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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Dating, Marriage, Relationships · July 26, 2017

How To Be a More Fun and Spontaneous Wife

When I took a moment to slow down my mommy-whirlwind, I realized that I wasn’t leaving any time to be fun with my husband like we used to be when we were daing or first married. And who wants to have a fun-less marriage?? Not me. And I know my husband doesn’t either. He didn’t propose to me to get a live-in house cleaner and nanny. I’m guessing your hubs didn’t propose for that reason either. So, I’ve made a list of ways that we can remember to be a more fun wife!

Do you ever feel like you’re just not as much fun as you used to be? You totally realize it. You feel sorry about it. But at the same time, life is a lot harder now and you’re being pulled in, like, 300 directions and everyone needs you! You don’t have the luxury of being fun anymore!

Or do you?

I hear ya, mama. I totally do.

I went through a time in my life (and still have the occasional relapse) where I totally turn into a cat-wife. Unaffectionate, cold, maybe even a little stuck up- because, of course, I have the harder job and don’t get told thank you nearly enough.

To be really honest, I can be kind of a poop face to my poor husband sometimes. I can be snooty, short with him, distant, or just too busy for him. I am a working mom, after all. And being so busy, I sometimes have the nerve to get annoyed with him when he wants to spend time with me or have fun with me! Poor guy. Don’t get me wrong, he’s not perfect either. But when I take the time to think about it, a lot of the things he does that I don’t like- I would totally do the same things if I was in his shoes. Or I can at least see why he does them.

When I took a moment to slow down my mommy-whirlwind, I realized that I wasn’t leaving any time to be fun with my husband like we used to be when we were dating or first married. And who wants to have a fun-less marriage??

Not me. And I know my husband doesn’t either. He didn’t propose to me to get a live-in house cleaner and nanny. I’m guessing your hubs didn’t propose for that reason either. So, I’ve made a list of ways that we can remember to be a more fun wife!

Make time to be spontaneous

What am I not saying?

What I’m not saying is that you need to be a wannabe millennial free spirit who always has time and spare cash for avocado toast and trips to Lake Tahoe. Just be willing and able to let go of the messy house that ought to be cleaned if there are a few quality moments to spend with bae (your husband).

One great way to make this more possible is to stay on top of other tasks that could come in the way of being spontaneous. For example, have the laundry done ahead of time so you’re not embarrassed to have friends over last-minute.

Want some more tips on how to live in the moment as a mom? Check out this post I wrote for Dwell + Slumber!!

Get off the phone in bed!

Ok. I’m not going to tell you that you’re not allowed to have your phone in bed. We live in 2017 after all. But. For goodness sake, don’t spend every night lying right next to each other in the same bed staring at separate screens not talking! Many times, I’ll take a few minutes to scroll through Instagram before he gets in bed, that way I can chill with him by the time he gets in bed. Sometimes, because he doesn’t mind this, if he’s scrolling through his phone, I’ll look with him and we’ll laugh at funny videos together and then talk about them. But what’s great is when we’re both off our phones and just talking (obvious, I know). But it’s sad to me how rare and special moments like those have become these days!

Let go a little bit

Trust me, I know how it feels to be constantly needed and pulled in 300 directions. That being said, sometimes the dishes can wait. Or sometimes you can say to hubs, “Hey, if you help me tackle this, we’ll have more time to hang out together.” Don’t be afraid to ask for help for the sake of spending more quality time with the hubs.

You and your husband are not going to look back and remember the clean sink and folded laundry. You’ll remember the moments you spent enjoying time together!

Learn his love language

Not only that. Learn yours. If, together, you learn your love languages, you’ll be able to feel like your love cup is at its tippy top and you’ll feel way more willing to show your hubs love in the way that he feels it. (Not that you should necessarily need to have a full cup in order to show him love. But it does make it easier. Check out this post I wrote on selfishness). Does he love gifts? Surprise him? Quality time? See point #1. Physical touch? You get the picture. Trust me, he’ll probably appreciate it more than you know. But as I said, try to openly communicate about your love language needs as well. It’ll make it so much easier!

Don’t take yourself too seriously

There’s something to be said for thinking critically, having standards, and standing up for yourself. But if you have a husband who genuinely loves you (chances are, you do), but also love to tease you and joke around, play along! Don’t be afraid to be sassy in good fun. Remember that, even though your work might be calling your name, taking a small moment to enjoy life with your husband will do wonders for your relationship and overall mood! If he’s trying to have fun with you, it’s because he loves you and wants to be your friend. Just remember that.

Initiate sex

Plain and simple. Don’t make him ask for it every single time and hope that he gets lucky tonight. If you have to take time to mentally prepare, do that. Tell yourself that today is a day where you’re going to pursue him and look forward to it! Even if all you do to make him get the picture that you’re wanting sex tonight is let your eyes linger on him a little too long, your husband will LOVE that you’re asking for it instead of him. It really is just a small thing, but it makes a world of a difference to him!

Find a common interest

Chances are, you don’t like everything the same. That’s ok! Josh, my hubs, LOVES soccer. He’s obsessed. I think his Facebook news feed is so boring because it’s literally only sports highlights. He tends to scroll by all the things that I would stop and read, like new babies and weddings that that kind of crap. Even so, when he’s watching a game, I know he loves when I watch it with him. That being the case, I’ll do my best to finish up work and join him. The surprising part? It’s actually not that bad. I love getting excited with him when Clint Dempsey scores for the Seattle Sounders!

My point is, celebrate your individual interests- together! You’ll learn to appreciate each other’s unique talents and personalities and maybe even learn something!

Meet him for lunch at work

Whether your husband loves or hates his job, try mixing up his day a little bit by paying him a visit at work! It may just help his day go by faster and give him a little reminder that you love and think about him when he’s gone. Just like us, men like to feel needed and missed.

Slow down and chill out

Especially if you have kids, but even if you don’t, taking a little break from the grind of life can be really helpful to reset and have some quality moments where you can remember a time when life was simpler. Even through the crazy, hopefully you’ll be able to reconnect as a team and feel more in tune when you dive back in after the vacation is over. And by “vacation” I don’t mean you need to spend $3000 on trip to Fiji (but, I mean, if you can, why not?). Know some college students? Pay them $30 and get out the house! Even if you don’t spend any money for the rest of the night, at least you’ll have a few hours to talk without being interrupted. Some of my favorite “dates” I’ve had with my husband are simply when we go on a long walk together and talk. Knowing that you didn’t spend any money when you come back home at night is an added bonus 🙂

Remember your children are not the first priority

I’ve come to realize that there’s often a common denominator on days when I don’t feel like I have time for my husband. You know what it is? My kids. Gosh I love them to death, but sometimes they just wear. me. out! And there have been plenty of times when my husband is talking to me, we’re interrupted by one of our babies, and then I stop listening to him. Yes, kids need to feel heard, but they also need to learn that they don’t come first.

Catch that?

Your kids don’t come first.

Think of what message we might be sending our kids when we drop everything we’re doing to accommodate them without asking them to wait patiently for our attention? Not only that, but we’re sending the message that it’s ok to put daddy on the back burner because they come first.

Showing your kids (through your interactions with your husband) that your marriage is strong and you respect and prioritize each other will give your kids an amazing example of a strong and healthy marriage. That will help them to feel safe and secure even on days when you and the hubs aren’t doing so hot!

So, to prepare for our long road trip, I’ve been doing some research and compiling a list of things and tips that will help us actually enjoy the drive and not go insane. Here’s that list:

When I took a moment to slow down my mommy-whirlwind, I realized that I wasn’t leaving any time to be fun with my husband like we used to be when we were daing or first married. And who wants to have a fun-less marriage?? Not me. And I know my husband doesn’t either. He didn’t propose to me to get a live-in house cleaner and nanny. I’m guessing your hubs didn’t propose for that reason either. So, I’ve made a list of ways that we can remember to be a more fun wife!

In: Dating, Marriage, Relationships · Tagged: bed, children, cool, date, dating, exciting, fun, fun marriage, fun wife, funny, husband, initiate, interests, kids, life, love, love language, man, marriage, mom, momlife, mother, motherhood, outgoing, phone, priority, sex, spontaneous, wife, wifelife, woman, Work

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Comments

  1. Ciara Myers says

    July 26, 2017 at 12:10 am

    Your last two blog posts are SO similar to mine! THIS IS FREAKING ME OUT so I had to comment haha – we are so in tune right now! Also, I hope I’m not the millennial you’re talking about, because I’m obsessed with avocados and we just got back from Lake Tahoe haha!

    Regardless, I love this post and I 100% agree with your main points! “He didn’t propose to me to get a live-in house cleaner and nanny.” Spot on, girl!

    http://www.veiledfree.com

    • Chelsea says

      July 26, 2017 at 4:18 am

      That is so funny! Totally stalking you! 😉 I have to check out your posts! It’s so funny too. I was halfway done with writing this yesterday when I saw another blogger friend post something similar with a little more of a mom life spin to it and I was like “Oh I hope she doesn’t think I copied her!!”

      Just makes me think there’s a need for this kind of post if it’s on all our minds!

      • Christina Kempthorne says

        August 9, 2021 at 7:47 pm

        Love Love love it…

        You nailed Girl!

        Thanks

        Looking forward to your next posts

  2. Sara | Mrs. Imperfect says

    July 28, 2017 at 11:49 am

    Lol, I can be a poop face to my husband at times as well. I think these tips also can help with our view of ourselves and our role as wives.

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6 Ways Marriage Changes After Having Kids

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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  • Sure, they say don’t go to bed while you’re still angry, but sometimes husbands and wives just need some space! That being said, there are healthy ways and unhealthy ways (productive and hurtful, if you will) to get space away from a spouse. Let’s talk about those. The Right and Wrong Way To Give Your Spouse Space

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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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