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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Motherhood · March 1, 2016

7 Me Time Ideas for Mamas

 I do still get a bittersweet feeling when I put my toddler to bed. But at the same time, another part of me that I tucked away for a while says, “Yesssssssss.” Here are a couple things I like to do after baby goes to bed, or when someone else can stay with him and I can sneak out the door.

Hey mamas,

So I know that after the working, cooking, cleaning, dipey changing, and booger wiping, there’s not a lot of time- or energy- left for mama.  I want to encourage you and tell you that the role of a mother is a dirty, but such an honorable job, even if you don’t feel very “honored” in the process. That being said, and as self sacrificing as I try to be for my family, I need to do a couple things just for me now and then before I get to the point of total melt down. Know the feeling? Here are a couple ideas to inspire you to get the “me-time” every mama needs from time to time!

Face masks7 Me time ideas for mamas

This is something I do at least once a week. I try to fit it in on days when my husband works late. But sometimes he’s not so lucky. I’ve recently started using the awesome mask called Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay. Yeah, it’s about as cool as it sounds. This face not only clears my pores when I feel a breakout coming on, it also detoxes my skin and is completely natural! P.s. I’m not sponsored to write this, I just really really like it.

Get yo’ hair done

Getting your hair done can get pricy but see if there are any hair schools near you. I’ve found that a lot of the students who are learning really want to do a good job and put a lot of effort into the cut. Plus their instructors come to check on their work. You’d be surprised how many compliments I’ve gotten on a $12 haircut.

Go to Target and buy yourself something pretty

Even if you have to go with the kids, I find that target is way less stressful than visiting the local grocery store. (If I only need a few key things. If we’re at the point of eating dry cereal out of the box or we have jelly but so bread, then a trip to the grocery store is unfortunate, but needed)

Wake up early and get a mini (or full!) workout in

You know how you always wish there was more time in the day to get crap done? Well to be honest, there is, and it’s usually hiding away in the early morning while your head is snug in your pillow. Want more time in your day? Get up earlier! Get a whole “thing” checked off your list before you would normally wake up. For those of you who are already early risers, you probably know the benefits of this first-hand. I always feel like I’ve had a way more productive day if I can just manage to get myself out of bed. Usually picturing the first cup of coffee does the trick.

Keep a secret stash of your favorite snack

Come on moms. If there’s chocolate in the house, we know where it is. Even if it’s not chocolate, we sometimes need a tiny something that makes us happy when it’s been a long day. Sometimes it’s a handful of chocolate chips. Maybs an caffeinated afternoon pick-me-up.

Paint your toes

As a mom, I’ve all but given up on fingernail polish. I mean, I love when my fingernails are done, but it usually lasts 6 hours before then chip. But I will invest time in painting my toes! Having pretty toes, even if they’re not always visible, makes me feel a bit more- polished- if you will. If you’ve been neglecting those phalanges, pay them some special attention, even if you’re the only one who knows it until spring vacation.

Read a book before bed

As much as I love to catch Friends on Netflix after baby goes to bed, reading a book before bed gives me way more closure at the end of the day than staring at the TV does. Not to mention the possibility of learning something new.

So mamas, what sneaky snacks do you keep tucked away where the kids can’t reach? Favorite toenail polish color? Let me know in the comments below! And share with a pal who you know might be needing those few extra moments of me time!

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In: Motherhood · Tagged: hobbies, mama, metime, mom, momlife, motherhood, pedicure, treat yo self

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Comments

  1. Kate says

    March 4, 2016 at 3:41 am

    Brilliant ideas, I chuckled because I do many of them! Need to workout a little more :0) thanks for sharing

  2. Lauren says

    March 12, 2016 at 7:44 pm

    These are such great ideas! I feel a little more normal eating chocolate chips in the afternoon now, haha.

  3. ruthie says

    March 13, 2016 at 12:03 am

    The going to target and gym thing are my go-to’s… I have not done a mask in years! That is next!!

  4. Heather @ Simply Save says

    March 13, 2016 at 1:39 am

    Reading a book before bed is part of my daily routine to decompress from the day!

  5. Erin says

    March 13, 2016 at 2:28 am

    These are great ideas and some of them I already do! I love hiding a sweet treat for those moments when I need a little pick-me-up! I will have to check out our local hair school – such a great suggestion to just get a fresh cut every once in awhile!

  6. Shann says

    March 13, 2016 at 4:59 am

    I totally have a secret stash of little peppermint patties and Hershey’s dark chocolate nuggets with almonds. I need to do a face mask and get my hair done ASAP.

  7. momwithfive says

    March 13, 2016 at 1:03 pm

    Great list. Being a mom of five kids I really need some me time. My favorite idea is the fifth point. I love chocolate!

  8. Heather with WELLFITandFED says

    March 13, 2016 at 5:20 pm

    All amazing ideas and ones we should do frequently. I love the facemask photo! 🙂

  9. Dana says

    March 13, 2016 at 5:32 pm

    I love to get my hair and nails done – it brightens me up a lot!

  10. Jessie Krutsinger says

    March 14, 2016 at 6:50 pm

    Where do you get the mask from that you use?

    • Chelsea says

      March 14, 2016 at 7:24 pm

      Hi Jessie! I bought it from Amazon. I had a hard time finding it in any drug store. I think I included the link in the post to the same brand.

  11. Erica @ Coming Up Roses says

    March 16, 2016 at 2:50 am

    I LOVE this! I especially love the hair tip – I got a student haircut once and it was great for all of the reasons you said. She tried so hard and it was just a fabulous time! And nothing beats a good mani/pedi. 🙂

    Coming Up Roses

  12. Katie says

    March 16, 2016 at 5:01 pm

    Love this post! Great tips! I’m getting my hair done next week for the first time in almost a year and I can’t wait!

  13. Wendy says

    March 17, 2016 at 10:11 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing! I’ve started taking a dance class once a week and, while it’s hard to tear myself away from my toddler, it’s great finding some of who I was before she was around!

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Love to The Angry Mama

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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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!

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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 😊
We took the kids to baby's 20 week anatomy scan to We took the kids to baby's 20 week anatomy scan today and here's how it went. Have you ever brought kids to one of these appointments??

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