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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fitness, Health, Sponsored · November 29, 2017

8 Home Workout Planks For Busy Moms

If you’re like me, you don’t want anything slowing you down and keeping you from the things you need to do! We all know that littles don’t really know or care if we’re not feeling 100%. It’s not their fault, they just haven’t worked out the whole “empathy” thing yet. Until they do, it’s not likely that we’re going to get a day off, even if we’re not feeling 100%. That’s why I do my best to keep my immune system strong by eating well, exercising and keeping my EmergenC Gummies close by! When I shop at Target.com, I easily add it to my shopping list to make sure I’m prepared for whatever life throws my way. Since they’re available in chewy Super Orange, Tangerine and Raspberry flavors, taking my vitamins feels more like a treat than a vitamin! The added energy boost gives me just what I need to keep up with my regular daily routine (plus whatever else might get thrown my way!). Try it for yourself!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Emergen-C for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

Hey mama, this week has been a week of home workouts for us. We’re usually lucky enough to have people in our lives who can regularly watch the kids so Josh and I can hit the gym, but this week that hasn’t been the case. So, home workouts, it is! This post isn’t meant to be a full workout, but rather a reference to different types of planks you can pick and choose to incorporate into your own workout routine! If you’re like me, you don’t want anything slowing you down and keeping you from the things you need to do! We all know that littles don’t really know or care if we’re not feeling 100%. It’s not their fault, they just haven’t worked out the whole “empathy” thing yet. Until they do, it’s not likely that we’re going to get a day off, even if we’re not feeling 100%. That’s why I do my best to support my immune system by eating well, exercising and keeping my Emergen-C® Gummies close by! When I shop at Target, I easily add it to my shopping list to make sure I’m prepared for whatever life throws my way. Since they’re available in chewy Orange, Tangerine and Raspberry flavors, taking my vitamins feels more like a treat than a vitamin! Try it for yourself!  Shall we dive in?

Standard low plank

If you’ve ever done a plank before, this is probably it. Simply get up on your elbows, engage your core, keep your butt down, and hold.

The side plank

The standard plank isn’t complete without its side planks! This will target your obliques (your sides). Try as best as you can to stay straight as a pencil from all sides!

Single Leg Plank

Per usual, start in the standard plank position. Raise one leg. Hold it in their air for your goal time and then lower and do the same with the opposite leg!

Plank with shoulder touches

Begin in a standard high plank position (elbows extended) and then intermittently touch one of your shoulders with your opposite hand (i.e. right hand touches your left shoulder). Try to stay as flat as possible!

Mountain climbers!

Unlike most of the other planks in this list, this plank is not stationary! While doing your best to keep your bum down, bring one knee up to your chest and then back again, then repeat with the opposite leg.

Extended side plank

Just like our previous side plank, but with an extra challenge. The hardest part? Staying balanced. While working on your balance during this plank, you’ll simultaneously be building up your strength and resistance!

Plank hip dips

Start out in a standard low plank position and in a controlled movement, slowly dip one side of your hips down. Come back to the starting position, and then dip the other side!

Tricep plank

Feeling up for an extra challenge? This plank is not for the faint of heart! Begin as if you’re going to do a tricep pushup (with your elbows bent and your hands next to your chest). Then, lift yourself up and do your best to keep your back straight and your triceps even with it! Tell me your favorite planks and core workouts in the comments below and remember to pick up Emergen-C® Gummies. Try it for yourself, available at Target!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Emergen-C for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Visit Sponsors Site

If you’re like me, you don’t want anything slowing you down and keeping you from the things you need to do! We all know that littles don’t really know or care if we’re not feeling 100%. It’s not their fault, they just haven’t worked out the whole “empathy” thing yet. Until they do, it’s not likely that we’re going to get a day off, even if we’re not feeling 100%. That’s why I do my best to keep my immune system strong by eating well, exercising and keeping my EmergenC Gummies close by! When I shop at Target.com, I easily add it to my shopping list to make sure I’m prepared for whatever life throws my way. Since they’re available in chewy Super Orange, Tangerine and Raspberry flavors, taking my vitamins feels more like a treat than a vitamin! The added energy boost gives me just what I need to keep up with my regular daily routine (plus whatever else might get thrown my way!). Try it for yourself!

In: fitness, Health, Sponsored · Tagged: abs, arms, back, compilation, core, engage, exercise, fitness, Health, home, leg, leg raise, mom, planks, resistence, roundup, routine, strength, strength training, tone, tricep, workout

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Comments

  1. illiah manger says

    November 29, 2017 at 11:02 am

    I love your photos – I would never know what to do without seeing it first!

  2. Laura @ MommyDearest says

    November 29, 2017 at 3:37 pm

    i had no idea there were so many variations of the plank. i’m not the best at a basic plank. i would love to start doing a few workouts at home. thanks for sharing. the pictures are great, lets me know what i should be doing.

  3. robin rue says

    November 29, 2017 at 5:54 pm

    I don’t love planks, but they ARE a great workout, so I do them anyways. I will have to add a few of these to my workouts.

  4. Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says

    November 29, 2017 at 6:49 pm

    I didn’t realize there was so many variations of the plank. That side plank is a killer!

  5. Krystal Butherus says

    November 29, 2017 at 7:42 pm

    Planks to me are a love/hate relationship. Adding these, even just a little at a time and build up, will eliminate the boredom of regular planks

  6. Erica says

    November 29, 2017 at 10:36 pm

    Ugh, I just came from an exercise class where they had us do a bunch of planks. So, I’m still feeling them as I read this.Ouch. But I love how you break down all the planks.I never thought of a mountain climber as a plank with movement. But that makes perfect sense. And I’ve never tried a TRICEPS plank. So I’ll have to give that a try.

  7. Terri Steffes says

    November 30, 2017 at 2:08 am

    My daughter is a planking machine! I cant do even one for any length of time. I think it is a good workout though.

  8. Reesa Lewandowski says

    November 30, 2017 at 3:00 am

    I really need to start doing this. My core is PRACTICALLY gone. I need to start vitamins too!

  9. AnnMarie John says

    November 30, 2017 at 6:47 am

    I’ve been relying on home workouts because I don’t have much time to go to the gym! This is perfect, definitely appreciate the poses that you shared!

  10. Angela Ricardo Bethea says

    November 30, 2017 at 7:53 am

    Getting excercise is very important. Thanks for the tips, I’ll keep this in mind.

  11. kimberly lewis says

    November 30, 2017 at 8:34 am

    what a great workout! I’m always looking for new ways to workout because different ones effect your body so much.

  12. Jessica Joachim says

    November 30, 2017 at 12:38 pm

    This looks like it would be a wonderful workout for a busy mom like myself. I am always trying to squeeze in some time to work out and stay healthy

  13. Stephanie Pass says

    December 2, 2017 at 1:04 pm

    I currently take a prenatal vitamin since i’m nursing, but man do I need to switch to one for the immune system. even though we got flu shots, we’ve been hit with other viruses all month long.

  14. Sylvia says

    December 2, 2017 at 2:42 pm

    We always have emergen-c packets at home in case of a cold coming on. I need to pick up these gummies because cold season is upon us and i don’t have time to get sick!

  15. Cindy Ingalls says

    December 2, 2017 at 8:45 pm

    Planks are such great exercise. I admit that I hate side planks because my low back and hips start to hurt. I need to do them more to really up my strength.

  16. Marielle Altenor says

    December 2, 2017 at 9:48 pm

    Excellent home workout! I find planks so difficult but they feeling after a few is pretty amazing.

  17. Journa Ramirez says

    December 3, 2017 at 5:40 pm

    I’m a busy mom and this post is a blessing. I don’t know how to find time for work outs and thanks for this!

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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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  • So I know the title of this post says, “What men want most in a wife,” but to be more realistic, this is about what men need most in a wife. Like men, there are a lot of things that we (women) would really like in a husband. Like, it’d be a huge plus if he looked like Chris Hemsworth. But that’s not really what we need in order to have a positive relationship with our spouse. If we married him, we probably think he’s pretty cute, anyway. Take a look at these 5 things a man really needs in a wife, and if you can think of anything else, share your thoughts in the comments below! 5 Things men want most in a wife
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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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