpOC_ahvl1cSBdG3iI5P_bB0s3XGedpBst3k5senuvp7XcUgtR_GTMyT73O2huxwz7e2g7q9ySnT4_L8mKI/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; text-align: start; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
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<b>F I V E</b></div>
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Cheers to a great weekend! We don't have much on the books today but I am going to attempt library storytime if I think I can make it in time. Those librarians, they don't play. Two minutes late and they look at you like you've lost your mind. Doors LOCKED and no storytime entry. That's okay, I love them anyway and love that they encourage me to (try to) be on time. </div>
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April of Smidge Of Thishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291578792373482623noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468939090071942630.post-63036946471734236982019-02-08T19:45:00.002-05:002019-02-08T19:45:11.399-05:00Five On Friday ... Feb Eighth. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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It's time for another edition of Five on Friday and I do hope you'll join along!</div>
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The weather has been fahhh-bulous this week and we enjoyed some screened porch time! Charlotte's new wheelchair is so supportive for her and makes it easy to have her all over the house with us. Thank goodness for this. I call it her Kate Spade chair, check out the black and white polka dot design! So chic. </div>
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<img alt="" id="id_e5d4_bcf7_5e4_3bc3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YYnb2ILtsjQ/XF1-9bDN9fI/AAAAAAAAbdA/GpSNAT3w_mQ0E8BMmS5mWzwEwJJK3F8MwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div>
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<b>T W O</b><br />
You may have seen this on my Instastories the other night! Walmart grocery pick-up for the win. Grab some frozen breaded shrimp and a bottle of their "Boom Boom Shrimp Sauce" and you've got a copycat Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer for all of you who love this infamous Bonefish Grill dish. It's easy to whip up (it's Friday night now and Ian and I just polished off a little bowl of this) and super inexpensive.<br />
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If you want a code for $10 off your first Walmart Grocery order, message me on Insta. </div>
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<img alt="" id="id_d2c0_76c5_f848_881d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qrXdZeYT4Mc/XF1-88pWiBI/AAAAAAAAbc8/2fPB7LUgrfgE5ANENrk1OpjtxpVpKCiVgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
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<b>T H R E E</b><br />
Sisters connecting. Thursday night. Good times.<br />
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<img alt="" id="id_3509_5710_f502_b141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJHYRUH1SRjDjiRMamWvrvRYb3RsLB2qTW0l4NshnsxQvLdpSQ-IHUWrtGi7N7tZy3VvOo-ozQrJLHk_ZrruwofyQeeOt60oHqm-sFKRgvCZfF-DVUrlaMe8s6-wM8b_sHXsQ06pbopY/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
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<b>F O U R</b><br />
My friend Caroline has the BEST recipe for brussels sprouts and the key truly is in that last splishy-splash of white balsamic vinegar. It takes your dish from "roasted brussels sprouts" to "holy moly salt and vinegar potato chips brussels sprouts" in an instant. Don't be afraid to be heavy-handed with that white balsamic vinegar and parm cheese. Makes allllll the difference.<br />
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<img alt="" id="id_9533_6a54_9298_b9ce" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-22gcRp2oDvA/XF1--ZUHDwI/AAAAAAAAbdI/PNkjO4_SUng8rzBJ6BP7oQqLf9KgMqIOACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
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<b>F I V E</b><br />
Posts this week are Charlotte-heavy and I know you're not hating it (I'm not either). The truth is that it has been a really sad week for me, a week of feeling really depressed. I've met with my therapist, I've explored grief groups, and I've connected with girlfriends locally who are the real "boots on the ground" types of people. I'm doing okay now. Sometimes I just slow down enough to let life hit me and actually let the feelings seep through the hard exterior. That happened this week. I'm okay now and I don't need anything, just wanted to be transparent about what's happening.<br />
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<img alt="" height="640" id="id_d5be_3764_f32_d7f1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IjX-TCELc0s/XF1-91OMp5I/AAAAAAAAbdE/OSu061NWk4M3gwSgZtPiW-Sl4-nNWbvVACHMYCw/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" title="" tooltip="" width="640" /></div>
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<!-- end LinkyTools script -->April of Smidge Of Thishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291578792373482623noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468939090071942630.post-69298608382812842452019-02-07T15:39:00.000-05:002019-02-07T15:39:10.656-05:00Lochlan Is EIGHT Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img alt="" height="640" id="id_762_4c23_c09e_d24b" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSU2H0MD4uGsB5R6xhV7zvTtgvQRDKCWqQDSHnAEyT6yss5ehCr6pE24TmpAXtercl1doLFMd-fWkw-FTPsYy4o_jcVRvqRpvkPdZpjfiLR1jZjVJucPN_lGXwa_IVCPVm3aCddsmsf-g/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" title="" tooltip="" width="480" /></div>
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Lock-dock, eight months! You are a joy, a ray of sunshine. You're exactly what we needed -- a dose of happy. </div>
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You are 20 pounds, a big boy! Everyone loves exclaiming over how big you are. You're taking four 8-ounce bottles a day, 7:30/11:30/3:30/6:30, and when that last sip is gone and you suck down a puff of air, you CRY like you've been stung by a bee. You simply do not like it when you finish your milk!</div>
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We had you on donated breastmilk through November and then moved to formula before our Disney trip. This was the first time I've ever given a child formula, and man oh man is it expensive! Ha! But you made the switch beautifully and I think it's pretty obvious that you haven't missed a meal.</div>
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Speaking of meals, you like purees okay, but you love soft table food. You've eaten a lot of "real" food including eggs and peanut butter. You just want to be a big boy.</div>
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Sleeping is great, for the most part you're sleeping 7-7/7:30 without needing me in the night. Awesome awesome child. </div>
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You are in size 3 diapers and size 4 at night. You're still in a Merlin's Magic Sleepsuit but I think you're ready to transition to a sleepsack. For clothing, you're in size 12 month clothing mainly.</div>
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You still love a good ol' swing nap but I'm trying to be better about encouraging your naps to take place in a crib. Naps are around 10am and 2pm. </div>
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You're rolling from your back to your tummy and have given us words like "mama" and "dada" but they're not consistent. Yesterday you waved for the first time!</div>
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I love my days with your sweet face and you bring so many smiles to everyone in our family. </div>
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<img alt="" height="640" id="id_f738_e34e_825d_e441" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikr2G4ZibJLxFYJQYOqNHqZeOc4Y7ycMi92hK2IjCZ25aT_mUGrhbww-G6YFM-dzeE-fGM9HDqKS1CrEt6D05cOU-6sBGB1lNKQSpi0tSHoi3fhHrac4_Lg27pk1IRWH5NcSkYfpyDKvU/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" title="" tooltip="" width="427" /></div>
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April of Smidge Of Thishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291578792373482623noreply@blogger.com162tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468939090071942630.post-85097311537541434052019-01-29T15:25:00.000-05:002019-01-29T20:51:25.508-05:00Italian Wedding SoupItalian Wedding Soup, aaahhhh! This is a recipe my family has been making for years. The first time my mom made it for us, she printed off the recipe from Prodigy (anyone? anyone?) and we all fell in love. That was 1996, I was fourteen years old.<br />
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I made this for dinner for us last night and it was phenomenal. Easy to put together and just like a warm bowl of cozy.<br />
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<img alt="" height="426" id="id_1060_7930_4311_5b9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hfnMtuhmAug/XFCzsZSEp1I/AAAAAAAAbcE/SjU4yGczZQ0jwa7-xr8QAmP5I8CRE0SAQCHMYCw/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" title="" tooltip="" width="640" /></div>
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<img alt="" height="426" id="id_3e31_ba32_c2e8_f0c4" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmbPW9DeSOojtdJuq4AfomvJxccBRVRoOsWIphdK2u1RqoJoPyNKHv8C2oR8lJOT3D5dwFK-uryo1GcGyjP6qtOBCoFN5e245gp4xKbcbcVIBaOEQlSbbjXtSqVD3KdZhWjVuYDJMQiw/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" title="" tooltip="" width="640" /></div>
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I served it with finger salads which is another recipe I swiped from my mom, who found it on Pinterest. (<a href="https://www.lecremedelacrumb.com/romaine-finger-salad/" target="_blank">recipe here</a> -- I didn't change a thing to the homemade vinaigrette, but I did add BACON!)<br />
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<img alt="" height="426" id="id_7d8a_a19b_b09a_ec74" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XhirkWZwzh0/XFCzrmfPoAI/AAAAAAAAbb8/hXVJQtmRq9Abo2s8Cvxahtdtkl2mMTMYQCHMYCw/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" title="" tooltip="" width="640" /></div>
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So now, let's get back to the soup.</div>
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<b>I T A L I A N</b></div>
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<b>W E D D I N G</b></div>
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<b>S O U P</b></div>
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1 quart chicken broth<br />
2.5 cups water<br />
3/4 cup Acini di Pepe pasta (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cecco-Semolina-Pasta-Acini-No-78/dp/B06VVWYKM1/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1548793280&sr=8-6&keywords=acini+de+pepe+pasta&linkCode=ll1&tag=aprilrobson-20&linkId=5cb103ec58d9df980cd4082754b4d3a4&language=en_US" target="_blank">Amazon</a>)<br />
1 teaspoon fresh parsley (I subbed for dried)<br />
1-2 carrots, sliced thin<br />
1/4-1/2 lb spinach, washed, julienned (I put in part of a packet of frozen spinach)<br />
Frozen meatballs of choice (I used 20 meatballs)<br />
1 egg + 1tsp water<br />
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Bring first six soup ingredients to a boil; drop frozen meatballs right into soup. Beat 1 egg and 1 tsp water in a small bowl and stir boiling soup as you slowly drop in the egg, stirring constantly. Cover and turn off heat; let sit for 2 minutes. Serve with grated parmesan or romano cheese.<br />
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Oh, and enjoy with wine.<br />
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<img alt="" id="id_d3f1_5a3d_1558_a718" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLNtMSDRZQ2k4wgDeqXE1u92j03l2NIIrNKzJUUSh7C3kulyDKqJg987wuUMQDbctaN6_enu0W3om1fsPm36EWMfZO0h9Dyd1UMtVP0YrB6ZKiZ5xu21ej1VNmnNTSGpr9otC_35Mghmc/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; text-align: start; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div>
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<i><b>For more of my RECIPES <a href="http://www.smidgeofthis.com/search/label/recipes" target="_blank">click here</a></b></i></div>
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April of Smidge Of Thishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291578792373482623noreply@blogger.com75tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468939090071942630.post-45505380466603800062019-01-25T11:53:00.000-05:002019-01-25T11:53:04.665-05:00 Five On Friday<div style="text-align: center;">
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Coming back to the blog today with FIVE ON FRIDAY!</div>
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<b>O N E</b></div>
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I posted this photo <a href="https://www.instagram.com/smoochbyapril/" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a> and got questions about this pullover. I'm in loooove with it. It's from A+F (yep, haven't purchased anything from there maybe in like two decades and that's no exaggeration). </div>
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You can <b><a href="http://bit.ly/2Dy03y6" target="_blank">find it here</a></b> and I would say it fits totally true to size, maybe even a little large. So you don't need to size up if you want it to be a looser, comfy fit. </div>
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<img alt="" height="320" id="id_dc1b_792c_f6c8_e910" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XSCgD52_af0/XEr9RjFa6WI/AAAAAAAAbbg/EnKPdg1akV8RTQGU0dVuGksBuLjTAsjoACHMYCw/s320/%255BUNSET%255D" style="text-align: start;" title="" tooltip="" width="320" /> <img alt="product image" height="320" src="https://anf.scene7.com/is/image/anf/anf_219886_05_model1?$product-ofp-anf-v1$" width="256" /></div>
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<b>T W O</b></div>
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Last night we had Supper Club at my friend Lori's house and she made the best supper for us. Homemade split pea soup with the most delicious cheesy croutons, a panini, and arugula salad with parmesan. Why can't I cook like this every night?!</div>
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<img alt="" id="id_c50f_4c3d_2494_5927" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj42WgtgIcSRJGGu8SWJOax4CmLIWeni5Uwhws72qa9ekQU1eLPXlMTnsXgVbT2YG_kSs7l68h56I6p4Yi1gYD44ZuhqXLeZnLPLl1XoBp_r1GpMUm4nIccMppqUBEmUuF-kvKedC6Sb1s/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; text-align: start; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div>
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<b>T H R E E</b></div>
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Shout-out to my best boy who brings me a smile every.single.day!</div>
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He's just so sweet and easy-going, literally just a heaven-sent baby.</div>
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Seven and a half months old now, and if I can get my act together on the 6th, I'll post an eight month update!</div>
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<img alt="" id="id_a31c_3904_35c0_78fe" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CwO-PSBqAgg/XEr9Oz0xI_I/AAAAAAAAbbI/ESGIjIC7oPYI_FvnTcG5byeXlVu1AGIPgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; text-align: start; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div>
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<b>F O U R</b></div>
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I'm podcast-obsessed like many of us these days. On Monday I was thrilled to be a guest on one of my favorite shows, <b><a href="https://agoodidea.blubrry.net/" target="_blank">It Sounded Like A Good Idea At The Time</a></b>.</div>
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Caroline came over and we looped in Hannah, and man oh man was it a fun experience. It was like a chat with friends, just one that will air next Wednesday to the masses. :) </div>
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Have you listed to this podcast yet? I'd love it if you will tune in and download! Start by listening to some of their past episodes to get a good gauge on what Caroline and Hannah are like. Spoiler alert: you'll love 'em. </div>
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<img alt="" id="id_b761_b05e_1801_7cce" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_bWAZznfKrtJGsWnEOn9-ly1VEK7jE6REMysaw_LBir7DhryaKjs7ia0Af95FomRr703ExKesOuyTL2V0hJU9d1k2Ax-tSpmc6JDnMnwce544kTIz7Hb2Bwl_KHhT507iEFPgLhn-L0/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; text-align: start; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div>
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<b>F I V E</b></div>
Last weekend was my beautiful cousin's wedding in Cleveland, NC! I always envisioned our entire family going, but ... things looked a little different and that was okay. I took Camille only, and she had her first flowergirl experience. She was beautiful and did a terrific job. It was a little more than an hour away, but after having some fun at the reception we made the trek home.<br />
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<img alt="" id="id_fa44_9595_955f_750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VQh3QEcrJEvxPleKwLoDfkZo5R1u8g06bo1M3OLzAq9t7Q8y9apAdZ8rdem3V7gBGHfNfHL87u9Rgctw0z2s7sbLWs-hA8rrNne7m8ksqGo21ItkcpiizsTfnL38nEorA3dx80rHqfE/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div>
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<img alt="" id="id_e3e0_76bf_23c0_743c" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2it9mkuFBbUXz3Bbp4xGOk-JvKXKnHwz7dUqKm3eZGiaT5SltaWEkrUn00O3fhQQJWbuhHQWXHzxrWV8-l9nP48qvbGuguoqUo72h6v7RP-pvMnopqMRp0GJ8wFlV0ZJM8To3OjiSRw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div>
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<img alt="" id="id_2b5e_12a2_88c5_c8af" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDef5bYW304tbNiwMGGDriWROqflufzFtgTOEu0OQdI8OGPtGRX7PJAYHFQoKkfAA-6s7AEjvMGhUoSlmfHaoQSA4wVHUcyU9Ow-DGdPqIZRALgib_mGbzVos1GNDE3m5GQ4mmKqRP3E/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div>
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Tonight we don't have any major plans ... Ian has an old-school Nintendo and I told him I might like to break it out together over some pizza and vino. How about you?</div>
April of Smidge Of Thishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291578792373482623noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468939090071942630.post-33457718426470964862019-01-23T15:42:00.002-05:002019-01-23T15:42:39.165-05:00Dear 2019<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" height="640" id="id_c156_7105_8ad1_8e8f" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKqEz-lONMGRdXRtEEhPIwMZmF11ChVJM6NPzYyH-9i4o2b9YAcg-6YnJHbREmaUSqn_1UCDAVhjmwZTGDX46MtczMM6viKXx0ZKoPDg5pzJ6G6GcJVDn6NfpiTuAsbT2NZfKHMWnrag/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" title="" tooltip="" width="427" /></div>
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Dear 2018,</div>
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You went differently than I expected.</div>
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Regards,</div>
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April</div>
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Dear 2019,</div>
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Let's do this. But, could you maybe take it a little easier on us?</div>
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Last year was a bit of an emotional workout. January came in with the excitement of a newly-announced baby boy on the way. But as that excitement grew, we were simultaneously overwhelmed with fear and worry. In June, the utmost joy of welcoming Lochlan was quickly replaced with devastation the following month of Char's diagnosis, and then we circled back again to an intentional focus on joy (while still being punctuated daily with bouts of devastation). Joy, devastation, joy, devastation, joy. </div>
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We're finding our groove, and 2019 is off to a good start. I still have days where I lay in bed at night and say "what did I ACTUALLY do to cultivate joy today?" but, for the most part, I feel like we're doing a pretty darn good job of being glass-half-full people. In an arid desert. (I should probably delete that last part, life is not <i>that</i> bad)</div>
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Here's what I'd like to work with you on for the coming months, Mister (or Missus) 2019. </div>
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I'd like to have all of my babies here on Earth with me all of the months (there, I said it).</div>
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I'd like to spend each month doing FUN things. Not locking ourselves inside. I know about the germs, I know about the risks. I still want to find balance with that and have FUN. </div>
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I'd like to feel strengthened as a family unit, and specifically as a husband/wife unit, as we deal with a situation that weakens us. </div>
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I'd like for my children to feel happy, relieved, and warm + fuzzy the minute I walk into the room. </div>
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I'd like to not put myself last, I'd like to still find ways of fulfilling myself as a person without feeling guilt. I wouldn't mind putting those five pounds back on, I need to eat healthier and find my appetite again. </div>
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I'd like to think back on every single amazingly wonderful thing that was done for our family in 2018 and find a special, tangible, heartfelt way of paying it forward. </div>
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I'd like to slow down a little bit. Smell the roses more often. </div>
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I'd like my family members and girlfriends to know how I couldn't do it without them. </div>
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I'd like to be a little better about Instagramming on time. Right now I'm living in a world of Latergram. </div>
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I'd like to do more special crafts that use wee handprints and footprints. </div>
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I'd like to travel a little bit although that feels overwhelming (and if it doesn't include every family member, it just feels wrong). But, I know that a refreshed mom is a happy mom. </div>
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I'd like to keep connecting with wonderful people who fill my bucket.</div>
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I think we can do this. Please let me respectfully reiterate my desire to please have all of my babies here with me for all of the months.</div>
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Kindly,</div>
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April</div>
<br />April of Smidge Of Thishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291578792373482623noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468939090071942630.post-69428632494554264902018-11-05T05:24:00.000-05:002018-11-05T05:24:02.642-05:00Charlotte<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8ifttBydTURB8M56G76oYa-C3C4YTJKzsECc9O1j4E8qVGEoA5NnoV8ARXmnw2N4q-onTZsBeip5GgMnZSik-Z-D51Bh69Cf_Dy2K5jXUBZ2ZC3c2eL1GyPkIGrC96iescPT_sKdIp8/s1600/thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1080" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8ifttBydTURB8M56G76oYa-C3C4YTJKzsECc9O1j4E8qVGEoA5NnoV8ARXmnw2N4q-onTZsBeip5GgMnZSik-Z-D51Bh69Cf_Dy2K5jXUBZ2ZC3c2eL1GyPkIGrC96iescPT_sKdIp8/s640/thumbnail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Alright, so it's been a few months. And I honestly didn't know when I'd blog again, but on the other hand, I didn't ever feel done with blogging. I feel like a lot of people turn more these days to the "quick fix" of posts on Instagram and Instastories, but every time I pulled up this old blog and it ended showing the below happy-go-lucky, life-is-kinda-normal post about Lochlan turning one month old, it just didn't feel right. Life isn't the same as it was on July 23rd. But man, I kind of long for those days of semi-innocent bliss that I was experiencing on July 23rd.<br />
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I don't want to rehash the past 3 months here, because I think most everyone knows what's going on with our sweet Charlotte. I've documented most everything on a dedicated Instagram page, @charlottesjoy.<br />
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In the hospital, I toyed with the idea of just closing off everything. Shutting it down. No blog, no Instagram, no putting our very personal story out for the world to witness, talk about, whisper about, and possibly even judge. We don't live in that happy highlight reel anymore. We have real life sadness, challenges much deeper than I ever expected. As we neared our July 31st diagnosis, I got scared that what was going on with Charrie was going to be life-changing, but I still thought it could be "solved" -- or at the very least, managed -- by medication and cutting-edge technology.<br />
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But, that's not the case.<br />
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It was my husband who held me one night in the hospital and gently encouraged me to continue this if I <i>wanted.</i> To continue to share life as I have been since 2010, to continue to bring people in, to continue to flex this muscle IF and only IF it was therapeutic and helpful to me.<br />
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I didn't want to document the daily trials and tribulations here and on my main Instagram page; the hospital stays, the tube feedings, the regressions, the overall challenges ... because, maybe one day, I may want to scroll back and really just relive my OWN highlight reel. Protect my own heart. See the good, backburner the sad. Focus on the cute family pictures, the smiles. The happy times. Not see my daughter in a hospital gown. Not feel that hurt. I'm not denying it's there, I'm just finding a new little place for it. A place I can choose not to re-live on the daily, if needed.<br />
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We've been supported by YOU in ways that I never could have imagined. Ways that make my throat ache and eyes water every time I think about it. You know how you look back on things in your life and think, "AAAHHHHH -- I get it now, I see why life did THIS so that THAT would happen." Well, that's what is occurring. I really do feel in my heart like I was led to blog in 2010 because eventually I would <u>need</u> this connection, need this virtual warm hug from all of you, need this outlet for ME, need this connection to people who genuinely care. People who say "I started reading when you were pregnant with Camille," that happens a lot and I feel such a connection to you. It's like we've "met" even though we've never MET.<br />
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So anyway. I will wrap this up here, but I guess I just want to say that I will be back from time to time, when it feels good and feels right and feels fun. That's what this blog has always been for me. A happy place. I have so many beautiful memories of Charrie-girl on these pages and it will always be refreshing and cathartic for me to re-read those posts. I write them for you but mainly for me. I need to stay busy, I need to fill my life with tasks that keep me busy and productive. Aldi finds? Stocking stuffer favorites? Recipes you need in your file? These are all <i>problems I can fix.</i><br />
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I need problems I can fix.<br />
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So thank you for hangin' tough, for being there for a girl when she's in a place she never dreamed she would be. My baby. My Char. I don't know why things happen the way they do, but all I do know is that nobody questions my devotion to this amazing, lovely, sunshiney-smile girl. Have you ever seen a more beautiful smile?<br />
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Me neither.<br />
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See ya here for the happy stuff.April of Smidge Of Thishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291578792373482623noreply@blogger.com61tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468939090071942630.post-67598631897831620342018-07-23T08:49:00.002-04:002018-07-23T08:49:50.704-04:00Lochlan Is One Month<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" height="640" id="id_4e73_c4e0_e603_89fa" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTjBOZ9VYdZ2k5YoXIUebeEvdFUhKdx9NNk8GlxseJd4_VLCNVqj3UFdDqj58EYoD9n_ei891yvLBvPjoIAnurjN8ws9UJVGOqBdH-v9csNA-2NKU6CsQtlObAgN7zI45MMeYFUQm8OIo/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" title="" tooltip="" width="480" /></div>
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<i>(Lochlan was one month old on 7/6 ... we are fashionably late)</i></div>
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Oh sweet Lochlan, at one month old you are just a joy!</div>
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These have been some wild days, balancing life as a family of three young kiddos and two busy adults. Some moments have been some of the sweetest I've experienced -- and some have taken every single bit of strength I could muster. I know these times are fleeting, though. Some moments I hate to see pass (I actually really love the newborn days, even the lack of sleep) and some I want to just sweep right out of the door. Like the moments when ALL three kids are crying at the same time. Bah!</div>
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<img alt="" height="640" id="id_fca_78b4_cabd_5d95" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1oYw-rF02KTFFWiMRG3o3PmGLhiaemEv53GQK69r63nCNOz7wZc930TI9_-7s9MR_mn_gY-Kialg5wvPxjTU-Y4kmMYSe3MV25Dd_TWgH933V_HzatG68Tv5KYXYoUDtIt6nvzdLibjw/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" title="" tooltip="" width="640" /></div>
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At one month, here are Lochlan's stats:</div>
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WEIGHT 11lb 10oz (82nd percentile) -- up from 8.2 at birth</div>
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HEIGHT 22.76" (88th percentile)</div>
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HEAD CIRCUMFERENCE 40.1cm (98th percentile)</div>
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He moved from size NB to size 1 diapers. He sleeps a lot and is up 2-3 times a night to feed. Nursing is going well and he's for the most part one chill chap!</div>
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He experienced his first Independence Day ...</div>
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<img alt="" id="id_1b75_9e34_1142_518a" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoo0OZW-SPjquL01AIddae17zrDjrfSnPeO0Yy1qWvzo81kkrV1OEkOxTBtwpAG6r3mrJ4oQbTDFb5EZCUal_jktTPgiYZekAG_TnDPD3Wn1V_UNmZIXdqLuQpe-UaIaZr-pNGkO6qjJM/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div>
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... his first couple of at-home baths</div>
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<img alt="" id="id_79f3_c013_64b7_292d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8z0RggrZzH4/W1B-qGil1JI/AAAAAAAAbU4/CcRPaUoQCwAWwodjQV1edkpUiv4CVLrfACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div>
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... nightly snuggles and yard-walks with Daddy while I put the girls down to bed</div>
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<img alt="" id="id_72c3_c896_1fa3_d038" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TuBKCCmgVV4/W1B-qdmHSeI/AAAAAAAAbU8/NypCtPiJDmQCORyQfrsq1gc756jx-prbQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div>
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... plenty of "monkey in the middle" moments</div>
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<img alt="" id="id_807b_63f_ff11_ff82" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dV9BRzMTY17VXffINZZqYUJ3XMEpithpFms5ObKWJLBtE3UWp1RUnamZHCbR0-s0l637NGNlb2SVRm-v17sBW15owXzF7Ol8SdBL68wH908dOrmOTUtthT9yLCIsrP_f4qatooLZPBI/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div>
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... first trip to the pool (snoozed with <b><a href="http://bit.ly/2NDvlWF" target="_blank">a fan</a></b> in his carseat in one of the covered cabanas)</div>
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<img alt="" id="id_319e_8745_e6ab_7b23" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V3wdV5mIMuU/W1B-rYcf2jI/AAAAAAAAbVM/E0Tf7pUy4cQv04j9UsvrqovvoPOWIjRtQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div>
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... and first trip to the lake complete with first pontoon boat ride. (Still loving <b><a href="http://bit.ly/2O6eUmy" target="_blank">this Agility wrap</a></b>)</div>
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<img alt="" id="id_b531_d6c4_6349_b15c" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUlCISa0jmTimNIMJSfRpUGRyGESDeKl-o3uy04r7SODJZv5Pi3lylo_PfX7evaKV0kTkRgssWHrFharTNv3CdtnAu4qHht7ihjUwZPuCg7D1uLY4p0u77AR2uXI1AMolL7HYRFZus1jc/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div>
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My youngest sister Laura and I were so lucky again to be pregnant together and our boys are about 6 weeks apart once again. Will on left, Lochlan on right. </div>
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<img alt="" id="id_b682_8fc8_5274_9adc" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmhTZ9rIKO69f8dvOZLb9_Yl9verWy1hzRulLQgYvhh4zAFHZvFnrbKrATg-P9GYmIALdS7Qlz5JDefmXfxyMefpYiEMImupm_dP42hwS9NmnUHGe9gxq4hR4lnKY13l8uaCFAGJoWOWw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div>
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During this month he slept in a bassinet next to my side, swaddled in a <b><a href="http://bit.ly/2ObzYrW" target="_blank">Miracle Blanket</a></b> which also worked wonders with Camille (Char "fought the system" ... the swaddling system, that is). Naps are typically in my arms, the swing, Dock A Tot or a Rock and Play. We try to switch it up as much as possible. </div>
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Sweet precious Lochlan, may you always feel like you can lay in my arms just like this. </div>
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We love you, buddy. </div>
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April of Smidge Of Thishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291578792373482623noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468939090071942630.post-35373208296657045452018-07-20T08:34:00.001-04:002018-07-20T08:34:24.725-04:00 Five On Friday: Cute Lochlan Pics, Too!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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It's time for another edition of Five on Friday and I do hope you'll join along!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbZa4qe2FjzUAAI-iQnIOSw_r9XeJmw2UmVmPG2zS18GX9iqvLoggxtr202xmMtGaZ9gjqjCYJuemVLJKDhWY16ts1D0r3mDeiZsvLkfpvMFH0FnNCFh2HdBWlA1JlMJdVRYCYnBxgdE/s640/blogger-image--59343714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<b>O N E</b><br />
Look at this sweet babe! He's more and more alert these days and is such a CHUNK. Look at those cheekies!<br />
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Last night was the first time he's slept in his own room in the crib (he's been in a bassinet next to me for these past 6 weeks) and he did GREAT - up at 3:45, up at 6:45 and that's it!</div>
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<img alt="" height="400" id="id_2c78_fbdc_cbca_747" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetBzEdkJt5h6f8NyBI7cn3BWtGYPOmBAlR1XspwQMZpRD7InPxbujE9nYg9AbowwEeTipFWZNlXBBkrzbODrAi0GXEYH373GyQdD4E5eqimL91Gf4t_pLhlXyOLdO33e2GIZA9ho0ecI/s400/%255BUNSET%255D" title="" tooltip="" width="400" /></div>
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<b>T W O</b></div>
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So I don't always have a ton of time to watch television, but I have a new favorite. PLUS it's right around 20 minutes long which means it's super easy to slip one in. <span style="text-align: center;">Flip or Flop Atlanta is on HGTV On Demand and I like it a lot better than the original version. This couple is oh-so-cute without being over the top, and they do some awesome renos on Southern houses. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">I love seeing what sort of financially-wise changes they make and how much profit they end up earning. Surely everyone who watches flipping shows thinks "HEY ... I could do this?!" and I'm falling into the same hype. Flipping a house would probably be a dream job for me!</span></div>
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<img alt="Image result for flip or flop atlanta" src="https://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/editorial/shows/flip-or-flop-atlanta/FOFATL_SHOWCHIP_1920X1880.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.347.suffix/1497991863757.jpeg" /><br />
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<b>T H R E E</b></div>
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You meet people in just the strangest ways, and I have loads of personal stories about this. My friend Addie falls into this category. We met because she sells LipSense with me, and we got to know each other even better when we attended a seminar together in Oklahoma. She's WONDERFUL. She flew into Charlotte yesterday and we caught a quick salad together at Chopt. I just love her! And I just love that this crazy lippy world brought us together. </div>
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<img alt="" height="640" id="id_a384_75a5_487_1800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqvP5gQAYPAwbao5yhqT98jOSfDCM6XRs2c3vOd2O_CTYy9mZNVANlV9SoxwV-4bpLgWa5n32a8ZsmRdg08TL_DE_TchU7wWE2TNpU_IypK03nx9t6Xnr1DNDqA6dFyjeJzz5oknuTU4/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" title="" tooltip="" width="480" /><br />
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<b>F O U R</b></div>
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So hot dogs may not be as appealing to you as kids' food as, say, organic kosher grass-fed cage free gluten free turkey meatballs, but sometimes a kid just has to be a kid during the summer, am I right?! And my girls really love these octopus hot dogs I make. Using a knife, I just slice the bottom part into four pieces and then microwave for 45-60 seconds. To be really safe, cut the entire hot dog lengthwise before they eat it, but at least for the initial presentation it's so darn cute! You could even get really creative with goldfish and make an under-the-sea theme. </div>
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<img alt="" id="id_cbc3_3f21_64d6_fcf6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SeeOQBKFSm0/W1GbeHORLVI/AAAAAAAAbV8/0bqCHNuCe-ksiSVQo-vKD17LnB9bFgx7QCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
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<b>F I V E</b></div>
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My sister's coming to town this weekend with her family and we have plans to hit up <b><a href="http://bit.ly/2O5MVDt" target="_blank">Nordstrom</a></b> for the anniversary sale. For anything I really want to make sure to get, though, I'm doing my shopping online TODAY since the sale is now live to the public.<br />
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<i>(all images below are clickable to shop)</i></div>
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My number one FAVE, the <b><a href="http://bit.ly/2LcB0SA" target="_blank">textured v-neck sweater</a></b>! Ordered it immediately, YAY! Love it now with shorts for breezy summer nights, and later with skinny jeans and booties. Two colors are already sold out but four colors still remain. Sizes are really limited, I'm in the XS here. I chose the pink color this morning. </div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/2LcB0SA" target="_blank"><img alt="" id="id_e58c_78cb_12a6_2ed4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-07gaY1VU0a8/W1GbfKQmlXI/AAAAAAAAbWI/wSGhuXuQbSc7r-wi0vE4_EDZGYpIfpUVwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></a><br />
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In love with this cozy <b><a href="http://bit.ly/2NMEpcG" target="_blank">Halogen open cardi</a></b> (pockets!) and the <b><a href="http://bit.ly/2NKGTbq" target="_blank">raw-edge $11 v-neck tee</a></b> underneath. The white one is sort of sheer so be prepared to layer it with a cami. I also tried on brown and black in store and they were less sheer.<br />
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<a href="http://bit.ly/2NKGTbq" target="_blank"><img alt="" id="id_23cf_b0b1_1acc_f5e1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJgQisCf-coVAL8dSl9yBhNyfVRJ17Op1S4PC7B9B5We6KRyUKRFkaH4I7VuayaW87G4s2_kH0t32S5X2Y9rc89aLqfdLRbxjbv_wItfoHqAH2PBo0px7lRULeKyNKhWZv-bRge4JWb7k/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></a><br />
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<b><a href="http://bit.ly/2LclINv" target="_blank">Rib Wrap Sweater</a></b> by Leith<br />
Under $40 and available <a href="http://bit.ly/2LclINv" target="_blank">HERE</a><br />
I saw SO much of this gorgeous lilac color in store!<br />
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<a href="http://bit.ly/2LclINv" target="_blank"><img alt="" id="id_8b13_83d0_8f59_b10c" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfB5XQfEX3AgZfubLhpVt1EE87jS7htbJf-xx8aiSFvFWy6T4RqjGIiE_UeDNVdJyKArvw29JpPlkkeAGupo-tSDngnGeVFuGvwWjBdw6K8rgvi7R3EVtZ9SvhgR4PAMGzjVQg0ahnHaI/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></a><br />
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This <b><a href="http://bit.ly/2NIGNku" target="_blank">ribbed cardigan</a></b> is $25.90 and perfect for nursing.<br />
I'm seeing so many button-down henleys this season.<br />
Love this easy trend!<br />
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<a href="http://bit.ly/2NIGNku" target="_blank"><img alt="" id="id_fb54_be54_3f4f_f916" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jNJ0objO2iA/W1GbgSHm-1I/AAAAAAAAbWU/caoReWTgRLoClKk17rwB5H5jsAbAxTLLgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></a><br />
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And on a baby-related note, I can't BELIEVE the <b><a href="http://bit.ly/2NwMxgo" target="_blank">Dock-A-Tot</a></b> has not sold out yet as part of the sale! These things hold their value so well for resale and Lochlan loooooves it. New mamas, this is worth the purchase.<br />
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<a href="http://bit.ly/2NwMxgo" target="_blank"><img alt="Deluxe Stage 1 Dock, Main, color, Emerald Isle" height="640" src="https://n.nordstrommedia.com/ImageGallery/store/product/Zoom/11/_103320011.jpg?crop=pad&pad_color=FFF&format=jpeg&w=780&h=1197" width="416" /></a><br />
<i><a href="http://bit.ly/2NwMxgo" target="_blank">Dock-A-Tot</a></i><br />
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Nordstrom sale ... What did you score?!</div>
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That's it for today! Hope you have a lovely weekend -- thanks for linking up with us below!</div>
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<!-- end LinkyTools script -->April of Smidge Of Thishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291578792373482623noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468939090071942630.post-70273891554765097932018-07-13T09:35:00.000-04:002018-07-13T09:35:08.040-04:00Five On Friday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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It's time for another edition of Five on Friday and I do hope you'll join along!</div>
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Remember, all you have to do is post about five things on your mind, add our logo (found at the bottom of this post), and join the party using the linky tools below. Easy, and a great way to find new blogs and be found. :)<br />
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<b>O N E</b><br />
I stopped by Nordstrom yesterday along with half of the city of Charlotte, and on the way out I stopped by the little cafe to grab an iced chai. That's my favorite coffee shop drink. I was caught off guard when the barista said, "Normal iced chai or lavender iced chai?"<br />
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UMMM, lavender iced chai of course!!!<br />
Now, how can I recreate this at home? I am thinking a little homemade lavender simple syrup and some <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Trader-Joes-Spicy-Chai-Latte/dp/B00RY15T8G/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1531487019&sr=1-10&keywords=chai+tea+mix&linkCode=ll1&tag=alizadv-20&linkId=90283a84987ecd74133e4dd2b142d54b" target="_blank">chai tea mix</a></b>!<br />
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<img alt="" height="640" id="id_ebe8_e96c_42f9_4bd8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X-mvEN45gsc/W0hp0s4x0TI/AAAAAAAAbUE/VoIZhec3Lo4hdPyfWLXC7CSJIOw7VkZggCHMYCw/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" title="" tooltip="" width="480" /><br />
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<b>T W O</b></div>
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Speaking of simple syrup, I was at the pool with my friend Nina recently and we were chatting about making simple syrup in a microwave (using a mason jar). She has an amazing food-centric blog and recently blogged about making strawberry jalapeno simple syrup. How amazing does this sound?! <b><a href="http://www.peacelovegoodfood.com/2018/07/strawberry-jalapeno-simple-syrup.html" target="_blank">Click over here</a></b> to see her take on it!</div>
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<img alt="peace. love. & good food.: Strawberry Jalapeno Simple Syrup" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjtlns9cYbVO1lX8iz5Fl0N2FhxuKIfvnP-EnnQn9zzEI9a_Yn9j7gFI7LDiqGiyqLjKvWFLIpJrZgykXVfxNSDcYcXvomQqNujQ-M-gCiqpqcaUoW_Yk6jh_j8godIRielNxEvXdvKk/s640/IMG_6273.JPG" /><br />
<i><a href="http://www.peacelovegoodfood.com/2018/07/strawberry-jalapeno-simple-syrup.html" target="_blank">photo cred</a> </i>:)<br />
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<b>T H R E E</b></div>
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The girls absolutely love this Playfoam! It seriously does NOT dry out (side-eyeing you, playdoh). I mean, some of our foam has grass bits and probably Goldfish crumbs in it, but you'd be tossing it for that reason and not because it dried out. It's <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004ALKLR2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=alizadv-20&linkId=7f9b7c9a3aa2a0b15e1f7b782006ed89" target="_blank">cheap on Amazon</a></b> and the girls just love it. Charlotte's physical therapist (for fine/gross motor development) encouraged us to expose her to all sorts of textures to play with, and I think this fits the bill!</div>
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I gave it to them on Monday afternoon with some little toys and small kitchen tools like a silicone garlic peeler and silicone rolling pin and they loved it!</div>
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<img alt="" height="400" id="id_9097_8aeb_983d_9d8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tm0pHOGjwG8/W0hp101Q0qI/AAAAAAAAbUQ/8xyfpMF60fsD_SYv0eVjXJEydVrQstsNgCHMYCw/s400/%255BUNSET%255D" title="" tooltip="" width="400" /><br />
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<img alt="" height="400" id="id_4a25_7fb4_5f6a_fff8" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55727od2DwGKdHwHtYTdFe5Ju3bmskBx16Cu4LUAPAweFbjuVlkHMA-999pqUaN9SzSTdwi0VvN8gPxwjAEwgEhblnsF8cwfaiOBP5ybVxjpHfM03w3Z5s3DSBbo567xNp8K7_JBmPYc/s400/%255BUNSET%255D" title="" tooltip="" width="400" /><br />
<i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004ALKLR2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=alizadv-20&linkId=7f9b7c9a3aa2a0b15e1f7b782006ed89" target="_blank">Playfoam, $7.99</a></i><br />
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Another Nordies win. <a href="http://bit.ly/2LclINv" target="_blank"><b>This ribbed top</b></a> is another great option for any fellow breastfeeding moms because you're not having to go to great lengths to feed that fussy babe. And for everyone else, it's just a beautiful and graceful top. Great price, too. </div>
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Pair with a cami underneath like I have! Or else you might have a Janet Jackson moment. </div>
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<img alt="" height="640" id="id_64d6_57a8_edd9_7717" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YZfAbjjoqeU/W0hp0bDZUCI/AAAAAAAAbUA/KxoppHam3Bgmn0Cmct2fwDQv0I7ga4MJwCHMYCw/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" title="" tooltip="" width="640" /><br />
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<b><a href="http://bit.ly/2LclINv" target="_blank">Leith Rib Wrap Sweater</a></b><br />
<i>$39.90, down from $59</i><br />
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<img alt="" id="id_3fe4_74c4_a1f7_b417" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7O7lUf9szhaqsz3lMEGejGbeS0O-Wr2_-7NVmlHuNBkWYZNHDDzqusoJbZWCmf-Fl8aT-fZx_byGvx-Ksg_KmyjqEHedm8Z91LRc34b-qg3k7sGqOqBaZF4u_L83IaQOsmUo12vxyhw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
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<b>F I V E</b></div>
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Lochlan's one month appointment was yesterday and WOWZA this boy has jumped up from 8.2 at birth to 11.10! In just five weeks. He's a big boy! </div>
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I'll share more of his one month stats next week, but he's doing awesome and is just such a wonderful little boy. </div>
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That's it for today! Hope you have a lovely weekend -- thanks for linking up with us below!</div>
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<!-- end LinkyTools script -->April of Smidge Of Thishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291578792373482623noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468939090071942630.post-20255176411961796132018-07-12T15:26:00.000-04:002018-07-12T15:27:53.026-04:00Charleston SC Restaurant Rec Roundup + Sale Shopping<div style="text-align: left;">
Happy Friday Eve! Feels good to be on the heels of a nice weekend!</div>
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We have some nice family time ahead of us including a short trip down to our fave coastal city, Charleston SC! You all have been so helpful (on Instagram!) helping with restaurant suggestions. I know the big, established restaurants pretty well but I was really hoping for some insight into the newer, happenin' type places, and you guys really delivered. So thank you for that, and I've rounded up some of your recommendations here!</div>
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Before I jump into that, I did hop over to the <a href="http://bit.ly/2LbFitu" target="_blank">Nordstrom Sale</a> this morning to scope out what I want to pick up when the sale opens up on July 20th. For any of you cardholders, it's open as of TODAY. </div>
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Here are some of my favorites. Shop ALL sale merch by clicking <b><a href="http://bit.ly/2LbFitu" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>.</div>
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<b>J. CREW RUFFLE SLEEVE TEE</b></div>
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<b><a href="http://bit.ly/2NLUJdn" target="_blank">$32.90 HERE</a></b></div>
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I love the green and white combo, but it also comes in navy/pink stripe and black/white stripe. Can't beat the price of this top, and I love the ruffle sleeve. </div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/2LbFitu" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="640" id="id_f5fe_f146_b2ec_2edb" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7hV-opiasZrJGeQ9owgaKp-OjdOAcfGTusgMRTREvFn8T1uRZj_HSKkQOfe4ufAuWff1b86tK3JWoYmapJpppM3z_-lc_TU_08c8nELQptF7BXw9KUrrWPZtNTLSZe-kDL2y3mGvpKY/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" title="" tooltip="" width="480" /></a></div>
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<img alt="" id="id_95de_253d_ebbd_80b4" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOK2L6c51V5s-4jA9JMTKiR-AtGr8q0oLz75k-4v0sv6cT_YOfAtUR3xY6YnT-WOVC7zQL1pTQfQyK4_GKEdIPeGfXQFLveSP3opAauKG4juNi9HuyoCYlstRCXmqFEZVEe8kSAIjf30/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div>
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This combo is EXACTLY what I was hoping to find in-store!</div>
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<b>HALOGEN OPEN FRONT POCKET CARDIGAN</b></div>
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<b><a href="http://bit.ly/2NMEpcG" target="_blank">$42.90 (down from $79!) HERE</a></b></div>
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and</div>
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<b>BP RAW EDGE V-NECK TEE</b></div>
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<b><a href="http://bit.ly/2NKGTbq" target="_blank">$11.90 (down from $17) HERE</a></b></div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/2LbFitu" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="640" id="id_2d8a_7da0_69d8_8c87" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NWPCfTan2sg/W0eOcVI9igI/AAAAAAAAbSM/-oh43cTygUE60RDRbsnadgB5VR90ks5TgCHMYCw/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" title="" tooltip="" width="480" /></a></div>
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The long cardi at $42.90 is seriously such a steal. So cozy and soft, I love the idea of throwing it on for a night at the movie theater with some shorts and a tee. Perfect for summer when you need some breeze on your legs but want to cozy up in a chilly theater. </div>
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<img alt="" height="400" id="id_a08d_fa04_13f6_3b41" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhQTQJTQtdeLT7knDGDUjXIXwQXhFcmEZfboJ1eC5uX9QtrhVECU2oCDHJrWKrYYIYs3QJiIs9tKBv-E-COfEh3uHEIQI-XoigCehN4LrZnILToYUSsQXLvyvTg2NfpMgtsN0Ae5FlaI/s400/%255BUNSET%255D" title="" tooltip="" width="400" /></div>
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The white tee is going to be best with a cami under it -- it's pretty sheer. </div>
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<img alt="" id="id_bf50_31c6_99c5_e369" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XqUIA1WkeAo/W0eOc_26UPI/AAAAAAAAbSc/NnhAo3xWIC8ulpxA3DPYnT8llro02kt9ACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div>
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But they have it in other solid colors and stripes that are less sheer. This color below is Brown Cattail, and I also tried it on in black which was not sheer. </div>
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<img alt="" height="400" id="id_2edc_3435_76d4_5a9a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OtlmqWHeXuw/W0eOd9mwAaI/AAAAAAAAbSk/4x9j9z2GK6QLIgqjSWC5IYdf9T52Ibl9gCHMYCw/s400/%255BUNSET%255D" title="" tooltip="" width="400" /></div>
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Coming in as a major fave is this amazing soft v-neck sweater. PLUS they have it in lots of colors including a gorgeous yellow.</div>
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<b>BP TEXTURED STITCH V-NECK PULLOVER</b></div>
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<b><a href="http://bit.ly/2LcB0SA" target="_blank">$25.90 HERE</a></b></div>
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Available in six different colors. HUUUUGE win on this one. Twenty five bucks. </div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/2LbFitu" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="640" id="id_67b5_1335_286e_407f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u7i3A0KBgyA/W0eOdBYSoNI/AAAAAAAAbSg/_8Q5NfdFPscsAbcyRIBCDGWTyFztjD4ZgCHMYCw/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" title="" tooltip="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<img alt="" id="id_450f_a1b2_70df_8c" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxu7n9Vor9WWfEFqqYcW_xn9PDsHgS8uHKIswuqgygAwa6IloXx7Z1bEmd6sK6Wmcg9vIDHOHJqcoDLCVW3Ppm6unUdNcJN52DNogCxWg4JxbyX-dWjRDtHlslDDfo3tWg3UHX1Ay910/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div>
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<b>BP RIBBED CARDIGAN</b></div>
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<b><a href="http://bit.ly/2NIGNku" target="_blank">$25.90 HERE</a></b></div>
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I love how relaxed and "I'm not even trying to look cute" this is, but my reality as a nursing mama is that this comfy ribbed sweater is PRAISE HANDS GOOD.</div>
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The buttons are functional and I mean ... it's amazing. </div>
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<img alt="" height="640" id="id_8696_2848_989_e699" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOXgXF5Bv6LeuEdwIv8gq6REfQfUuZxQ79RUpN-hAlO1seaJigSFOjDXKwnmYFA0NaxcHydOP8jr-jL9f9jocKTR08ljjDpm9VXxYAGMk9ghL9V7NBhd_URJeAnFYpKOAeRpACHKq50U/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" title="" tooltip="" width="640" /></div>
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<img alt="" height="400" id="id_2d8f_bc94_c6d9_692b" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZRGqx8sJfRDtXLCUCBp4Phu8_4zt1_h4-hLc9GLZWvUFQ8Xx5a7qZKWa1MArTnlFAHcNMuK5OVQ-Z71fUVDFphCHkbWMSLY2SN2b4hpjtkyfbyUDoY2bV_jaEPD-UbULIkBvOkBpByA/s400/%255BUNSET%255D" style="width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" width="220" /></div>
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<b>LEITH SIDE SPLIT MIDI CARDIGAN</b></div>
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<b><a href="http://bit.ly/2NMPbiP" target="_blank">$49.90 HERE</a> (color: Purple Moss)</b></div>
and<br />
<b>BP RAW EDGE V-NECK TEE</b><br />
<b><a href="http://bit.ly/2NKGTbq" target="_blank">$11.90 (down from $17) HERE</a></b><br />
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<img alt="" height="640" id="id_fa48_d6d8_59ea_4ce2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-34CJryEC4cA/W0eOfIkUASI/AAAAAAAAbS8/U_UMztIrAjIBOKHSc-U8eJTeILptTs7uACHMYCw/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" title="" tooltip="" width="480" /></div>
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Here's another cute combo for a movie date or a breezy beach night. I love that Purple Moss color. </div>
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<img alt="" height="400" id="id_a486_fd2_8bf_52e4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I3ei4o23XHg/W0eOfKkMaeI/AAAAAAAAbS0/qk5VrPghWQ03vgEBJJIPUA9GEghvNSbuQCHMYCw/s400/%255BUNSET%255D" style="width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" width="299" /></div>
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And same black Raw Edge V-Neck tee, but with the </div>
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<b>CHELSEA28 OVERSIZE OPEN CARDIGAN</b></div>
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<b><a href="http://bit.ly/2LflAgi" target="_blank">$59.90 HERE</a></b></div>
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Now, this is really oversized, and the XS/S had plennnnty of room on me, but if you're going for that slouchy oversized look, this is your jam. </div>
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<img alt="" height="640" id="id_70b2_bbc8_9a8a_b009" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk160Zb5vt6g55zOiLjkXYFbZqsD0OkGQvZPMEMlO_s5IBxVbYx6DaE-A7te3Zlm9fd3e5gib9mq71MRljSdRc5JwVwzUv7MP23GTCMaryJ94hWQnHH3WOygcsT5xe0l0W8RFlf2CFg48/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" title="" tooltip="" width="480" /></div>
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Moving on to Charleston, SC! The Holy City!</div>
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<img alt="Image result for charleston sc" height="213" src="https://f9prodcdn.azureedge.net/media/3728/chs.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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I put out feelers for lunch spots, and extra credit points for any in the Mount Pleasant area! Here are some of the recommendations that were named most frequently:</div>
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<u><b>Spots I've Never Been</b></u></div>
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Tavern and Table (<a href="http://www.tavernandtable.com/" target="_blank">website</a>)</div>
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The Obstinate Daughter (<a href="http://www.theobstinatedaughter.com/" target="_blank">website</a>)</div>
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Page's Okra Grill (<a href="http://www.pagesokragrill.com/" target="_blank">website</a>)</div>
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Five Loaves Cafe (<a href="https://www.fiveloavescafe.com/" target="_blank">website</a>)</div>
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Locals (<a href="http://localssushi.com/" target="_blank">website</a>)</div>
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Grace & Grit (<a href="http://gracegrit.com/" target="_blank">website</a>)</div>
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The Wreck (<a href="http://www.wreckrc.com/menu.html" target="_blank">website</a>)</div>
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Mill St. Tavern (<a href="https://www.themillstreettavern.com/" target="_blank">website</a>)</div>
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Westbrook Brewing (<a href="http://westbrookbrewing.com/" target="_blank">website</a>)</div>
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Nico (<a href="https://www.nicoshemcreek.com/" target="_blank">website</a>)</div>
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Red Drum (<a href="http://reddrumrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">website</a>)</div>
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<u><b>Spots I've Been To - And Can Vouch For!</b></u></div>
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Butcher & Bee (<a href="https://butcherandbee.com/" target="_blank">website</a>)</div>
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Rue de Jean (<a href="https://www.holycityhospitality.com/39-rue-de-jean/" target="_blank">website</a>)</div>
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Husk (<a href="http://huskrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">website</a>)</div>
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Hominy Grill (<a href="http://hominygrill.com/" target="_blank">website</a>)</div>
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Poogan's Porch (<a href="https://www.poogansporch.com/" target="_blank">website</a>)</div>
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Fleet Landing (<a href="http://fleetlanding.net/" target="_blank">website</a>)</div>
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Red's Ice House (<a href="http://www.redsicehouse.com/" target="_blank">website</a>)</div>
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Whew! That's a pretty extensive list. </div>
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Thank you all SO much for your recs! We will be having lunch at one of these and are still deciding on a dinner spot as well. I'll keep you posted and <b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/smoochbyapril/" target="_blank">Instastory</a></b> along the way!</div>
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<img alt="Image result for road trip quote" height="400" src="https://media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/3etCK7jaJJEc5tKuiUZauyZZ6hU/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:format_auto-!!-:strip_icc-!!-/2014/04/22/110/n/28443503/8c7c19379c73ad64_Considering-road-trip-long-weekend/i/Considering-road-trip-long-weekend.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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April of Smidge Of Thishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291578792373482623noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468939090071942630.post-1603971871197581142018-07-07T09:43:00.003-04:002018-07-07T09:43:58.384-04:00Saturday Steal ::: Rose All Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMYHQjO_6VwcXzXBXFCKEs1T7OyyVTkIDLRlG3BbQuSjJC6RbDzDHFlEnM1K-iG2cdr6fJkQVfL1PM1V1i8Vrkp_863sVYtKyTlzdnN_yc7wIY9vgQG8-FxHYJWp4DMAewS53y2iJj84/s1600/saturday+steal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMYHQjO_6VwcXzXBXFCKEs1T7OyyVTkIDLRlG3BbQuSjJC6RbDzDHFlEnM1K-iG2cdr6fJkQVfL1PM1V1i8Vrkp_863sVYtKyTlzdnN_yc7wIY9vgQG8-FxHYJWp4DMAewS53y2iJj84/s400/saturday+steal.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<img alt="Wordplay Floppy Straw Sun Hat,
Main,
color, Pink Tropics Combo" height="640" src="https://n.nordstrommedia.com/ImageGallery/store/product/Zoom/3/_102332803.jpg?crop=pad&pad_color=FFF&format=jpeg&w=780&h=1197" width="417" /></div>
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<i><a href="http://bit.ly/2J0aHxa" target="_blank">available here</a></i></div>
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For today's Saturday Steal, I had to share <b><a href="http://bit.ly/2J0aHxa" target="_blank">this adorable sunhat</a></b>! Whether you have a beach trip planned or just plan to spend an afternoon lounging by the pool, I think a "rose all day" wide-brimmed hat is perfectly appropriate!</div>
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How cute as well for a birthday gift for a sister or girlfriend?!</div>
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40% off currently with free shipping, so totally a Saturday Steal!</div>
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<br />April of Smidge Of Thishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291578792373482623noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468939090071942630.post-45462519665338798072018-07-06T08:46:00.000-04:002018-07-06T08:46:20.632-04:00Five On Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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It's time for another edition of Five on Friday and I do hope you'll join along!</div>
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Remember, all you have to do is post about five things on your mind, add our logo (found at the bottom of this post), and join the party using the linky tools below. Easy, and a great way to find new blogs and be found. :)<br />
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<b>O N E</b><br />
A great update on Char's vision! You may remember that she had strabismus surgery (to fix crossed eyes) back in April, then a month later at the follow-up they advised us to go BACK to patching for a month -- for residual crossing. YUP, after we'd already paid a boatload for her eye surgery. To be fair, we were also told that 20% of the surgeries needed a repeat. I should be typing it as $urgerie$ because wowwwwwza. And with both Ian and me being self-employed, we don't have employer coverage to help with the insurance costs. So we are big-time hoping that one surgery will correct it. Plus, we obviously don't want her to need surgery again!<br />
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Anyway, after this past month of repeat patching (one hour a day, alternating eyes this time) we were just told Monday that we can give the patches a rest! We will have another follow-up in a month, but for now Char can enjoy her summer splashing around and playing outside without me chasing her around holding an eye patch.<br />
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<i><a href="https://amzn.to/2KO75mR" target="_blank">our patches of choice: Ortopads</a></i></div>
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<b>T W O</b><br />
Baby Lochlan is one month old today! I can't believe how quickly this time has flown! He's so cute, so snuggly, so wonderful. He's still sleeping a lot, but you better believe his eyes PING wide open right around 10pm at night. Haha. Luckily he's precious.<br />
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<i><a href="http://bit.ly/2IWKOhG" target="_blank">high-neck tank</a></i></div>
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I've been LOVING these <b><a href="http://bit.ly/2IWKOhG" target="_blank">Luxe High-Neck Tanks</a></b> for postpartum wear (shown above)! I own FOUR colors. They conceal the belly I've still got so well, are machine washable, and are just that super stretchy cozy cotton fabric. They are still available on the website and some colors/patterns are even on sale. I'm in the XS and it is still very long and plenty swingy in the midsection. </div>
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<img alt="product photo" height="400" src="https://oldnavy.gap.com/webcontent/0014/864/422/cn14864422.jpg" width="300" /> <img alt="product photo" height="400" src="https://oldnavy.gap.com/webcontent/0015/212/144/cn15212144.jpg" width="300" /></div>
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<i><a href="http://bit.ly/2IWKOhG" target="_blank">tanks available here</a></i></div>
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<b>T H R E E</b></div>
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Camille is a kid who loves a plan, but with a newborn and a 2yo who's still not walking independently, it has honestly been really difficult to get the crew out of the house for anything more than necessary doc appointments. At least, during the workweek when Ian's not here to provide a second set of hands. I still want Camille to have really fun summer activities, though, which has just taken a little more planning. She's still in that awesome stage where I can say things like "TUESDAY IS ... SOCCER DAY!" and pump her up about getting to put on "soccer kid clothes" and kick the soccer ball around the backyard. </div>
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Having some sort of themed activity each day has really given her something to look forward to!</div>
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<b>F O U R</b><br />
I loved seeing everyone's posts about the Frosé you've been making! You can see my post with the recipe <b><a href="http://www.smidgeofthis.com/2018/07/make-your-own-frose.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>. I also had a lot of people message me with fun little tweaks they made -- making it non-alcoholic for expectant mamas, or one gal who made the simple syrup using blackberries instead! Yum! I think Ian and I might have to whip up a batch this evening. Yes, he's a manly man who loves Frosé!<br />
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<b>F I V E</b></div>
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I love <b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/celestebarber/?hl=en" target="_blank">Celeste Barber</a></b> so much and will just leave this right here. Just know that if you're ever looking at someone like she's the mom on the left, she's most likely feeling like the mom on the right. I know I am! :) </div>
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That's it for today! Hope you have a lovely weekend -- thanks for linking up with us below!</div>
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April of Smidge Of Thishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291578792373482623noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468939090071942630.post-66611288269040999132018-07-05T15:03:00.001-04:002018-07-05T15:03:53.880-04:00Independence Day!<div>
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July 4th! I have to say that this was the quietest Independence Day we've had in a while!</div>
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No parades, no fanfare, nothing crazy, BUT we did have a nice family-oriented day at home. In the morning, Ian took both girls out to buy a bird feeder, get my van washed for me, and pick up some groceries. And later after a family lunch and nap, the girls came downstairs to see a backyard with lots of fun things set up -- a water table, baby pool, and slip & slide (or "slipping slide" as Camille calls it). </div>
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Ian grilled out wings and hot dogs while I snuggled Lochlan and the girls played. Later we chatted with a neighbor who fought in Vietnam. I feel proud to say that while putting out American flags at our mailbox and in our front planters the other day, Ian also walked a flag over to his mailbox and put it there for him. I thought it was such a sweet and thankful gesture. </div>
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So, continue on with too many photos of my kids in cute patriotic clothes that they basically just wore in our backyard. Maybe another year we will do some crazy fun activities, but I have to say that it was a quiet, special and sweet day at home with my little family. </div>
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<br />April of Smidge Of Thishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291578792373482623noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468939090071942630.post-84940203021583613682018-07-02T10:14:00.002-04:002018-07-02T10:14:14.424-04:00Make Your Own FroséYou know how you order something out at a restaurant and you pay a ton for it, because there's no way you could make it at home?<br />
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I am here to tell you that you, too, can make your OWN Frosé at home. And it's not hard! And certainly not expensive!<br />
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<img alt="Image result for frose" src="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/food-and-drink/2016/08/09/Frose_2_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqqVzuuqpFlyLIwiB6NTmJwfSVWeZ_vEN7c6bHu2jJnT8.jpg?imwidth=450" /></div>
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<i><a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/08/28/fros--how-a-glass-of-wine-with-the-texture-of-a-childrens-slushi/" target="_blank">via</a></i></div>
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<i>(the first few steps -- freezing your rosé and making an </i></div>
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<i>infused simple syrup -- will be best if done at least </i></div>
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<i>a day in advance -- so take that into consideration!)</i></div>
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You're going to start off by freezing your rosé. Pour a bottle into a Ziploc freezer bag, close tightly and toss in your freezer. My favorite rosés are more of a light orange in color (not really the darker pink ones). I laid my freezer bag of rosé across a frozen lasagna so it would freeze in a flat layer, speeding up freezing time a little.<br />
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Now it's time to make a strawberry simple syrup. Slice some strawberries -- maybe 5 or 6 berries. You can use fresh or frozen strawberries. I used frozen and sliced them right out of the freezer. In a mason jar, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water. Microwave it for 90 seconds, and then stir together. Add in some sliced strawberries when it's hot and bubbling.<br />
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Let this concoction sit until it's a beautiful bright pink color. You can leave the strawberries in.<br />
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To make your Frosé, add the frozen rosé to a blender and add in 4 tablespoons of the simple syrup. Blend together until it's a beautiful frozen concoction.<br />
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Pour in glasses, add in a straw, and top your frosé with some of the sliced strawberries from the simple syrup. Enjoy! This would be so fun to serve on Wednesday for July 4th festivities!</div>
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<i><a href="https://www.brit.co/disney-world-frose-poolside-slushies/" target="_blank">via</a></i></div>
April of Smidge Of Thishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291578792373482623noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468939090071942630.post-2467108510943174352018-06-26T08:24:00.000-04:002018-06-26T08:25:06.365-04:00Late Night TemptationThere's one thing that late lights nursing has NOT been good for, and that's my PayPal account. It's just way too easy to scroll scroll scroll through beautiful Instagram photos and convincing blog posts that have me perusing those famous three words -- <i>add to cart. </i><br />
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So I thought I'd share some finds here with you this morning and also open up the comments to any great deals you've recently scored and want to share!<br />
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<b>Pottery Barn Kids Lunchbox -- currently down to $9.99 with free shipping!</b><br />
<b><a href="http://bit.ly/2tucrK4" target="_blank">AVAILABLE HERE</a></b><br />
This high-quality lunchbox is down from $22.50 and you just can't beat this deal. It's basically a Walmart price but from Pottery Barn Kids. Also great to have on hand for kids' birthday gifts.<br />
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<a href="http://bit.ly/2tucrK4" target="_blank"><img alt="Mackenzie Neon Rainbow Classic Lunch Bag" src="https://www.potterybarnkids.com/pkimgs/ab/images/dp/wcm/201825/0277/mackenzie-neon-rainbow-classic-lunch-bag-c.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Nighttime Essential Oil</b></div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/2MZa4H6" target="_blank"><b>AVAILABLE HERE</b></a></div>
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I purchased this for our diffuser and it has a calming, nice scent. It's a blend of the following: Lavender, Sweet Majoram, Chamomile, Bergamot, Ylang Ylang, Sandalwood, Key Lime, Vanilla<br />
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(the diffuser I use is <b><a href="http://bit.ly/2MoHb65" target="_blank">this one</a></b>)</div>
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<img alt="Edens Garden Good Night 10 ml 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade GC/MS Tested (Lavender, Sweet Majoram, Chamomile, Bergamot, Ylang Ylang, Sandalwood, Key Lime, Vanilla)" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41GzdA-TMqL.jpg" /></div>
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<b>Lemon Print Maxi</b></div>
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Currently unavailable, but I purchased from <a href="http://bit.ly/2triI9p"><b>jane.com</b></a></div>
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Mine shipped on the 21st, hope to get it soon!</div>
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<img height="640" src="https://cloud.media-jane.com/q_auto,f_auto/v1/img/deals_additional/81451de1733b4c01bddd05c48df82022.jpg" width="425" /></div>
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<b>Topshop Rhinestone Stud Insect Earrings</b></div>
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<b>Currently 50% off and only 8.99 (free shipping)</b></div>
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<b><a href="http://bit.ly/2KnyNmM" target="_blank">AVAILABLE HERE</a></b></div>
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I'm such a sucker for whimsical rhinestone studs and these look SO pretty on the model. </div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/2KnyNmM" target="_blank"><img alt="Rhinestone Insect Stud Earrings, Main, color, Blue Multi" height="400" src="https://n.nordstrommedia.com/ImageGallery/store/product/Zoom/4/_103211744.jpg?crop=pad&pad_color=FFF&format=jpeg&w=780&h=1197" width="260" /></a><img alt="Rhinestone Insect Stud Earrings,
Alternate,
color, Blue Multi" height="400" src="https://n.nordstrommedia.com/ImageGallery/store/product/Zoom/10/_103211750.jpg?crop=pad&pad_color=FFF&format=jpeg&w=780&h=1197" width="260" /></div>
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<b>Cooper Cooler</b></div>
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<b><a href="http://bit.ly/2MpLQF6">AVAILABLE HERE</a></b></div>
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I found mine secondhand for a fraction of the price, but I've shared it the past two days on Instastories and received SO many questions and requests for the link! This cools a room-temp bottle of wine, beer, or soda in mere minutes. You just add in two cups of ice and 12oz water and let it spin spin spin. </div>
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The best part is that it comes with a cigarette lighter plug ... helloooooo, tailgating! </div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/2MpLQF6"><img alt="Cooper Cooler Rapid Beverage & Wine Chiller, Silver" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41YB0AS213L.jpg" /></a><br />
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Any of these catching your eye, too?<br />
Would love to hear from you with any great deals you've snagged!</div>
April of Smidge Of Thishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291578792373482623noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468939090071942630.post-35323078250979612242018-06-23T19:51:00.002-04:002018-06-23T19:51:56.519-04:00Right On Target (Finds From ... Target)Tonight is ...<br />
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...pizza.<br />
...wine.<br />
...Target shopping (online, natch).<br />
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So let me show you what I just bought. All together qualified for free shipping and I can't WAIT to see the girls in those matching swimsuits!<br />
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<img alt="Toddler Girls' Lemon One Piece Swimsuit - Cat & Jack⢠Yellow - image 1 of 3" height="640" src="https://target.scene7.com/is/image/Target/52803623?wid=1400" width="640" /></div>
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<i><a href="http://bit.ly/2MhqcCJ" target="_blank">swimsuit</a></i></div>
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<b>LEMON ONE-PIECE</b></div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/2MhqcCJ" target="_blank"><b>available here</b></a></div>
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I got this in 4T and 2T for the girls.</div>
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Currently they are BUY ONE, GET ONE 50%!</div>
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Look at the sweet back!</div>
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<img alt="Toddler Girls' Lemon One Piece Swimsuit - Cat & Jack⢠Yellow - image 2 of 3" height="640" src="https://target.scene7.com/is/image/Target/52803623_Alt01?wid=1400" width="640" /></div>
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And for me, I splurged on some new summer jammies! Before my belly got too large, I was loving sleeping in <b><a href="http://bit.ly/2MS6df9" target="_blank">these amazing PJ Salvage pajamas</a> </b>that Ian got me for my birthday (mine are solid gray) but after each of my deliveries I have had such craaaaazy hormone surges that I often wake up dripping in sweat at night. So, even though we keep our home a little chilly at night -- what I call "arctic zone" -- I still can't handle the long sleeves and long pants. </div>
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So I purchased <b><a href="http://bit.ly/2tpv7un" target="_blank">this chic black set</a></b> and can't wait for it to arrive! Not to mention, the button front is extremely nursing-friendly. </div>
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<img alt="Women's Pajama Set Total Comfort - Gilligan & O'Malley⢠- image 1 of 2" height="640" src="https://target.scene7.com/is/image/Target/16407757?wid=1400" width="640" /></div>
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<i><a href="http://bit.ly/2tpv7un" target="_blank">pajamas </a></i></div>
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Okay, back to my wine and pizza I go! And next up, Southern Charm on DVR, and a bubble bath!</div>
April of Smidge Of Thishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291578792373482623noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468939090071942630.post-27543323478949530272018-06-19T08:29:00.003-04:002018-06-19T08:29:49.132-04:00Bye Bye, Gel (For Now)For the past year and a half, I have been scheduling regular gel manicures! It all started with a Groupon. (Those things really do suck you in.) Before Christmas that year, I cashed in said Groupon and got my nails done in a gorgeous light pink/natural color. I felt like my hands looked so pretty, so put together, so… "polished." And every 2/2.5 weeks I have returned for gel removal and reapplication!<br />
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It’s been a nice little luxury and something I have really looked forward to. Some much needed me-time. Each visit is $25 or $35, and I've always tipped 20% at the minimum, so it's not the cheapest little me-time activity, but I love it.<br />
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Well, this weekend Ian had the girls in the mountains for fun activities and a little break from the heat -- I was home solo with little Lochlan, laying low and -- ya know, nursing like 22 hours a day -- and my polish was starting to peel up on the sides.<br />
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I did the unthinkable, something I haven't done in the past 18 months. I PEELED IT OFF! This is a huge no-no, but my nails were honestly so weak to begin with from the gel and also the fact that one of the salons used an electric file too much on my nails.<br />
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So then I ran with Baby L to Walgreens and picked up this to hopefully strengthen my nails, and I'm also going to use some SeneGence products as well. My nails are in a bad way, just so thin, so I'm keeping them short to hopefully keep broken nails at bay. I might look into Color Street if I want some color on my nails, but they still need a bit of healing/breathing time.<br />
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I also need to grab some biotin capsules to help with growth!<br />
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So, are you a reformed gel nails gal? What helped you (besides good ol' fashioned time) to strengthen your nails back again?<br />
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<i>(GEL: I'll be back for ya. Just when it makes a little more sense, time-wise.)</i></div>
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April of Smidge Of Thishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291578792373482623noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468939090071942630.post-77564965156185071142018-06-15T08:49:00.003-04:002018-06-15T08:49:31.397-04:00Five On Friday: FIVE New Post-Partum Clothes<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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It's time for another edition of Five on Friday and I do hope you'll join along!</div>
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So, the post-partum bod. Not always the easiest to dress. Even when I just think I'll throw on some yoga pants and a t-shirt, even my normal casual tshirts are still tooooo tight in the midsection. I'm down around 10ish pounds, maybe more, but I still have quite the tummy.<br />
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It just takes a while to lose that and a little creativity with dressing so that I still feel cute, covered, can nurse easily, and the large tummy is concealed enough to hopefully avoid the "When are you due?" questions that embarrassingly can come from time to time for new mamas.<br />
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So, the other day -- well, around 4am on Wednesday -- I decided enough was enough with struggling to get in my current clothes, and I ordered <b>FIVE new inexpensive pieces.</b> All are the Shein or Romwe brand and I got them all on Amazon Prime. These two lines are priced so low, I'm not expecting them to be quality staples pieces that I own for years and years, but moreso "bridge clothes" that help me feel a little more put together when I'm between two very different body shapes.<br />
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So here's what I got. And when my box of goodies arrives today or tonight, I'll try them on and maybe even share them on Instastories!<br />
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<img onerror="this.parentNode.innerHTML='Disable your ad blocking software to view this content.'" src="//assets.rewardstyle.com/production/ff15b6cabf60eea2f1d060cb71d48326653eab8b/images/search/350.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><noscript>JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.</noscript></div>
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ONE:<br />
Romwe Women's Loose Ruffle Hem Short Sleeve High Low Peplum Blouse Top (Khaki)<br />
<b><a href="http://bit.ly/2JKVhOw" target="_blank">Shop It HERE</a></b><br />
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TWO:<br />
SheIn Women's Round Neck Short Sleeve Casual Loose Swing Dress<br />
<b><a href="http://bit.ly/2JE0XxE" target="_blank">Shop It HERE</a></b><br />
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THREE:<br />
SheIn Women's Cute Striped Peter Pan Collar Short Sleeve Babydoll Blouse Top (Pink)<br />
<b><a href="http://bit.ly/2MswjVS" target="_blank">Shop It HERE</a></b><br />
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FOUR:<br />
Romwe Women's Comfy Swing Tunic Short Sleeve Smock Polka Dot Loose Dress<br />
<b><a href="http://bit.ly/2JDNRjX" target="_blank">Shop It HERE</a></b><br />
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FIVE:<br />
SheIn Women's Cute Short Sleeve Pockets Color Block Casual Swing Tunic Dress<br />
<b><a href="http://bit.ly/2MsvdJK" target="_blank">Shop It HERE</a></b><br />
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That's it for today! Hope you have a lovely weekend -- thanks for linking up with us below!</div>
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<i>direct links above for your </i></div>
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<!-- end LinkyTools script -->April of Smidge Of Thishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291578792373482623noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468939090071942630.post-15585665098939563092018-06-13T08:40:00.000-04:002018-06-13T08:40:02.100-04:00Introducing Our Son ... One Week Old<div style="text-align: center;">
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Sweet sweet Lochlan, welcome to our family!<br />
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Last Wednesday, June 6, we welcomed this adorable bundle of joy. He weighed 8 pounds, 2 ounces, and was 20" long. His full name is James Lochlan, carrying on two traditions of having James as a given first name (Ian and his late father also do) and also having a name that pays homage to their Scottish ancestry.<br />
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We left the hospital after lunch Thursday and spent Thursday night and Friday night as a quiet trio -- my husband, Lochlan, and me. It was a great way to ease into our new life, and the older sisters were having the time of their lives with their grandmothers, not missing a beat on their summer vacation.<br />
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We've had two outings to our wonderful pediatrician, once Friday where he was down to 7.8lbs and a quick repeat Monday for a weight check where he was back up to 8.1. Other than that, we've just been relaxing at home, taking it easy, and even having a few visitors stop by who have been SO kind to bring meals and baby snuggles!<br />
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Recovery for me has been fairly easy this time around thanks to a quick and straightforward delivery. Sleep, ehhhhh, who really needs it anyway. I haven't taken a nap yet which is sort of ridiculous, but I'm not much of a napper -- I often get a case of FOMO and would rather just push on through.<br />
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An awesome friend is scooping Camille up this morning to take her to the dollar movies, and my mom is coming up again tomorrow to visit for the day and give a helping hand. Hey, I might even get two nap days in a row!<br />
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So, Lochlan, welcome to the crazy crew! We love you so much our little prince!</div>
April of Smidge Of Thishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291578792373482623noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468939090071942630.post-70956106153800173482018-06-05T07:32:00.002-04:002018-06-05T07:32:54.744-04:0039 Weeks Update ... Reflections On Adding To Our Crew<div style="text-align: center;">
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This is me yesterday. There's a baby in there!</div>
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(I always love it when I hear kids ask their mom about me, "is there a baby in her belly?" ... right when I'm feeling like the largest, most PREGNANTEST person in the world, and then the innocence of youth -- it's the best.)</div>
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I'm right around 25 or so pounds up, Baby Boy is growing perfectly, last heartbeat was around 138, and man alive are we anxious to see his face.</div>
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Will he come out bright-eyed, darker skinned and dark-haired like Camille?</div>
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Or will he be perfectly fair and snuggly from the start like Charlotte?</div>
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How can I balance three. How can I balance three!!!</div>
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I keep reminding myself, one day at a time.</div>
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And from the wise advice of a friend, we can do anything for a short amount of time. Anything. </div>
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I just want to be a good mom, and a PATIENT mom, and a FUN mom, but I also know I have to cut myself some slack. There are going to be days when I'm running on about three hours of sleep, days where I am a little too quick to snap at the girls, but also days when I get all three to the park with filled water bottles, sunscreen on faces arms and legs, and I feel like I can conquer the goshdarn world. </div>
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Big changes ahead ... sooooooon!</div>
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Any guesses on weight and length?! </div>
April of Smidge Of Thishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291578792373482623noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468939090071942630.post-39555080062670871562018-06-01T08:19:00.002-04:002018-06-01T08:19:14.501-04:00Five on a JUNE Friday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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It's time for another edition of Five on Friday and I do hope you'll join along!</div>
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<b>O N E</b><br />
June's here and this is BABY MONTH<br />
Holy moly!<br />
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I can't believe we will be meeting this little man soon. I can't believe we are going to be parents to a little boy. I can't believe we are going to have three children. I can't believe we don't have a name yet!<br />
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(Haha, we do have some strong contenders. Gotta see that sweet little face)<br />
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We had the nursery painted by our fave painter yesterday and he did a beautiful job with paint I already owned, Tradewind by Sherwin Williams which is in our guestroom. It's a beautiful, light, serene blue.<br />
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Now I just have to get a new rug and some items hung on the walls!<br />
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<b>T W O</b><br />
Thanks to everyone who checked in about Charlotte's eye check-up this week. Last month was her strabismus surgery (to correct crossing eyes) and this week's appointment did show that crossing is still prominent enough to merit another month of alternate eye-patching for an hour a day to see if we can correct that issue without needing a repeat eye surgery.<br />
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This girl is just such a trooper and it broke my heart Tuesday when I patched her (after two months of no patches) and she just cried and cried and cried.<br />
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Luckily, we had a turning point yesterday and she tolerated it for an hour while we played outside and did sidewalk chalk. I love that girl so much and just want to hit that easy button for her! </div>
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<b>T H R E E</b></div>
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Hey, quick question. I mentioned yesterday that I needed to purge some baby clothes. A few people mentioned interest in being able to purchase through Instagram. Would you have interest in this? Not the day-to-day preschool clothes, but mainly nicer items like sweet little dresses and smocked items. Super low prices? (I just want to see these clothes being loved on again, they are SO cute!) </div>
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Would you like to see this as a stand-alone Instagram account, or should I just take a weekend to post a few items on my Smidge Of This page, and then delete all items after the weekend is over?</div>
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<b>F O U R</b><br />
The <b><a href="http://bit.ly/2JnMTYf" target="_blank">Nordstrom</a></b> sale wraps up in two days, did you score anything fab? I love that they carry some of the Lilly items that I love. This little <b><a href="http://bit.ly/2LfDiAa" target="_blank">duo of trinket trays</a></b> is $20 with free shipping, how perfect to have on hand for a hostess gift, a girlfriend's birthday present, or a Secret Santa swap?!<br />
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<img alt="Set of 2 Ceramic Trinket Trays,
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Lastly, I've got $20 in Supercash at Old Navy as of tomorrow and it's already burning a hole in my pocket. I have <b><a href="http://bit.ly/2JpJuIB" target="_blank">this swing dress</a></b> already in black (and the long-sleeve version in a dark teal) and love it ... great for summer days and even for fall with leggings underneath. But <b><a href="http://bit.ly/2JpJuIB" target="_blank">this stripe</a></b> is my next purchase and I think it will be so cute with a <b><a href="http://bit.ly/2JmPJN3" target="_blank">fun long necklace from my sister</a></b>!</div>
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<i><a href="http://bit.ly/2Lcs7YI" target="_blank">necklace: direct link</a></i></div>
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That's it for today! Hope you have a lovely weekend -- thanks for linking up with us below!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3F3aXPuJmK99XXg4kz1mlU0Z7RjnTu5zdip6sGdR9rDVpHIDy_upBBjR7qqNM9c7ZHvdZ-VJlIigzPwFCUcGZ4mbAYpaxdf-gwD08nCgZ6wZTA4KnMQfaaxI3QV6m_X7BbLeKGpzXfc/s1600/fof+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" id="id_9664_9cac_5ecf_9402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3F3aXPuJmK99XXg4kz1mlU0Z7RjnTu5zdip6sGdR9rDVpHIDy_upBBjR7qqNM9c7ZHvdZ-VJlIigzPwFCUcGZ4mbAYpaxdf-gwD08nCgZ6wZTA4KnMQfaaxI3QV6m_X7BbLeKGpzXfc/s320/fof+5.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 320px;" width="320" /></a></div>
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<!-- end LinkyTools script -->April of Smidge Of Thishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291578792373482623noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468939090071942630.post-18294243912239270862018-05-31T10:28:00.002-04:002018-05-31T10:28:13.552-04:00It's Nursery Time!Back in the winter, we had some really sweet photos taken in Charlotte's room (amongst other rooms) because I knew this room would be turning BLUE!<br />
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I wanted to remember how it looked when it was just hers, with the happy floral curtains and the coral-pink walls.<br />
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<img alt="" id="id_27ed_8f3c_9329_7847" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBR_QDQB0vXn3BfR6f-dwnxX2SIE7qsLzLeOwHSxoDETksgCj1twy8tHljcq63VPI5mO6k0Qq7PDwYOXsVC1MAMLcmugbXsXjhqqSoDOmWId8GtIHgIcT4rJCrrXB49gzUqQC7nYy_ro/s1600/%255BUNSET%255D" title="" tooltip="" /></div>
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This morning I popped upstairs and prepped the room for our painter's 7:30 arrival time, pulling art off the walls and unclipping the drapes. </div>
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I work best under pressure and typically wait until the deadline to accomplish things, so this ninth-hour painting job was planned two days ago and as soon as the walls are dry, I plan to just wrap up the rest of the room!</div>
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Placement of everything will remain basically the same, but that little nine-cube storage shelf you can sort of see in the right side of the photo is going to be in the girls' shared closet for additional clothes storage. There's a white dresser in their room that I'm going to move to Baby Boy's room. </div>
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I have some very old white matelesse drapes from my "single days" apartment that I may be using in his room, although Camille told me I couldn't because the matelesse pattern is floral and he is a BOY. Well, it won't be the first time he's going to have girly things as part of his life. His rock and play is a gorgeous shade of baby pink. </div>
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So, I just went upstairs and it looks like the painting job is done, so now we just let it dry and then start putting things back in their place for little brother's arrival! I need to order a new rug, finalize what I'm doing with the drapes, swap out the bedding, get Ian to move the crib back up to the newborn height, maybe get a new lamp or two for his room, and move Char's clothes out of his closet. Which means a major downsizing of clothing since the girls are sharing a closet now. Hellooooo, Goodwill! </div>
April of Smidge Of Thishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15291578792373482623noreply@blogger.com10