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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Family, Life & Finances, Marriage, Outdoors · November 6, 2015

10 Things to do While Unplugged

Do you ever sometimes get sick of being on your phone? Just me? I think we’ve been trained like Pavlov’s dogs to begin salivating at the sound of our ring tone. There’s sometimes when I get so tired of hearing it that I turn it on silent, turn off the data and wifi, leave it in my purse and walk away. A few hours later I then apologize to my sister who was locked outside and tried calling 3 times. I think technology is awesome and trust me, I wouldn’t know my way to walmart without my phone’s GPS, but sometimes technology just makes my head hurt.

Do you ever sometimes get sick of being on your phone? Just me? I think we’ve been trained like Pavlov’s dogs to begin salivating at the sound of our ring tone. There’s sometimes when I get so tired of hearing it that I turn it on silent, turn off the data and wifi, leave it in my purse and walk away. A few hours later I then apologize to my sister who was locked outside and tried calling 3 times. I think technology is awesome and trust me, I wouldn’t know my way to walmart without my phone’s GPS, but sometimes technology just makes my head hurt.

If you ever feel the same way, take a look at some of these ideas of things to do that take a few steps away from technology:

Go on a walk

Or go to the gym. A couple who works out together… is probably happier because they’ve awakened their endorphins.

Visit the local dog park

I never regret taking our dog out on a walk or to the dog park. He has a blast with the other pups and our son loves seeing all the other puppies running after the same ball.

If you don’t have a pet, go window shopping at a pet store (not for the faint of heart).

Play a board game or card game.

Invite over some pals and hang out! Get some snacks and let the fun begin!

Bake a yummy dessert

Try this easy pastry, or these healthy cookies!

Play a silly drawing game together

Sometimes Josh and I will play a game when we’re bored where I will draw a few lines (straight, squiggly, pointy, etc.) on a piece of paper and then hand it over to him. Then, he has to take my nonsensical lines and make a picture out of it. No drawing skills necessary here! Just a little bit of an imagination.

Do either of you play an instrument?

Play a couple songs you know and sing along together. I’ll never forget the first time my husband sang to me. I knew right then that we would get married some day.

Decide to improve something around the house!

Ever wanted to make those cute DIY shelves on pinterest? Or plant some flowers in front of the porch? Take a trip to a hardware or home goods store and start creating! You two can be proud of what you made together!

Find a book that you both find interesting and take time reading out loud together.

This can be so relaxing and fun snuggled together with blankets and tea.

Play this game of Random Questions To Ask Your Significant Other When You’re Extremely Bored.

Sit outside together.

Whether you have a yard, balcony, front steps. My favorite time to sit outside with Josh is when the sun is setting. Colorful skies can help inspire colorful conversation.
Tell me your own ideas in the comments below!

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In: Family, Life & Finances, Marriage, Outdoors · Tagged: activities, bored, couples, fun, marriage, quality time, technology, things to do, unplug, unplugged, unplugging

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Comments

  1. Jessie says

    November 7, 2015 at 12:36 pm

    Great ideas, thank you — I will keep them in my mind the next time I’m stressed out!

  2. Hil says

    November 7, 2015 at 2:10 pm

    Oh yes! Sitting outside together is great. Peaceful relaxing, chatting and enjoying the evening air. Great ideas.

  3. dixya @ food, pleasure, and health says

    November 7, 2015 at 3:06 pm

    i think going on a walk without a phone is great way to unplug and actually be present in the moment. so important to practice this more often.

  4. sara strand says

    November 7, 2015 at 4:12 pm

    I told my husband that this summer we are going to get outdoors more. This year was tricky with a newborn and figuring out her schedule, our exhaustion, and Matt’s work schedule. But this year? This year we are going to get outside and enjoy it.

  5. Kim says

    November 7, 2015 at 6:59 pm

    I am going to go bake something after I finish commenting here:) Great, easy ideas to unplug.

  6. Sara says

    November 7, 2015 at 8:44 pm

    Great ideas! I’m always looking for a time when I can finally unplug…

  7. Chrissy says

    November 8, 2015 at 9:53 am

    I try not to grab my phone too often when I’m at home, because I can get so much done when unplugged. It distracts too much and there are so many other things that need to be done or that I want to do, like knitting f.e. Great tips up there! Happy Sunday

  8. Chelsea says

    November 8, 2015 at 5:31 pm

    I would love to eventually do a whole day of unplugging although I really don’t think I could do it :/ As sad as that sounds..

  9. Katie says

    November 8, 2015 at 7:25 pm

    Great list! I definitely need to unplug more 🙂

  10. Michelle frost says

    November 8, 2015 at 9:50 pm

    Great list! We play that kind of “random questions” game with the whole family as well and everyone loves it – even the kids who have a rough time without their phones get fully into it! 🙂

  11. Rosalyn O. says

    November 9, 2015 at 2:35 am

    Great list!! I like baking and practicing a new language! Thanks for sharing this :))

  12. Shann Eva says

    November 9, 2015 at 2:36 am

    Yes! I get so sick of being on my phone and/or being on the computer. I just need a break sometimes. Great suggestions!

  13. Jessica says

    November 9, 2015 at 11:34 am

    Aw I love these ideas! Perfect for the hubbs and I.

  14. Charlotte says

    November 18, 2015 at 6:48 pm

    I love this so much. I’m trying to take active measures to unplug much more often and though I’m not a big TV person, my bf is HUGE. To the point where it’s almost led to really stupid arguments around here. I just don’t like unwinding with noise at the end of the day. That said, there are so many OTHER things that we could be doing aside from sitting and vegging out in front of the box. Thanks for sharing 🙂

  15. mash says

    November 18, 2015 at 8:01 pm

    Great post! I love to listen to music and go on a walk!

    Mash | http://www.sarmash.com

  16. Lindsey says

    November 18, 2015 at 9:21 pm

    Great ideas! I spend WAY too much time plugged in, especially now that I’m trying to turn my blog into a part-time business. These are very helpful reminders.

  17. Jenny says

    November 19, 2015 at 2:16 am

    These are all great ideas.
    I need to keep these in mind.

    xoxo, Jenny

  18. Britany Schulz says

    November 19, 2015 at 2:01 pm

    Being unplugged is one of the BEST things ever:)

  19. Branson says

    November 20, 2015 at 3:29 pm

    This is a great list!! I definitely get tired of my phone in a BIG way. Blessing and a burden, ya know?

  20. Rebecca says

    December 4, 2015 at 7:10 pm

    Your ideas sound more relaxing than checking emails and status updates. I’m going to have to try these when and if we unplug!

Trackbacks

  1. 20 MORE random questions to ask your significant other when you're extremely bored... - Living the Sweet Wife says:
    March 13, 2016 at 1:57 am

    […] words to each other whether it’s out of boredom or too much technology (check my this post on what to do when you unplug), use these questions to get the conversation moving again and to learn more about your loved one […]

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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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