Anyone see our other kids lately?? 😜 You know, Anyone see our other kids lately?? 😜 You know, it's so funny how some parts of the newborn phase have been like muscle memory and others have been like we've had our first born all over again. 

We were worried about how David and Evy would feel with this new family member but they have been so sweet that it brings tears to my eyes to put it into words. I was especially worried about Ev being supplanted as the youngest but, honestly, being the big sister suits her SO well and I think she's been loving it, too. 

I've also loved getting to experience this again with Josh. The way you band together during the newborn phase especially is very bonding. You rely on each other deeply and it's not always cute or pretty. 

Super grateful 💗
To the best big brother and sister. Cleo is going To the best big brother and sister. Cleo is going to think she has the coolest, smartest, bravest big siblings in the world, and she's not wrong 😉
She's here 🌷 Cleo Renée was born 2 weeks early She's here 🌷 Cleo Renée was born 2 weeks early on Saturday March 11 at 1:52 in the morning. 

Josh and I just had a feeling about that day (Friday), so we kept the kids out of school, went out to breakfast, and just spent our last day together as a family of four. 

My contractions started right after my 38 week appointment that morning and progressed throughout the day until around 4pm when I thought, "Mmk, I'm starting to really need to breathe through these. Better go in."

I was so convinced they were going to turn us away that it really didn't hit me that we were actually going to meet our girl that night until we'd been there for a few hours already. 

Baby girl ended up being 7lbs 15oz and 20in long!

We are all so in love. David and Evy are OBSESSED. A few times their friends have come to the door to ask them to play and they've said they'd rather stay home with the baby 😄

We are so blessed and thankful for this little girl ❤️
How to use a French hair pin. I love these things How to use a French hair pin. I love these things because they can hold up even my thick and chunky hair and I don't have a large clip sticking off the back of my head (don't get me wrong, I love a good hair clip, too)! Have you tried one yet??
This season of waiting has been weird. But I’m s This season of waiting has been weird. But I’m so grateful for it.

On the one hand, there’s so much to do to get ready for little one to join us—it’s been a while since we’ve had a newborn! I’m spending most of my free time writing and nesting, nesting and writing. 

And then on the other hand, I’m feeling pretty ready to have my body back. And by that, I mean just to be done literally sharing it with another being. You start to miss things after a while like being able to breathe when you lay on your back or not getting indigestion for eating a few grapes. 

Overall, there’s so much to be thankful for. Each little inconvenience is a blessing and I’m happy they’re there. I’ll also be happy when they’re over. For now, I’m just savoring being a mom of “older kids” (8 and going on 6) that can grab their own snacks from time to time and put on their own shoes. We’re going to be heading back to square one in a couple months and I’m sure there’s a lot we’ve forgotten!
Naturally, when we see a need, we rush in to fill Naturally, when we see a need, we rush in to fill it and fix it. On top of this, it’s hard for us to ask for help because we don’t want to be a burden to others. 

But in the process of meeting everyone else’s needs and neglecting our own (especially our need for rest), we often become bitter towards the ones we’re helping.

Instead, one of the best things we can do as a wife or mother is to assess our own needs and make sure to leave space to meet them ourself or to ask for what we need. 

It might be time to rest, help with the next meal, time alone to pray and meditate on God’s word, or allowing yourself to leave a task un-done so you can “selfishly” enjoy a hobby of yours like the rest of your family gets to do. 

In the end, making room to find joy each day may be one of the best things you do for your relationships.
30 weeks and counting down the days til we meet yo 30 weeks and counting down the days til we meet you. We *think* we've finally settled on a first name after non-stop back-and-forth and brainstorming. Any guesses?? Or.. what are your favorite baby girl names right now??
Saturday highlights 🖤 We've been trying to be s Saturday highlights 🖤 We've been trying to be super intentional with the time we spend with David and Evy recently, knowing that big changes are just around the corner! We pray with them, ask them what questions they have, take the time to explain things. I'm hoping they'll be set up pretty well for the transition of little sis coming in March but most of the work will happen after she gets here! How did you help littles prepare for baby?
Merry Christmas from the Damons! ❤️ Merry Christmas from the Damons! ❤️
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Baby, Family, fitness, Kids, Toddler, travel · April 18, 2018

6 Tips For Hiking With A Baby

Hiking has always been a huge part of our lives and one of mine and Josh’s favorite pastimes. We didn’t want the fact that we had little kids keep us from the things that we loved and, in fact, we believe that hiking is great for kids! That being said, there are definitely a few things that we needed to change when we started hiking with kids. Hiking with kids (especially a baby) is a whole new ballgame! Here are some of the tips we’ve learned along the way:

1 | Invest in a quality baby backpack/carrier

During Ev’s first few months, we always hiked with her in a front carrier that we had when David was little but, boy, was that rough on my back! For my birthday, I asked my mom to get us a legit baby backpack to carry her in and we have LOVED it! I don’t think the brand is all that important but I would recommend getting a back carrier with a wedge on the bottom that baby can sit on.  It allows their weight to sit at your hips rather than pulling at your back or shoulders. We’ve also found that even though our carrier is mean to be like a backpack, we can switch it around to the front if we want to.

2 | Pack essentials in a backpack rather than a baby bag

It’d be nice if all you had to remember to bring on your hike was the baby but, sadly, that’s never the case. Babies usually need things. Maybe not lots of things, but they do need them. Things like diapers, wipes, nursing covers or bottles, extra clothes, toys, pacifiers, etc. And you’re not going to want to lug that around in a single shoulder strap baby bag.

3 | Be smart about what you and your baby wear

Take it from this picture, Josh and I haven’t always been prepared when it’s come to hiking with the kids. We took this picture in the middle of August when the weather down at sea-level was sunny and in the 80s. Up in the mountains, though? Totally different story. It was misty and cold and we found ourselves in light sweatshirts with no extras. These next pictures tell a different story:

 

A post shared by Chelsea Damon 🍍 (@chelsealeighdamon) on Feb 17, 2018 at 7:47pm PST

A post shared by Chelsea Damon 🍍 (@chelsealeighdamon) on Feb 10, 2018 at 6:36pm PST


Although one setting was colder than the other, we thought ahead and came prepared in the right clothes. We got this great lamp outfit for Ev which was SUPER warm but loose enough to add a layer of cozy PJs underneath if we wanted her to have extra warmth (I’d also recommend a cold-weather suit like this). It’s also usually a good idea to grab a brimmed cap or bonnet just to give baby’s head come cover in case the weather turns bad unexpectedly.

Secondly, if you’re breastfeeding, be sure to keep that in mind on your hike. While hiking, you might feel most comfortable in a sports bra, which is one of my favorite clothing items in the word to wear. Just make sure that your shirt and bra are loose enough to easily move aside for a hungry baby. Breastfeeding can be tricky when you’re on the trail but having easily adjustable clothing will make things less complicated. I use this nursing cover and freaking LOVE it. It feels light and silky like an athletic wear material which is GREAT during the summer!

4 | Understand just how long your baby can go

This picture makes me laugh because Ev and David were just SO DONE with being outside (even though we had technically just arrived there).

Every baby has his or her limits and no matter how well fed or clean the diaper, that baby is going to want to go home or nap eventually. If you’re lucky, you’ll have a baby that falls asleep effortlessly in the baby carrier. Evy has always been hit or miss. Sometimes we’d be pleasantly surprised because she’d fallen asleep in the carrier without us even knowing and other days there was no mistaking that she just wanted to be home in her crib. Josh and I usually have the expectation that we may need to cut the hike short and head back before Ev (or David, our toddler) gets grumpy, that way we make it home in peace. Every child will be different, just do your best to set your expectations for finishing the hike on what you know your baby to be able to handle.

5 | Take a buddy

Whether you hike with your spouse or a friend, it’s always a good idea to hike with someone else, especially if you have kids with you. I’ve gone on smaller hikes with David and Evy in the past and while it started out nice (like most hikes do) I ended up regretting not going with Josh because BOTH kids wanted to be carried home (I should have seen that coming). Besides just having a helping hand, there’s safety in numbers so it just makes sense to have another person with you and the kids on a hike.

6 | Time your hike wisely

This point goes along with point #4. Like I said, every child has his or her limits but why not start strong by starting a hike first thing in the morning or first thing after naptime? That way, your kids are refreshed, getting outside will more likely be exciting rather than tiring, and you’ll give yourself plenty of time for a great hike before kids get worn out. You might think that you’ll be able to push through naptime and/or your kids can just sleep in the carrier or in the car on the way home but, take it from me, a hike down the mountain is no fun with tired and crying kids.

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In: Baby, Family, fitness, Kids, Toddler, travel · Tagged: advice, baby, backpack, carrier, child, daughter, diapers, easy, family, gear, hike, kids, mountain, noads, pampers, prepared, son, supplies, tips, travel, walk, wipes

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Hi! I'm Chelsea and we're the Damon's. We spent the last two years in WA state paying off student loans and just bought our first house in SC! I love a smooth black coffee, Josh's first love is the Seattle Sounders. Our kids are huge dorks and constantly make us laugh and we all love spending as much time outside as possible.

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Anyone see our other kids lately?? 😜 You know, Anyone see our other kids lately?? 😜 You know, it's so funny how some parts of the newborn phase have been like muscle memory and others have been like we've had our first born all over again. 

We were worried about how David and Evy would feel with this new family member but they have been so sweet that it brings tears to my eyes to put it into words. I was especially worried about Ev being supplanted as the youngest but, honestly, being the big sister suits her SO well and I think she's been loving it, too. 

I've also loved getting to experience this again with Josh. The way you band together during the newborn phase especially is very bonding. You rely on each other deeply and it's not always cute or pretty. 

Super grateful 💗
To the best big brother and sister. Cleo is going To the best big brother and sister. Cleo is going to think she has the coolest, smartest, bravest big siblings in the world, and she's not wrong 😉
She's here 🌷 Cleo Renée was born 2 weeks early She's here 🌷 Cleo Renée was born 2 weeks early on Saturday March 11 at 1:52 in the morning. 

Josh and I just had a feeling about that day (Friday), so we kept the kids out of school, went out to breakfast, and just spent our last day together as a family of four. 

My contractions started right after my 38 week appointment that morning and progressed throughout the day until around 4pm when I thought, "Mmk, I'm starting to really need to breathe through these. Better go in."

I was so convinced they were going to turn us away that it really didn't hit me that we were actually going to meet our girl that night until we'd been there for a few hours already. 

Baby girl ended up being 7lbs 15oz and 20in long!

We are all so in love. David and Evy are OBSESSED. A few times their friends have come to the door to ask them to play and they've said they'd rather stay home with the baby 😄

We are so blessed and thankful for this little girl ❤️
How to use a French hair pin. I love these things How to use a French hair pin. I love these things because they can hold up even my thick and chunky hair and I don't have a large clip sticking off the back of my head (don't get me wrong, I love a good hair clip, too)! Have you tried one yet??

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Anyone see our other kids lately?? 😜 You know, Anyone see our other kids lately?? 😜 You know, it's so funny how some parts of the newborn phase have been like muscle memory and others have been like we've had our first born all over again. 

We were worried about how David and Evy would feel with this new family member but they have been so sweet that it brings tears to my eyes to put it into words. I was especially worried about Ev being supplanted as the youngest but, honestly, being the big sister suits her SO well and I think she's been loving it, too. 

I've also loved getting to experience this again with Josh. The way you band together during the newborn phase especially is very bonding. You rely on each other deeply and it's not always cute or pretty. 

Super grateful 💗
To the best big brother and sister. Cleo is going To the best big brother and sister. Cleo is going to think she has the coolest, smartest, bravest big siblings in the world, and she's not wrong 😉
She's here 🌷 Cleo Renée was born 2 weeks early She's here 🌷 Cleo Renée was born 2 weeks early on Saturday March 11 at 1:52 in the morning. 

Josh and I just had a feeling about that day (Friday), so we kept the kids out of school, went out to breakfast, and just spent our last day together as a family of four. 

My contractions started right after my 38 week appointment that morning and progressed throughout the day until around 4pm when I thought, "Mmk, I'm starting to really need to breathe through these. Better go in."

I was so convinced they were going to turn us away that it really didn't hit me that we were actually going to meet our girl that night until we'd been there for a few hours already. 

Baby girl ended up being 7lbs 15oz and 20in long!

We are all so in love. David and Evy are OBSESSED. A few times their friends have come to the door to ask them to play and they've said they'd rather stay home with the baby 😄

We are so blessed and thankful for this little girl ❤️
How to use a French hair pin. I love these things How to use a French hair pin. I love these things because they can hold up even my thick and chunky hair and I don't have a large clip sticking off the back of my head (don't get me wrong, I love a good hair clip, too)! Have you tried one yet??
This season of waiting has been weird. But I’m s This season of waiting has been weird. But I’m so grateful for it.

On the one hand, there’s so much to do to get ready for little one to join us—it’s been a while since we’ve had a newborn! I’m spending most of my free time writing and nesting, nesting and writing. 

And then on the other hand, I’m feeling pretty ready to have my body back. And by that, I mean just to be done literally sharing it with another being. You start to miss things after a while like being able to breathe when you lay on your back or not getting indigestion for eating a few grapes. 

Overall, there’s so much to be thankful for. Each little inconvenience is a blessing and I’m happy they’re there. I’ll also be happy when they’re over. For now, I’m just savoring being a mom of “older kids” (8 and going on 6) that can grab their own snacks from time to time and put on their own shoes. We’re going to be heading back to square one in a couple months and I’m sure there’s a lot we’ve forgotten!
Naturally, when we see a need, we rush in to fill Naturally, when we see a need, we rush in to fill it and fix it. On top of this, it’s hard for us to ask for help because we don’t want to be a burden to others. 

But in the process of meeting everyone else’s needs and neglecting our own (especially our need for rest), we often become bitter towards the ones we’re helping.

Instead, one of the best things we can do as a wife or mother is to assess our own needs and make sure to leave space to meet them ourself or to ask for what we need. 

It might be time to rest, help with the next meal, time alone to pray and meditate on God’s word, or allowing yourself to leave a task un-done so you can “selfishly” enjoy a hobby of yours like the rest of your family gets to do. 

In the end, making room to find joy each day may be one of the best things you do for your relationships.
30 weeks and counting down the days til we meet yo 30 weeks and counting down the days til we meet you. We *think* we've finally settled on a first name after non-stop back-and-forth and brainstorming. Any guesses?? Or.. what are your favorite baby girl names right now??
Saturday highlights 🖤 We've been trying to be s Saturday highlights 🖤 We've been trying to be super intentional with the time we spend with David and Evy recently, knowing that big changes are just around the corner! We pray with them, ask them what questions they have, take the time to explain things. I'm hoping they'll be set up pretty well for the transition of little sis coming in March but most of the work will happen after she gets here! How did you help littles prepare for baby?
Merry Christmas from the Damons! ❤️ Merry Christmas from the Damons! ❤️
The 12+ hour drive is worth it 😊 The 12+ hour drive is worth it 😊

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