Happy 6th birthday to the OG sister! There's no be Happy 6th birthday to the OG sister! There's no better feeling than getting to know the wonderful person she is growing into. We're so proud of this girl!! 6 is going to be a great year 💕
I'd want to sleep all day, too, if I were up every I'd want to sleep all day, too, if I were up every hour last night 🙃🙃 

Outfit @honest 🦋
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??
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Baby, Life & Finances, Motherhood, Sponsored · June 20, 2019

How to Self Care by Creating a Routine You Enjoy

This post is sponsored by Baby Jogger, but all opinions expressed are 100% my own.

I remember laying in bed one night with Josh, 8 months pregnant with David, and thinking, “I’m going to miss this. I’m going to miss just him and me, the freedom, doing what we want when want.”

Don’t get me wrong, I was ecstatic for the baby we made to join our family, but every pregnant mama has those feelings before a new baby comes.

Around that time, I resolved that we weren’t going to let having a baby keep us from doing the things we loved. I mean, why should it have to be either/or? Why can’t we bring the ones we love with us to do the things we love?

Today, every time I open my phone, I’m reading about something to add to our self-care routine, friends deleting social media apps because they need a detox, videos of influencers crying because they’ve been masking mental health issues for far too long.

While, of course, none of these things are bad, it gives me the picture that we’re in a constant ebb and flow between overwhelm & burnout and self-indulgence. And, most of the time, each of those things is making up for too much of the other.

This, my friends, it not balance. It’s a roller coaster.

Instead of coming out of inconsistent periods of “self-love” and burnout, why don’t we all work a little harder to create a lifestyle that brings us joy that we can realistically maintain?

In this blog post, I want to give a few tips to do just that. Tips that will, hopefully, inspire you to have a productive and joy-filled routine that will leave you feeling accomplished and fulfilled at the end of the day.

First things first – I would be nowhere without my Baby Jogger City Mini GT2

Ever heard the phrase, “A parent is only as good as their stroller?” Me neither, but trust me – it’s a thing.

All of the things I’m about to list below and made doable by my Baby Jogger. This stroller is lightweight, compact, and moves effortlessly! Honestly, what’s more frustrating than taking babies and toddlers out to run errands? Not being able to ACTUALLY get around with them!

The baby jogger makes those problems melt away. It’s honestly the best stroller Josh and I have ever used. Not to mention the kids love it too and are cozy with their memory foam seat. I can check on them with the peekaboo window and store extra nicknacks or even my bag below so my hands are free. If you’re in the market for a new stroller, don’t make another move until you’ve checked out the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2.

1 | Do one thing that’s good for you

At first, the thought of adding something into your routine that’s good for you might feel overwhelming because it feels like “one more thing.” However, our entire concept here is about new habits and routines, not one-off quick fixes.

Doing something good for you might look like exercising for a half hour to an hour every morning or making adjustments to your eating habits. It could mean spending extra time in prayer or quietness, even when the laundry pile is begging you to put it away.  

By doing something that will help you improve each day, you’ll avoid feeling like you’re in a rut or losing sight of yourself.

2 | Do one thing that’s good for the kids

Mom-guilt get’s to all of us. There are days when I can feel so busy with work that, by the end of the day, I can barely think of anything that I did solely for the kids’ sake. Some days, it might be all I can do to simply keep the kids dressed and fed (and even that can come as a challenge).

But on the days when I’ve spent some time reading through a preschool workbook with David for 10 minutes or singing songs with Evy before bed, or maybe even got them to eat a few carrots, those are the days when I feel like I’ve done something good for them. Something that will help them grow into the adults that Josh and I hope they become some day.

3 | Do one thing that’s fun for you

Back when the kids were younger and I was home with them full time, our routine looked like this:

  • Breakfast
  • Gym
  • Drive-through coffee stand
  • Lunch
  • Downtime/naptime at home
  • Playground/walk with the kids.
  • Afternoon at home or time to run errands
  • Cook dinner
  • Dad’s home!

Now, that drive-through coffee stand might seem like a weird minor detail to include, but back then to me, it was HUGE. We can debate whether my caffein addiction is healthy or not, but that was my way of rewarding myself for getting a toddler and a baby fed and out the door and getting my butt to the gym. And if our morning was productive, chances are it would set the momentum for the rest of the day as well.

Although it was a huge challenge learning how to get both kids out the door in the morning, I eventually began to love our routine and really felt as though I was thriving in it.

Today, I work full time from home as well as through my blog and Instagram. Needless to say our routine looks fairly different. However, we’re great at getting out in the afternoons and going on pretty walks here in town.

Whatever your routine looks like, make sure there are things in there that you really enjoy.

4 | Do one thing that’s fun for the kids

In the routine I mentioned above, I talked about going to the park and on walks a lot. This was something I did for the kids and for me. Obviously, the kids love getting out and being active, but I also love knowing that I made that happen for them.

For you, doing something for the kids might not mean getting them out of the house, but I do think that if couped up in the house for too long, kids turn into destructive little puppies that really just need to get some energy out. When Josh or I put the extra effort into giving them something fun to do, we all end up feeling way more amiable

5 | Plan for downtime

I get it. Taking a nap every day while the kids nap or are in school isn’t always realistic. But even if it’s a half hour in the morning or an hour in the evening, try to have a small amount of time each day where you let go of expectations for yourself.

Same goes for the kids. Kids need downtime (that’s not replaced with screens) in order to practice creativity or simply relax. Kids can get overwhelmed too and a set time where there’s nothing planned can do a lot of good in their routine.

6 | Maintain an aesthetic you enjoy

Raise your hand if you’ve ever angry-cleaned 🙋. I have too. It’s in those moments when I’m really seeing just how much my environment affects my mood.

It probably took me way too long to realize that I can create for myself an aesthetic that’s tranquil, inspiring, and easy to maintain. It really just takes a little planning and then a few minutes of maintenance each day. Not to mention, as the kids get older, they become a lot more able to clean up after themselves 🙌

Have you worked towards creating a routine that you love? How have you seen it bring balance and joy to your life, even in the midst of running errands, transporting kids, or making it to the gym?

Shop the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2

In: Baby, Life & Finances, Motherhood, Sponsored · Tagged: baby jogger, jogger, motherhood, self care, stroller

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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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Happy 6th birthday to the OG sister! There's no be Happy 6th birthday to the OG sister! There's no better feeling than getting to know the wonderful person she is growing into. We're so proud of this girl!! 6 is going to be a great year 💕
I'd want to sleep all day, too, if I were up every I'd want to sleep all day, too, if I were up every hour last night 🙃🙃 

Outfit @honest 🦋
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 😉

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Happy 6th birthday to the OG sister! There's no be Happy 6th birthday to the OG sister! There's no better feeling than getting to know the wonderful person she is growing into. We're so proud of this girl!! 6 is going to be a great year 💕
I'd want to sleep all day, too, if I were up every I'd want to sleep all day, too, if I were up every hour last night 🙃🙃 

Outfit @honest 🦋
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?

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