3 day weekend

we got a real taste of what the summer is going to look like for us over the these three days.  the big girls had their last day of school last week and we spent the rest of the week really soaking in this time together before its 800 degrees outside.  summer wardrobe is in full swing- baby shorts sun dresses and tank tops, and oooooh how I love them.

we didnt have a super big/super amazing agenda  this weekend- we made plans to swim and cookout with some family friends on Sunday, but other than that it was business as usual.  errands and a grocery run- hitting up all the sample carts while we were at it.  the girls have really impressed me with their interest in food lately.  they used to rarely touch that kinds of stuff-  here and there they would sample fruit or chicken, but on a holiday weekend at Costco they pull out all the stops!

hot dogs. potato salad. chips & salsa. grilled pork tenderloin. turkey burgers. coffee cake.

we had our fill and figured this was as well balanced as lunch was going to get today and then headed to church.  we often go to church on Saturday night  because in this season of life right now, getting all of us out the door by 830am to make it to church by 9am is just plain blasphemy.  I see these super moms on social media with all their children dressed and ready and make it ON TIME. but Saturday night is our thing.  we usually go to dinner after- so like a standing family date night.  and the girls love it!  

Sunday we slept in.  made breakfast.  drank too much coffee.. and then headed over for burgers and hotdogs with amazing friends, cousins, and BB + Papa.  oh, and I might mention that Baker successfully pulled off her first tiny pony- and I can hardly handle it.  the big girls got a kick out of 'letting her borrow' one of their hair clips.. and all the while she just had no idea how freaking adorable she was.      

Monday came quickly.. it must have been the 5am workout, but all that matters is that I actually MADE it to my workout, ha!  I felt the urge to do a little spring cleaning and so in between nap times I had my work cut out for me.  we met up with friends for dinner to celebrate Brittany at a brand new pizza place that just opened in our little town- it has THE best patio and a place for the babes to run around.  after dinner we were walking out and realized that among the four couples, there are 9 kids.. all of which are girls! 

we ended the weekend with frozen yogurt to go and the bachelorette. 

seersucker striped bows c/o // polka dot bow c/o  // denim swing tank

 denim romper c/o // bag c/o

poolside sparkle c/o // crochet swim suit (sold out, similar)

 bow c/o // swim suit

 humble + kind tee // rosette headband c/o

this weekend is about so much more than BBQ, pool fun, and an extra day off on a Monday.  while I have never been directly affected by the loss of someone that served, I do have family and friends that have spent time in the military and gravely respect them beyond words can express.  

so thankful for those that have given their lives for our country so that my kids can play their little hearts out in the pool and eat their weight in hotdogs and ketchup. 

I hope you had a beautiful weekend, friends!

ten month favorites

a little late to this party, but better late than never, no?  Spring is in FULL SWING over in these parts, which means the weather is changing and the temps are rising. this month's favorites list its all about the summer comfort and play!

pound + tap bench // the big girls got this toy at their second birthday and Parker still carries around that wooden hammer on her mickey mouse tool belt. but Baker gets a kick out of putting the balls in the holes more than anything else.

activity cube // by far her FAVORITE toy on the planet.  another hand-me-down toy we pulled it out early this month and she stands and keeps herself busy busy busy with this thing. we got it from Costco around Christmas time a couple years ago for the twins, but they never got the use out of it like miss Baker.  I think this age is prime time for her development and cognitive skills in using this cube.

snack keeper // its hard for me to believe that my sweet girl is big enough to hang with the rest of them!  the big girls still use their keepers and Baker got herself her own recently and I am impressed that she has figured it out.  not to say their aren't times when she flips her cup upside down and she's sitting in a pile o' puffs, but we are working on those motor skills and she's getting the hang of it.

plum teensy fruits // I randomly picked these up at Target trying to find something different than puffs and they are a HIT!  miss Baker has just two (bottom) teeth with no others in sight, and she gums these well and has no problem eating them (even though they say tots on the box.)

shortie pajamas // its getting warm in Texas!  Baker is a sweater - she is drenched any time she is in her carseat or stroller and especially when she sleeps!  she's started to sleep without the sleep sac and while some nights she is still in long pants, we are leaning towards the short sleeves and short pants.  this pj set (on sale!) is SO cute, too.. I got it for all three of the babes.  love that match-matchy business!

fabric tie headband // they are soft and hold their shape- which is important because if Baker can see the headband at all she's grabbing for it and stretching it off her head. she doesnt' mind it being on her head/over her ears, but if she sees it, its game over.  we have EVERY color and print!  we also have a handful of her poolside headbands, too! Use code pbandj for 25% off your order.. that code NEVER expires:)

summer hats // Baker in floppy hats.  ok.  babies in general in floppy hats. come ON!  Baker has more hats than her closet shelf can hold and the floppy ones are my favorite.  perfect for keeping the sun off her baby face, and great for wearing to the pool.

golden hill skinny minny onesies  // I mentioned these back when Baker was a tiny babe in my postpartum favorites blog post.  summer is quickly approaching and we still live in these super lightweight and uber comfy onesies! she wore them all winter for layering, and now a little bare baby arm action for the summer!  they hold their shape incredibly well and can double as swimwear when she's playing in the water table out in the backyard.

j+j tank jumper (on sale!!) // another summer favorite.  stretchy.  lightweight.  and the colors!  it is my go to option for hanging out around the house or heading to the park.  we have them in several colors:)

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camp gladiator | week one

via

well. 

it hurts to walk.

it hurts to bend over.

it hurts to laugh.

.. roll over.

..breathe.

basically it hurts to live right now.  

week one of camp gladiator and I'm so motivated to keep going and push through the p a i n of my sore muscles!  I'm doing the total transformation program, which not only includes the daily work outs but also 'InBody' testing.  I went in for the test last week and it basically gave me the goals I needed to work towards for the next four weeks!  I was also WAY impressed with how accurate my FitBit was in calculating my basal metabolic rate (basically, the amount of calories I need to keep my body healthfully working). 

I am sharing all this as a way to keep myself accountable.. basically force myself into getting fit and keeping up with these workouts at least to the end of Camp at 4 weeks.  I didn't get into this with the idea to lose weight or feel like I need to be thinner, but really with the mentality that I want to get FIT.  tone.  gain muscle.  and for the love of Pete, y'all.  I want to bring my abs back to their original pre-baby state.  I never really started back to exercising regularly after the twins were born, and then in my second pregnancy with Baker I was as big and stretched out as I was with the twins.  we've been walking about 4-6 miles in the evenings most days of the week over the last 3 months, and I've noticed a huge change in the 'pooch',  but I'm looking to gain muscle now.

here are my stats at the start of Camp.

Week ONE

total weight: 124.1lbs (11am in the morning after breakfast and coffee)

total body water: 71.2lbs

dry lean mass: 25.8 lbs

body fat mass: 27.1 lbs

total lean body mass: 97.0 lbs

skeletal muscle mass: 53.1 lbs

BMI: 19.4 

21.8% body fat

based on all these stats, I need about 1321 calories/day without working out.  on the days I work out (which I'm shooting for 4-5 days a week) I'll add about 500-600 calories to that number.

SO- where do I want to be at the end of 4 weeks?

4 week goals

increase lean body mass 

gain 3.7 pounds of body fat mass

gain 6.2 pounds of lean body mass

there you have it.  I will say that I am LOVING camp gladiator so far!  working out with a great group of people (men and women) at 5am has been just so much fun!  more fun than one would expect.. there are other camps I can attend, but the 5am is the most feasible for my schedule right now:)  

I earn points for ever day I 'check in' and also for having my friends sign up!  these points go towards other camps and camp gladiator gear (like workout mats and t-shirts) so if you decide you want to try it, you can use my email (ambermariemassey@gmail.com) to let them know where you heard about it- thats my own little plug for CG.  I'm at the end of week one and really impressed already with how easy it is to get up and get going and how good I feel after workout- even if I want to puke in the middle of it!  

camp gladiator has no idea who I am- I'm just really excited about the workout journey I've started.  Its been awhile, and it feels good to be back into being more active.

tiny moments | aveeno skin care for baby

Baker's evening routine has quickly become my most favorite part of the day.  she's an absolute riot in the bath- splashing like a crazy person and flopping like a fish out of water as she lunges from one side of the tub to the other.  she has such contentment when she's in a warm bath, playing with her toys and exploring the water pouring out from the spout.  

these are the rare, tiny moments I have with my little girl- one on one.  I cannot get enough of her demeanor and patience with me as I soak up this time in the evenings with just her.  

time with all three of my girls is absolutely amazing.  chaotic.  hilarious.  

but one on one time with miss Baker Bree is so special. 

since the twins were born, we have run the gamut of body care products for baby- Parker had a terrible time with her sensitive + dry skin and we tried just about everything.  thankfully she's mostly grown out of all that, but Jordan has pretty sensitive skin himself, so a strict skin care routine is nothing new to us.  when Baker was born, I was concerned about using products that would irritate her skin like I'd experienced with Parker in the past.  it wasn't long before we noticed Baker's skin being sensitive to everything from body wash and lotion to diapers and wipes!  we started Aveeno Baby Wash & Shampoo when she was just weeks old and it showed visible results and what seemed like immediate relief.  she hasn't had to have an oatmeal bath in a while, but we are still pretty mindful of what we expose her skin to. my favorite part about a post bath Baker Bree is the way her baby skin feels after covering her from head to toe in yummy lotion. 

after bath-time fun, lotion, and pajamas we are finally ready for bed.

immediately after I lay her down for the night I want to scoop her right back up for more snuggles.  having spent the last hour of our day together having just the sweetest time, I don't want it to end!

the moments of pride.

the moments of chaos.

the moments of frustration. 

the moments of sweetness.

the moments of outstanding love for my three girls.

tiny moments that make up this mama life.

Share your #TinyMoments and tag @AveenoUS to show off your #AveenoBaby

as always, huge thank you to B Faith Photography for capturing these tiny moments with my baby girl.  I partnered with AVEENO® on this post. all opinions expressed are 100% my own.
bloom baby wipes are available at Target.

weekend things

feeling refreshed this Monday morning.  this weekend was spent with lots of family and friends- the best kind of time!  I got out for a girls night with my dear friend Amy.. we don't see each other as often as we like because of, well, life is insane, but when we come together its like no time has passed.  we met up early for an afternoon movie- we saw Money Monster and let me just say it has been a long time since I saw a movie I really enjoyed.  this one was great!  George Clooney + Julia Roberts.. it was just really good.  I highly recommend!  I am excited for it to come out on dvd so me and the hubby can watch it together.  

after the movie it was all about the wine and cheese.  

and with Amy, its what we do best.

it was much needed to get out and have some 'me time', but waking to my babes was simply perfection.  I got some one on one time with Jo Grace while Parker and daddy ran some errands.  we did the usual saturday night church an mexican food with friends + BB and Papa came along this time, too!  there was also celebration of baby Grayson's baptism in the church Uncle J grew up in.  it was so sweet!  we ate a huge italian lunch afterwards with more friends and more family.. and rounded out the weekend with a dip in the pool.  Baker's first time afloat, and you guys- she was hilarious!  she wouldn't stop dunking her head under the water, splashing, and squealing in delight.  

plus. my silly child in an inflatable swan just made my entire weekend.

I hope yours was fabulous!  

here's to a great week!  XO!

 bottle c/o

 flower c/o // romper

five on friday

one. 

my girl, Chelsea over at Jameson Monroe is having a super sale on these XL Chiffon flower bows!  I found her shop when the twins were teeny tiny and have basically every color she offers!  as a bonus.. she is giving my readers an additional 15% off everything in her shop!  

use code AMBER15 at checkout.  

I'm obsessed with her new mermaid glam bows!  the fabric is perfect for wearing to the pool:)

is it wrong of me to use my own discount code?

nah!

jesus saves, bro // texas grown// striped leggings

two.

there is chill in the air right now, and so our afternoon walks have required a little bundling up!  I don't mind because.. y'all.  Baker in a beanie is just amazing.

we've gotten a bit more serious about our walks this week.. I signed up for Camp Gladiator and classes start on Monday at 5am.  

everyone please start praying for my survival. its a four week boot camp and I plan to share my progress at the end of the four weeks!  I need to gain a little muscle weight- especially in my legs, and tighten up those ab muscles!  it doesnt take much more than a sandwich and chips for me to look like I'm four months pregnant.

here we go!  

three.

party planning for Baker's first birthday is in FULL SWING!  I decided on her party theme months ago and I am so excited to be planning a summer birthday party!  much different than winter- duh.. but I'm totally playing up the season and going all out with summer foods, summer drinks, and summer fun!  geez.  while I do absolutely love this age she is in right now, I cannot believe how fast this year has flown!  

four.

after seeing this slouchy tee on Jessica's blog a couple weeks ago, I had to try them for myself!  I am all about dressing up comfortable, and these are easily just that!  I wore the rose smoke color with my most favorite white jeans (on sale!) and wedges to work- and I also have the raven color that I wore with boyfriend shorts (on sale, too!!) and my favorite Toms. really versatile and REALLY comfortable.  give it to me.  all of it.

also, random, while I do love my phone case (here) I found some other floral phone cases on pinterest this week and I really want this one! 

five.

and last but not least.. this.  good grief I LOVE the bond they have.  Its been a great week home after vacation.  

happy Friday, friends!  I hope you're weekend is amazing!

a week with the babes

ever heard of the phrase "it takes a village"?  well.  literally our amazing trip to Cabo wouldn't have been possible without the village of amazing family and friends to care for our crew while we were gone.  first stop was BB + Papa's house.  the girls absolutely LOVE their BB and Papa and even more they love to have sleepovers.   when we dropped them off on Sunday night before we left on Monday morning bright and early, they walked in without a care in the world!  such a relief for that ease of transition, but hello- break a mama's heart!!  they started the week and didn't skip a beat.

I got this picture on Tuesday morning before BB took them to school.. and I couldn't focus on anything else but Jolie's sponge roller hair!  

 Papa's Happy Place

 BB + Auntie made the exchange on Thursday afternoon and it was up to the four babes to keep Auntie and Uncle J busy, busy, busy! 

 in true Auntie fashion, she had fun things planned for my girls + Grayson.  it wasnt too long ago that it was just Parker and Jolie to run the day's events. Now they are proud big sisters to help with the little ones as often as we let them:)

by far their most favorite part of visiting.  Uncle J has played the guitar for Parker and Jolie since they were born.. and then for Grayson and now for Baker, too.  

I absolutely love how much he loves them all!

so much has changed since the last time we did the Mexico shuffle! thankful for these people and for the way they love my people