We Eat | Weekly Toddler Menu Plan

Crock Pot Salsa Chicken {HERE}

Roasted Cauliflower with Chickpeas {HERE}

Cheesy Polenta with Meatballs {HERE}

Lasagna Roll Ups {HERE}

Stuffed Pizza Rolls {HERE}

Mango-Pineapple Smoothie

{1 c frozen mango chunks, 1/2 cup pineapple, 1/2 c whole milk, 2/3 cup vanilla Greek yogurt}

Turkey Pita Pizza 

{Turkey sausage, marinara sauce, spinach or kale, shredded mozzarella cheese; layered over a whole wheat pita and toasted in the oven at 350 degrees until cheese is melted.}

French Toast Bites

{4-5 slices whole wheat bread, 4 eggs, 2 tablespoons half & half, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, sprinkle of cinnamon; Combine all ingredients except bread together in a shallow bowl.  Cut the bread into equal sized squares and dip into the egg batter, coating all sides. Place the pieces of bread into a skillet warmed over low heat.  Cook over medium heat, until all sides are golden brown.  When the bites are golden brown and done, sprinkle with powdered sugar}

Veggie Macaroni & Cheese

{1/2 pound cooked pasta, 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup whole milk, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; while pasta is still warm, add the milk, salt, pepper, and cheese to the pot, stirring until melted and cheesy.  Stir in steamed broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower.}  

Strawberry Oat Smoothie

{1/2 c sliced strawberries, 1/2 sliced frozen banana, 1/4 cup old fashioned oats, 1/2 cup whole milk yogurt, 1 teaspoon honey}

Summer Corn Chowder  

1 lbs spicy Italian sausage (I use chicken sausage)

1 TBSP canola or olive oil, for cooking

1 large yellow onion, finely chopped

4 stalks celery, chopped

4 TBSP flour

2 TBSP cumin

8 cups chicken broth

4 yellow potatoes, unpeeled and diced

2 cans sweet kernel corn, drained

2 cups milk or 1 cup half & half (I use fat free)

1 ½ cups grated sharp cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper  

-Remove the sausage from its casings into a large stockpot that has been drizzled with oil and set over medium-high heat. Add the onion and celery and cook, breaking the meat up, until onion is translucent and the sausage is cooked.

-Add the flour and cumin and cook, stirring, for another minute. Stir in the broth, add the potatoes and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.

-Stir in the corn, and the milk or cream if you’re using it, and allow the chowder to return to a gentle simmer. DO NOT boil.  Add the cheese and stir just until it melts.   

Sleep Routine + 17 Month Bed Time Favorites

Sleep has been a sensitive subject for all of about 17 months.  

Ok. Maybe I overstepped.  Truthfully, I'd say it was a tough go up until about 15 months. 

I was blessed with the gift of sleep from my newbie bebes when they were 2 months old.  Fast forward through to month 4, when we were in the thick of physical therapy to treat Jolie's torticollis and it was an all night scream fest. 

{Read more about Jolie's torticollis journey HERE}

Parker slept through it all.  The screams and the scuffle and bustle around her crib as we comforted and soothed and uncomfortable Jolie.  She was my 'rockstar sleeper'.  

Until we reached month 6.  

Month 6 of life for the twins meant major milestones for Jolie and her tort, as well as the start of growth spurts and teething for both.  The latter also meant that Parker, my once rockstar sleeper, would be awake at all hours, and Jolie quickly resorted back to sleeping through the night.  Parker, of course, had stints of sleep- a few weeks of sleeping through the night, and then we would regress to being awake 3-4 times, just to find help for reaching a paci, or a simple rub and kiss of her forehead.  

I finally came to a breaking point of refusing to pick her up when she fussed at 1am (and 3am, 4am, 5:30am), and as much as that sounds terrible, if she knew I was willing to pick her up, I was also willing to hold her all night if it meant she would sleep.  After a week of sleeping in the rocking chair, I learned very quickly I couldn't make the mistake of picking her up when a simple sound of my voice and a gentle rub of her cheek would do the trick to soothe her back to sleep.  

I still stand by this rule with that little girl to this very day..

Yesterday Parker was rocked to sleep at nap time by her BB.  She fought me for an hour before going to sleep for the night.  She wanted and expected to be rocked, just as she was for nap earlier that day.  It would be one thing if I rocked her for every sleep time, but I don't, and I never have.  They go down sleepy, and fall asleep without a peep 99% of the time. 

Around 14 months, something clicked for Parker and she found slumber through the night more often than not.  At 15 months, if she woke during the night, she found no reason to need mom, and would soother herself back to sleep.  

Finally. 

Naps are a different story- we have always been pretty good nappers.  Around month 4 we finally figured out how to get them on a regular schedule of three (sometimes a fourth late in the afternoon) naps during the day. Before that time we were still following the Eat-Play-Sleep routine.  At the point of actually putting them on the nap schedule, I found that 'Play' was getting longer and longer between "Sleep" periods. 

We transitioned to just two naps a day when they were 6 months old.  We dropped the late afternoon nap and moved their bed time from 9pm to 7pm.  There were suggestions of doing the 15 minute increments over the course of a week or two.. but I was impatient.  I basically went 'cold turkey' on the girls and they did perfectly fine.

Moving to just one nap a day was even easier than 3 to 2 naps.  The girls did it on their own, really.  When daylight savings hit, they were sleeping in until 9-9:30am.  At that time the girls' first nap was around 10am.  We started to push their naps to 11:30a, which meant their 3pm nap was nonexistent.  

And here we are.

Eat/Sleep Schedule at 17 Months:

Wake @ 8:30am

Side Note: the girls almost always wake up before 8:30am.  They prefer to lay awake in their crib, chatter back and forth, and sometimes fall back asleep.  It usually rounds out to being about an hour before I go in the nursery to get them up for the day. 

Breakfast @ 8:45am-9am

Lunch @ 11:45am-12pm

Nap @ 12:30pm-3pm (sometimes shorter & sometimes longer)

Snack @ 2:30pm-3pm

Dinner @ 6pm

Bed @ 7:30pm (occasionally this is moved to 7pm if they missed or didn't sleep well at nap time.)

I wanted to share a few of our favorites for bedtime- most of which have been favorites from day one, but these really have been the most consistent in our routine for nap and bedtime.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 

1. Cotton PJs by BabyGap.  Good quality bed time attire is essential, if you ask me.  We spend a lot of time in our PJs - sometimes all. day. long.  I have a hard time justifying spending $45 on two outfits for Parker and Jolie, but when it comes to jammies, apparently, I don't even blink an eye.  I do confess to shopping sale items or with a coupon code 100% of the time.  So there.  Justified.  Even with the heat of the summer upon us, I am still buying the long sleeve and pant pajamas- and Gap is the only place I can find them in Texas.  The short sets are on my list, too.. because when its 90 degrees at midnight, we can all stand to give the shorts a break.  The girls often grow out of these Gap jams before they 'wear out'.  Justified again.  holla.

2. HALO Sleepsack. We went from swaddle blankets to sleep sacks and have yet to even think about transitioning out of them.  We actually forgot them when we were at the grandparents over the weekend, and the girls lasted all but an hour before they woke up in confusion.  No need to transition out at this point. No blankets in their crib are needed if they are wearing it!  Parker and Jolie weigh about 22 pounds and fit perfectly in a medium HALO SleepSac. 

3. Monkey Wubby (and Paci).  I've intro'd this little guy on more than one occasion, so no need to repeat myself here.  Parker doesn't go anywhere without the wubby and paci- that will be a nightmare to break (Jordan is already asking when, when, when..) BUT I gave myself a pat on the back at 12 months when we moved to only allowing wubby and paci at nap and bedtime.  That is still a daily struggle, and we've resorted to hiding the things in the pantry..laundry room, under blankets..cabinets.. she's a smart cookie.  

4. Puppy.  The lost triplet.  Puppy goes everywhere since the day we introduced him to Miss Jolie on my birthday last year.  She sleeps with that oversized stuffed dog over her face every night, as if to block out the sound/light and make it as dark as possible.  I am jealous of how peaceful Jolie seems when she sleeps.  Perhaps its puppy.  Puppy is also only allowed (for the most part) during nap and bedtime.  He is also hidden.. but the moment Parker finds her wub and paci, she also finds puppy and happily trots her way over to Jolie to hand him over. SMH.

5. Sound Machine. We officially use two sound machines in their room at nap and bed time. and a fan.  Jolie makes the smallest peep and Parker hops up to her feet as if she was never asleep at all.  This particular sound machine is the one we travel with and is by far my favorite.  Very loud and offers a variety of 'sounds'- but we stick to the 'Ocean' option.  Affordable and haven't had a single issue in the 17 months we've been using it.

What about you, mommas?  Special bedtime routines?  

Suggestions on transitioning away from the paci?? I am not looking forward to that day.

Or the nights that go along with it.

Bath Time Favorites

Bath time has turned into more than just a quick scrub and suds for these divas.  We went from being able to bathe Parker and Jolie every other day to now everyday.  They play hard and their {dirty} faces and hands show it. 

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

1. BabyGanics Foaming Shampoo & Bodywash.  We've run through the gamut when it comes to shampoo and body wash for Parker and Jolie.  After multiple breakouts and a stint with hives (Johnson's and Johnson's) we resorted to what seemed to be the last option on the shelf.  Love the foam because its easy to lather, and the soap is fragrance free- giving any and all possible chance of the girls being allergic to the smell good stuff.  We've used other products (like their bubble bath) and have loved all of them!
2. Babies'R'Us Toothbrush.  Simple, cheap, and fits well into their tiny mouths.  We were looking at about a bazillion options when we were told to start brushing their teeth, and this $4 set from Babies R Us seemed perfect.  We brush their teeth in the tub mainly for convenience. Keeping them in the confined space prevents any mess that may occur with that toothpaste.  Plus the suction end gives me another 5 minutes of fun with these sillies after we brush - high entertainment value, folks.
3. BabyGanics Fluoride Free Toothpaste Again with the BabyGanics.  We have a love-love relationship with their products if you haven't figured that out already. Parker and Jolie love to brush their teeth - and often have to remind me with a nod, grunt, and finger point towards the brushes and toothpaste hanging out on the counter.  Tastes 'good' (I suppose as good as toothpaste can taste?) and with all natural ingredients it is safe for the babes to swallow a little while I'm brushing their pearly whites.
4. Live Clean Baby Lotion.  Before the girls were born we received 6 tubes of this lotion as a part of a baby shower gift, so naturally we opted to use this amazing smelling stuff from the moment we brought the girls home.  After a couple months of daily use on two little birds, we ran out and I failed to find anything to replace the smell and quality of this lotion.  We also couldn't find it anywhere!  We tried every lotion under the sun and nearly all of them caused some kind of allergic reaction.  FINALLY I heard that this lotion was sold at Walgreens (randomly) and lo and behold there it was sitting politely and waiting patiently for purchase.  I cleared the shelf.
5. CeraVe Facial Lotion.  Parker has terribly dry skin on her face, and most recently Jolie has developed the same rough patches that her sister has.  At their 15 month check up, their pedi recommended this facial lotion to help clear up the red dry patches on their cheeks.  Just after one night of using CeraVe we noticed a significant difference.  Bathtime isn't complete until this lotion is rubbed in their sweet cheekies.
6. Detangler.  Jolie and Parker have a big mess of a mop after a bath and towel dry. Thank you Lord that my children do not have tender heads.  The tangles and knots that I forced out of their hair on a nightly basis was ridiculous and seemed so painful.  About a month ago I was browsing the haircare section in search of some kind of detangler, and came across this.  $2.34.  Sold.  A few sprays in their hair right out of the bath and those tangles smooth right out with an easy brush through.  AND- their hair smells like strawberries. All the time.
7. Hairbrush.  The 'baby brush' doesn't work for us.  We need real 'teeth' on a brush.  Love this fun one.  Simple, sweet, and cheap.
8. Balmex Multi-Purpose Ointment.  97% of mornings I'm welcomed with the wonderful smell of poo to smack me across the face when I open the nursery door.  Reason being why I apply this ointment at their last diaper before bed, so it literally wipes clean and easy if they happen to be content in their crib for 30-45 minutes after they wake.  My children like to "wake" up in the morning and after nap.  It is rare that I get them out of their cribs the moment they wake up.. but thats for another post.

What about you, momma's!  Favorite bath time accessories for your babes? What am I missing?

Besides a towel.  That is definitely essential:)

Mother's Day Weekend | 2014

Get ready for a wholatta Massey Spam.  I wish every weekend was this fun.

Approximately 6 days ago I told Jordan that we needed to take the girls back to the zoo 

(1st trip HERE & 2nd trip HERE}

The next day, Auntie Ash mentioned doing something 'fun' on Friday.. Even as an adult, the zoo is 100% fun, fun, fun. Maybe I get too excited about the zoo? The elephants and the giraffes get me every time.  truth.

So..

We went to the zoo:)  Perfect start to my Mother's Day weekend!

These guys.  How they adore these girls.. 

 Observing the flamingos.  Jolie was freaking out in excitement over a pigeon. 

That works.

Jarrett filling her ear with other important things such as why the birds stand on one leg and how awesome they are because they are pink.

She's totally impressed.

And.. we're off to see more zoo animals..
Also, to point out every teeny piece of trash and a handful of rolly pollies, too.

This makes my heart swoon- I cannot wait for Bebe Dway one day in the future so I can love on it the way these sweet friends care for my girls.

 Daddy-Daughter strollin is all fine and dandy..

 Until you turn 14 and decide you need to be independent. I can't even.

head wrap  / Shelby Chic Boutique // sunglasses / The Children's Place // tank top / Circo // shorts / Cherokee for Target // sippy cup / Nuby Click-It Flexi Straw // moccs / Freshly Picked

If you couldn't tell by the photos above, this one is extra sassy. While refusing to look at the camera for the only time I came out in front of it- she laid a big fat one without prompt- with puckered lips and all.  I'll take that sweet girl.

 The bright idea of 4 responsible adults - stick a baby in there.

 Of course- she loved every single second of it.  I would have been shocked if anything but delight came out of her little face.

The 32 seconds were totally worth the $2 we charged on the card for it.  We should carry cash.
For times like these when you happen to run into a Hurricane Simulator. Or a coke machine in a desperate Diet Coke withdrawal.

 Next up- Checkin out the big cats.

 And then the best- the elephants!

17 seconds into my attempt to get them both looking at the camera a crowd of pre-teens came to surround these two with interest to see the elephants.  Parker and Jolie were not enthused.

Maybe with a chagrin like Parker's- she could have been stoked for more attention directed her way.  Per the usual.

Auntie sent me this quote as I was uploading pictures to my computer.. and nothing could have made this image any better.

After we shut down the zoo- we opted NOT to fight Dallas traffic, but instead to make a pit stop for some bevi's and delicious grub.

Can you take a guess who is about to eat her arm off in hunger.  You get just one guess.

 The Truck Yard is where its at, y'all. I would like to petition that all food be served out of a truck.  AND I would also like to request that a treehouse bar be placed in my backyard.

If you need me, I'll be under the pitched tent near the bathrooms.
 Uncle J and Jo were connected at the hip- smitten says the two of em.

The girls were digging the yard, too!  For three hours we sat, confined to the picnic table, outside, without highchairs.  They were over the moon with empty Bloody Mary cups and straws and mini hamburger sliders.
..and BBQ chips.
..and a few bites of daddy's gourmet grilled cheese.

Mayyybe a little of my Philly Cheesesteak.  And can't forget the gyro.  

Attempt at a fambam selfie.  Success!  

We nearly closed down the park (okay, no where close to closing it down at 8:30pm, but it sounded cool) and called it a night, but we all were having so much fun, we said we were "going home" for an hour.  We are totally going back.  Soon!

 Saturday started early with our triplet friends, Shaun, Keegan, and Josh turning three!  Look who opted for a swim suit for the occasion.  Daddy was working overtime at the fire station, so this momma did it solo on Saturday.

tank / Target // shorts / Loft // scarf / Loft (similar) 

The big kids played hard in the ginormous water bounce house (legit ginormous), and since we were a little unsure about the entire situation, we sat the sidelines.

 Instead- we saved our pint-sized water fun for after we got home!  Filling up the kiddie pool is tough work. I was happy to sit and watch this little helper do the job for me.

water table / Step 2 Wild Whirlpool Water Table

For 3 hours this was my view.  It is only the beginning of summa, ya'll.  Can this weather stay around for ever?

Lets talk about the terrible eye sore of a bruise there on my leg.  I walked straight into a shopping cart last week and this was my reward.  An interesting accessory to my shorts and dress attire this week.   Hurry up and get a move on, would you please?

What makes a day in the sun truly complete?  Watermelon.

But not just any watermelon.. the kind you share bites between your own with your sister.

How bad do you want a twin sister right now?

swim suit / babyGap

Sunday, Mother's Day, we played it simple and very low key.

Last Wednesday, Jordan's dad fell off of a ladder while working and broke his first rib and L1-L5 transverse process of his back.  We had grand plans for going to a Mother's Day brunch, but he was in no shape to be going anywhere, so staying put at home to take it easy was most important.

After church, we stopped to grab some lunch, and then headed over to visit with the Massey's for the afternoon.

Being very careful not to wiggle too much while in Poppa's lap.  Jolie was so sweet to him!  He was sharing Smarties.. and this is the way to that little girl's heart.

Smarties and dog food.
What you can't see in this crazy cute picture it the dog food dust around her mouth.

Jolie.. don't eat the dog food.  

She laughs in my face.  

The struggle is real.

Meet Maggie. 

The official introduction to Jordan's parent's dog. 

We just love Maggie!

This dog.  So gentle and sweet sweet sweet with the girls.  She is the reason we was currently looking for an inside dog for Parker and Jolie.  Can't you just picture Jolie carrying around a tee-cup pup singing the whole way along?  We've already come up with a name for said dog.

Hashtag.

Mother's Day continues to be my most favorite day.  It isn't about the attention.  It isn't about the 'gifts', or the brunch (well, almost about the brunch), but its about the reason why I'm celebrated.

Because I am a mother.  These two gave me that gift and I will forever be thankful for God's great hand in all of it.  I am so encouraged by my momma friends and family.

headbands / Jameson Monroe // dresses / Old Navy (similar) 

I hope each one of you special ladies were celebrated well by your people.

My people- they did so good.

 My Very First Mothers Day {2013} HERE

Lovey Lake | Coupon Code

Summer is upon us.  Excitement and dreams of so many baby{ies} firsts.  Hours of sprinkler fun, bare baby legs, ruffle bathing suit bums for days..

..and more of this skirt and moccs combo.

And this shirt.  

Ugh.  These girls are getting big on me.  

moccasins c/o Freshly Picked

I was practically beside myself when sweet Leah emailed me about reviewing some of her designs - I mean.  After browsing through her shop I couldn't make up my mind about anything.

So.

I said 'surprise me, girl.'

And when you have models like the above and below, its hard not to love anything they wear.  But, in any consolation, I'm in serious contemplation for Leah to make me a momma-sized skirt to match these little birds.

headwrap / Jameson Monroe

limited edition pocket skirt c/o Lovey Lake

Apparently someone said "show me your belly (belly, belly, belly, belly)."

shirt / Litte Boss Shop

Since we mommas all love to spend the dolla dolls bills on our bebes, Leah and I have decided to offer a special Mother's Day coupon code to Lovey Lake!

You know you want. And now you have a justifiable reason to spend.  Two reasons, actually.

1.) Its Mother's Day and B.) "I have a coupon"

This means I'm a bargain shopper.  

hay gurl, hay

No go, runnnnn, skip, or jump. If there are questions.. see below.

Parker has the right idea.

These limited edition skirts are available now at Leah's shop! Head over to Lovey Lake and use the coupon code: mamasday20 for 20% off your total order on anything in the shop.  I personally encourage you to get your hands on one {or two!} of these precious skirts for your little girl{s}.

  Valid good Friday (May 9th) through Sunday (May 12th)