day in the life.

four-forty.

up and at'em!!  

my day starts about 4:40am when I am up and heading to camp gladiator.  finding time to get in my workout has been the toughest transition into having four kids.. especially when 3/4 of them aren't sleeping through the night.  early morning at 5am is the only really good time for me to get in about 60 minutes, but its also the time Brady is waking to eat.  there has been a handful of times that he's slept through until closer to 7am, but most mornings Jordan will feed him a bottle and I'll pump when I get home around 6am.

6am is when I hit the ground running.

I usually get my coffee and breakfast the moment I get home.. Im starving by the time I finish bootcamp and need something asap.  if Brady has eaten already I'll take this time to pump while I eat my breakfast and catch up on emails or style a handful of stitch fix clients.

I shower up, rarely wash my hair, and attempt to get myself "ready" in the morning. 

the babes slowly start to trickle in, usually Parker or Baker first.. then Jolie, and if Brady isn't awake already he's in the bathroom with me!

 I usually lay out the kid's clothes the night before.. even if we aren't going anywhere and its literally a tank top + yoga shorties, I have a plan for what they are going to be wearing for the day.  and then there are those days that their clothes sit on the floor of their room all day and we stay in our pj's instead:)

the twins are able to dress themselves and Baker, that sweet girl, really tries her best but ends up stuck in her shirt sleeve and with two legs in one side of her shorts.

I finish getting myself "ready".. usually just minimal makeup (foundation + bronzer are my lifelines) and if I didn't wash my hair I blow dry the dampness out from workout, tousle it with dry shampoo and touch up the curls with my flat iron.

seven thirty.

if it is a day that I am working, I throw on my scrubs and I hit the door.. but on a day that I am home (usually I have one or two days off during the week!) our days are literally filled from start to finish! 

 playtime happens all day long.  my house is a mess moments after the crew wakes..and I usually only pick up and organize after they are down for a nap or after dinner while the girls are winding down for the night. I've been trying to find fun things for the girls to do this summer that don't require me going out and spending a ton of money..and its so darn hot outside.  that sort of limits what we are able to do outside when I have an infant in tow.  

ten o'clock 

mornings usually consist of errands.. picking up groceries (I order online and pick up at the store.. seriously changed my life!), running to Costco or making quick shopping trips for whatever we need.  I end up putting together a list every week as the things come up of "things to do" and so my days off are FULL. I'll usually pack a lunch for all the girls and we eat on the go.  BUT I am not beyond a swing through the drive through for chicken nuggets for Parker, a jr. burger for Jo, and a grilled cheese for Baker. 

two-thirty

I try to make it home by early afternoon so that Baker can take a nap.  afternoon nap for Baker has fallen in line with Brady's long nap of the day (he takes one morning and one afternoon nap everyday) and even though the twins don't usually nap anymore, they have quiet time and color, watch a movie, or read books in their room.  

I'll usually take this time to style more stitch fix clients, blog ahead for the week, or catch up on emails. 

four o'clock 

::I'm on my way home from work if its a "work day" for me:: 

these warm afternoons of the summer are spent at the neighborhood pool, in the backyard on the patio with scooters + mini trikes.. and occasionally I pull out the blow up pool.  earlier this summer Jordan and Papa put together a swing set, so we spend a lot of time playing outside in the backyard.

six thirty

after a couple hours of playing its time for dinner.  I usually cook on the nights that Jordan is at home (not at the fire station or on shift at the hospital). I plan our meals the week before and create a mini meal plan schedule which helps me to make sure I have the ingredients on hand to cook a meal for the family.  on the nights that its just me and the kids dinner often looks like boxed mac + cheese or baked chicken nuggets or even breakfast for dinner.  we usually have left overs from the night before and Jolie is a big leftover eater but Parker and Bake aren't, so I kind of just make whatever sounds good to everyone at the time. 

seven fifteen 

the bed time hustle takes forever right now.  by the time I get everyone bathed.. usually I stick all three of the girls in the shower while I bathe Brady in the tub, its a solid forty five minutes before everyone is in their jammies.  on nights that Jordan is home we divide and conquer and he reads books to the girls while I feed Brady and get him down for the night.  when I am solo Brady just hangs out with us while I get the girls in bed.  getting them in bed first seems to be much easier on me than trying to get Brady in bed while they are still awake.. we play a game of in and out of his room and Brady never really seems to settle down enough to fall asleep and it takes forever!  

eight fifteen 

my goal is to have every one down before 8:30pm.  lately, since starting the sleep coupon + reward system with the girls, its been a much easier time of day. bedtime easily could be my most stressful time of the day. 

after the kiddos are in bed I usually hop back on the computer to finish my stitch fix clients, blog for the next morning or do absolutely nothing at.all.  I try really hard to be in bed before eleven, but sometimes its midnight or I get in bed when the kids are finally down because I'm completely whipped.. and then sometimes Brady wakes before I even get in bed at night and I'm up for another couple hours..

life is full these days. 

transition into having four babies hasn't been seamless, but we are managing. one thing that we've talked and prayed about for a couple years now is my staying home full time. I have about a 45 minute commute to the hospital in the morning and sometimes over an hour coming home. Jordan works about 35 minutes away from home.. the twins are starting kindergarten next year and being that far away from home sort of stresses me out.  about a year and a half ago the application for stitch fix fell in my lap and I feel like the Lord was laying ground work for me to be able to finally be home full time with the babies.  I didn't see it then but looking back it was clear as day the plan that He had for us.  after Jolie started struggling with health issues and Parker's anxiety hit an all time high the value in being home with my kids became most important than anything.  

that being said.. being a SAHM is freaking hard.  my days off with the kids can be EXHAUSTING and so I need ideas!  cheap ideas to keep these babies entertained! this is all new territory for me, so I need all the advice I can get! 

photography by: b faith photography 

thirty-two

I'm sitting here in my pjs, watching tom selleck (I LOVE HIM) on live with kelly. coffee in hand.. omg after looking through yesterday's pictures I snapped I realize I drink SO MUCH COFFEE.. side note there, soooorry.

BB took all three babies for an impromptu sleepover last night after we filled our bellies with chips and salsa and the best queso ever.  the day was filled with so much joy and happiness, and you guys I just had the best day ever.  the best birthday in many years.. not that my last birthdays were horrible by any means, but they were just another day. 

I started my day with bootcamp and coffee and then took the big girls to preschool before my appointment for a flu shot (the best! ha!) and then headed straight for a sonogram appointment.  I wanted nothing more for my birthday than to see my sweet baby boy.  Britt mentioned that she had a great place she loves and went to often when she was pregnant with her girls, so I made my appointment at visions of love ultrasound and got to see my boy. my dad sent me a gift card to Starbucks because he also shares my love for starbies AND a birthday (baby steps.. this is the first "gift" exchange or even simply a happy birthday on our birthday in years.) 

--

..btw you can find my phone case here, my flannel here (on sale!) and my favorite maternity tank here!

 the only thing Jordan cared about was seeing a wiener.  the night before he made mention about being excited about going to the sonogram and he cant wait to see it! what?!  such a creep.. but he did have a point that we've never seen one before and we actually got to see it in 3D- ha! 

this little guy was darling. I had just eaten breakfast so he was moving around like a crazy little thing and kept rubbing his tiny hands around his face and eyes, yawning and stretching out his legs.  I have thought I could feel him for a week or so and when he would stretch his skinny legs out I could totally feel the movement. he's already got some sweet cheeks and a button nose!!  I want to hold him and squeeze him right now.

--

I got this felt frame + letters on my trip to magnolia market, but you can also find it HERE.  its made by letter folk!  I've been eyeballing these for a long time and I had already decided, boy or girl, I would get one of these for the nursery.

after my heart basically exploded for a half hour, it was on to the rest of our day.

babies r us is having their great carseat event right now (through October 2nd!) and if you bring in your old carseat, doesn't matter the brand, to exchange you get 25% off a brand new carseat.. SO.  when you have to buy THREE carseats this 25% is very helpful!

after hearing awesome things and recommendations we went with the Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 harness booster for the big girls and the Maxi Cosi convertible for Baker.

..you can find Baker's bow here, her sweater here, pants here.. and her camo moccasins here!

next stop was lunch before picking up with twins at preschool!  twisted root struck my tummy cords for delicious and I had the best lunch dates!

we swung through to pick up the girls from school and then it was home to install the new carseats + a quick face time to wish Duke (my dad) a happy birthday. they were SO cute talking to him and he was SO happy to see their smiling faces.

I thanked my dad for the gift card and then sent him this selfie of my second venti of the day and an entire car full of his sleeping granbabes.

the last stop before dinner!  the park!  well, its actually an amazing genius idea of one of my favorite grocery stores- they have a park and picnic tables on the back side of their store.  SO, before dinner with the Massey's we let the girls run off the steam.  

 wearing my FAVORITE maternity jeans HERE! 

..and my new favorite (cheap!) glasses here.

can I also just mention that the weather yesterday was AMAZING. literally 75 and gorgeous the entire day- we walked right into fall on my birthday.

after making a quick stop at Target to grab jams for the girl to wear at BB's after dinner, we went home to an empty house and watched DVR'd Fixer Upper in bed. 

it was just a good day.  every moment of it.

heres to another year:)

mama confessions II

one. I havent cooked a real dinner in a month (or two!?!).. unless you want to count that ONE time I threw a bunch of stuff in the crock pot and called it homemade. we've been eating a lot of cereal.

#sorryjordan

two. when I sent out my birthday invites for the surprise announcement/gender reveal party I addressed myself as turning 33.  Auntie had to text and remind me that I'm only turning 32.  who does that?

three. my kids occasionally put me in my place.  and I try SO HARD not to laugh about it.

Jolie told me what she wanted to watch on television (Mickey Mouse) and then changed her mind (apparently) while I was finishing breakfast for Baker.. 

me: okay!  mickey mouse it is!

Jo: no mom. I SAID Paw Patrol!

me: oh!  sorry I missed that.

Jo: no.  you weren't listening very well, were you? Mom, I told you and you were doing something else instead of listening to me.

me: ...

--

after swatting parker on the leg and sending her to time out after she punched Jolie in the face (literally) over a toy she wouldn't share.. she waled from the "time out" corner in the hallway "you don't just HIT PEOPLE, MOM!!"

four. I've become slightly obsessed with Fixer Upper. on a chip and jojo high the other night, at midnight, I applied to be on the show.. living in Waco in a 1000 square foot home with 3..err.. four kids is completely doable.  they make it look so good.  and easy.  Jordan will kill me.

  

five. I'm an emotional wreck and completely irrational when I'm pregnant.  I cried my eyes out the other night watching Keeping Up with the Kardashian's.. Kylie's lip kit restock was SUCH a success and her site didn't crash!  I literally cried. bawled for her. over lipstick. 

see also number four.

six. Jolie had an accident in the bed one night recently.. I told her it was okay, threw down a towel and went back to sleep..

seven.  the dog tinkled on Parker's bed the next night in excitement as we were getting everyone in bed.. I threw down a towel and remembered I never changed Jojo's sheets from the night before. oops!

eight. my housekeeper is absolutely amazing.  the most wonderful woman on the planet and we make sure she is well aware of how much we appreciate her.  I would give up my cell phone (for reals) to keep her if it came down to it.  she washes and folds every ounce of laundry/sheets in this house when she comes every two weeks on Tuesday.  on Monday night I spend the entire evening putting away the laundry she folded from two weeks ago.

nine. Parker + Jolie LOVE to sing. love it. and they always want us to sing with them! Jesus Loves Me and ABC's are the number one request,  but randomly they've started asking to sing Jingle Bells.  well, Jordan refuses to sing "because its not Christmas". Parker got so upset the other night because we wouldn't sing Jingle Bells, so Jordan started singing You are My Sunshine as we were pulling into the Starbucks line to order.. apparently we serenaded all the Starbucks employees wearing a headset because when we stopped singing they picked up where we left off.  

tears were rolling down my face in laughter!

ten. Baker has started following me around waving her finger when I'm curtly directing the twins to stop doing backflips off the couch.  like she's sticking up for them or sassing them like her mama.

what am I going to do with her?

eleven.. the size of this bump here at 14 weeks makes me slightly nervous for the growth to come.

five on friday | nordstrom sale picks for mama

its down to the last weekend before my favorite sale of the year ends!  with the fall season on it's way I picked up some really cute stuff this year.  I LOVE leggings and wear them basically everyday throughout the fall and winter months.  layering them with dresses and tunics.. big bulky cardigans or  a vest and then finishing my outfit with a wedge bootie or riding boot.  I have like five different pairs of wedge booties, and I just cant stop.  I read somewhere last fall that the wedge heel was 'out' and I was in literal distress over it in fear I could never buy a wedge heel again.

slight overreaction. 

here are my mama favorites from this year's sale!  

1. pants

2. tops

3. dresses + tunics

4. shoes

5. accessories

happy Friday and cheers to hiding the shopping bags + receipts from the hubby:)

starting a blog + JORD giveaway

one of the biggest questions I get about blogging runs along the lines of..

"where do I start?"

"how do I make time for it?"

I've been wanting to write this post forever because it seems like this is a question I get once a week.. and hopefully I can give you the answers you want to hear without bombarding you with useless information.

for me it has become one of my favorite things to do.. its the time I make for myself and the time I spend doing something I really enjoy. the day blogging becomes a headache and not fun for me might be the day I am done. sure there have been lapses in posts here and there.  life gets busy and sometimes the blog isn't the priority.  but I love writing and I absolutely love sharing our life.. partly because I know when I have something in question I go blog hunting, and being a resource even for just ONE person about whatever makes my time here worth it, for sure.  but mostly because I want to look back at this time and remember crazy life with my three girls.  or look back at the time when we had no kids.. and what the heck we did with ourselves everyday (?!!). 

trips we take.

weekends we share with family.  

I've got nearly 10 years into this little corner of web space and I can only imagine where life goes from here- but I've surely documented where we have come from.

when thinking about where to start, I understand the overwhelming pressure in deciding what you want to share on your new blog.  when I started my blog years back I had no idea where I was going with it, just kind of posted here and there with no real purpose or theme.  then I got into nutrition + food + cooking and thought to myself.. OMG I should totally write about food!  I'm a genius.  

until I googled 'food blog' and about one million blogs popped up.  

its hilarious to look back on my mindset at the time- at 22 years old.  but I was devastated!  

the blogging world is saturated with stuff.  so, trying to write about what you think others want you to write about is pointless.  I blogged for a solid 4-5 years before really finding myself in this world of the www.

when blogging finally clicked for me was when I was pregnant with twins.  I was scouring the internet trying to find anything about twins/multiples/pregnancy.. survival! and wasn't having the greatest luck at all.  

which prompted me to write about it myself.  

..and then I pinned my own blog post. 

good old self promotion right there.. and nothing wrong with it.

traffic picked up to my blog and before I knew it, I found myself writing on a regular basis about my life as a twin mom and all the experiences that inadvertently go along with it. 

and totally loving it. 

that being said, when thinking about starting a blog, taking a leap to put yourself out there, do it for you.  find your niche.  share what you are good at! I share about things that are near and dear to my heart and it so happens that some of you like what you are reading and come back:)  you will probably never see a DIY project on this blog because, well.. I suck at DIY.  

I can throw a mean birthday party or write a yummy recipe for my family.

but, I leave the handy work to the professionals:)

..but Jordan has been pinning bird houses to my 'summer projects' pinterest board the last couple days, so, ummm.. there might be a project in our future. which means JORDAN is the professional in this case and definitely NOT me. 

I try to blog about 4-5 days a week.  I consider 4 days to be great and consistent in creating and sharing content.  being more regular keeps my readership up and engaged.  coming back for more if by chance there is a new post live on the blog.  I can alway tell the reason when my analytics are down- I haven't been as consistent or posting less.  that engagement is so important when you are looking to partner with larger (and small, too!) brands!  

thats another beast and for a separate post that I promise I will share soon!  

I've been really really blessed with some fun partnerships through this blogging journey.  small businesses are my absolute favorite and while some have started small, I have watched them explode in popularity and exposure over the years.  recently I was approached by JORD watches and while I had seen the wood watch trend all over social media, I had no idea there were so many options! at first glance I didn't think they were much my style.. but I was terribly wrong! I have worn it everyday since I got it!  talk about a unique gift for the hubby or a fun splurge for yourself! 

whats even better?? how about $75 towards any wood watch you like!  

JORD has graciously offered one lucky reader the chance to win. 

wait.  its gets better!! 

everyone that enters gets $20 towards any wood watch purchase

which means everyone is a winner:)   

 ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE

the details: the contest will close 6/29 at 11:59pm. the winner's $75 coupon code will expire 7/29 and the "losers" $20 coupon code will expire 10/29.

GOOD LUCK, friends!

special thank you for the gorgeous photography by b faith photography 
Ladies Wooden Watches

frankie wood watch c/o 

mint double layer bracelet c/o

chain bracelet c/o

mini bar harmony bracelets 

bar necklace + drop circle c/o

clara tote

denim top 

camp gladiator | week four

I did it!  I finished my first four weeks of camp gladiator.. and I didn't quit!  I had Britt to motivate me to go every morning because. well she was sitting in my driveway to pick me up at 4:50am and I couldn't just leave her out there.  we made it about 4 days every week mostly to the 5am class, but we hit up the 8am once and honestly I prefer 5am.  get it over with before the rest of the neighborhood wakes and before the blanket of heat covers. 

 I haven't seen my abs before now in years!

my arms and legs have much more definition for sure. and my entire core is just so much stronger!

my stats 

total weight at the end of week 4: 128.8lbs (12pm in the afternoon after breakfast and coffee)

total body water // week one: 71.2lbs >> week four: 74.1lbs

dry lean mass // week one: 25.8 lbs >> week four: 27.1lbs

body fat mass // week one: 27.1 lbs >> week four: 27.6lbs

total lean body mass // week one: 97.0 lbs >> week four: 101.2lbs

skeletal muscle mass // week one: 53.1 lbs >> week four: 55.3lbs

BMI // week one: 19.4 >> week four: 20.2

percent body fat // week one: 21.8% >> week four: 21.4%

4 week goals

increase lean body mass - MET!

gain 3.7 pounds of body fat mass - progressing.  I gained only 0.4lbs. 

gain 6.2 pounds of lean body mass - the greatest progress I made in these last four weeks!  

I gained 4.2 pounds of lean body mass.

which means that the weight I gained (from 124lbs to 128lbs) was basically all lean body mass.

whats even better is that I improved significantly on my fit test from week one to week four.

the first week of camp we did a 'fit test'. basically heres how it went.

10 burpees .. run 100 yards.

8 burpees.. run 100 yards.

6 burpees.. run 100 yards.

4 burpees.. run 100 yards.

2 burpees.. run 100 yards.

cue panic as my coach was instructing us on this glorious task.  

I had never done a burpee in my life.  I couldn't even do a push up or a sit up. 

I did it in 3 minutes and 28 seconds.  I felt like I was going to puke at the end.

week four of camp I improved by almost an entire minute and completed the same fit test in 2 minutes and 40 seconds.  I also felt like I was going to puke at the end.

other things.. I have met a great community of people that are motivating and fun to workout with.  the 5am group is pretty consistent, so its fun to get together and sweat our butts off several times a week for an hour. 

I signed up for my second camp which starts next week . I haven't really workout out anywhere near this capacity since before the twins were born, but I am hooked.  workouts are different everyday- so I am using new muscles and doing new movements which keeps my body guessing but changing for the better.  I am stronger.  I have more endurance.

y'all.. I can do a sit up.  

Jordan tells me how beautiful I am everyday.  regardless of the loose skin on my stomach (which is all but tightened up after these last four weeks!) or those time of the month breakouts across my cheeks or if my hair is four days dirty.

but his encouragement over these last four weeks and affirmations that I am doing good and making big change has been the greatest encouragement of all! 

ALL that being said- I have a couple of free camps to give away because I am a BOLD member.  

shoot me an email if you are interested and I would LOVE to give you details!

camp gladiator's mission:

positively impact the physical fitness and ultimately the lives of as many people as possible.

I would have to agree.

saving face with rodan + fields | a review + giveaway

let me take you back about 60 days ago. after sharing a posts about my favorite beauty products at the moment I received the sweetest email from Amy.  yes I had heard of rodan + fields and had actually tried the product once about 2 years ago.. I wasnt given much guidance when using that product and I didn't get results I was looking for, so the investment into that product wasnt worth it to me at the time.  I shared my experience with Amy, and she understood my hesitations.

I was completely transparent- I didn't want yet another disappointing experience with another skin care product.

because, ya'll.  I have tried everything. 

EVERYTHING.

the moment I agreed to given r+f a try (again) I started to dread.. really DREAD sharing this post.  how was I supposed to know the possible results? not to mention that putting myself, my scars, and my splotchy skin out there for all of you all to see was at the top of my anxiety list. 

after 30 days I could see a difference.  well, actually.  after just a couple weeks I could tell a difference in the texture of my skin.  I have really dry and flaky skin- but exfoliating with scrubs often are too harsh.  its the most annoying catch 22 ever. but the exfoliating wash I used in combination with the night cream really changed that for me.  it allowed me to consistently lose that dead layer of skin rather than letting it sit there until it started to flake.

gross.

what did I use?

Reverse Regimen

AMP MD roller

REDEFINE overnight cream

So.. lets start from the beginning. 

The Reverse Regimen was best fit for my skin type and the results I was seeking.  while I do still struggle with some adult breakouts, the reduction of my scars and dark spots was at the top of my wishlist. and honestly my adult acne wasnt terrible enough to need the strength of the unblemish line r+f offers.

Reverse is made up of four steps:

-Deep Exfoliating Wash

-Intensive Brightening Toner

-Dual Active Brightening Complex (a retinol formula and a vitamin C formula)

-Broad Spectrum Sunscreen with SPF 50+

the claims to fame?

Reverse helps erase the appearance of premature aging, including brown spots, dullness, and discolorations.  it will brighten skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and defend against sun exposure for a radiant complexion!

in addition to this 4 step reverse regimen I started using the AMP roller.  at first glance/use of this thing I was super skeptical because- how can that really work?  what is it supposed to do exactly?? 

well!  I am so glad you asked!  (ha!)

the AMP MD Roller utilizes micro-exfoliation technology for visibly advanced skin-firming benefits. when I combined its use with the REVERSE Regimen, my REVERSE results were accelerated while also promoting a firmer-looking complexion.  the best part about it?  for me anyway.. the AMP Roller was so helpful in reducing the appearance of my scarring. 

one extra step! 

after talking about my skin type and tendencies.. and after completing the skin care consultation, Amy recommended that I use the REDEFINE Overnight Restorative Cream in addition to the Reverse. since I have such dry skin, this was the best way for me to maintain moisture.  it is an ultra-hydrating cream which replenishes skin’s natural moisturizing factors while you sleep for visibly firmer, less-lined skin in the morning. the moisture recycling complex of hyaluronic acid and glycerin prevent moisture loss while 12-hour, time-released antioxidants A, C and E replenish vital skin nutrients. 

to be completely honest.. there were even some nights that I went to sleep with a dirty face and skipped the second half of my skin care regimen and STILL saw these results.  I'm so lazy about washing my face, but after seeing the results it motivated me to keep up with it!

more company details..

 rodan+fields is not a “one product fits all” shop…everyone’s skin is NOT the same! This is why Dr. Rodan and Dr. Fields have created several different lines of skincare, and finding the one that is best, specifically for you in the key. 

All regimens/products are a 2 month supply when used 2x each day.

Every purchase comes with an incredible empty bottle, 60 day, money-back guarantee.

want to learn more?? I am hardly a sales person.. and try to keep this blog as transparent as possible, and that being said- I believe in this product and after using a million different things on my face I have fallen in love with a regimen that I can actually attest to working as it claims!

giveaway time!

Amy is so graciously offering to any of my readers who complete the skin care consultation (and emails it to themselves) will be entered to win a jar of the Redefine Multi-Function Eye Cream (a $60 value)!  You can access the solution tool HERE! 

view Amy's website HERE or contact her through email HERE to learn more about how she can help you get the best regimen your skin needs.

I went out to run errands without and ounce of makeup on for the first time in YEARS.

maybe even EVER. 

worth it enough for me.. how about you?

mama confessions | because I'm not the only one..

1.) washing my hair is the biggest chore on the planet. 1-2 days a week MAX. even while working out 5 days a week.. I just shower with a towel wrapped around my head and then blow dry that sweat right out:)

2.) it occasionally takes two trips through the Starbuck's line to make it through errands with three kids all by myself.  Parker calls me out every.single.time.

3.) I do not succeed in the laundry department.  I actually fail miserably.  

4.) we eat cereal for dinner at least once a week.

5.) my favorite tv shows are teen mom 2 and keeping up with the kardashians.. and watching #hashtags on youtube.

6.) I've been caught a handful of times by a toddler than knows her story books by heart skipping pages.

7.) q-tips completely gross me out.  I can handle poop.  I can handle snot.  I can even handle puke (sometimes) but when it comes to ear wax I literally cannot tolerate it. 

8.) going to the grocery store often times means that we open a bag of pretzels or package of goldfish while we shop.  by the time we get to the register I hand the checkout person an empty bag to ring up. 

hey.  whatever works.

9.) the big girls know the word 'spicy' because I tell them things are spicy even when they're not so I can eat an entire meal without sharing.

10.) it takes me a longgggg time to pee when I have the hubby to man the children.

11.) when Jordan is home in the mornings the twins (most of the time its Parker) always wake their dad up.  they know for a fact their mother wont budge if its before 8am.

12.) if its just the girls at home, 9 times out of 10 I wake to my entire king size bed filled with puzzles, books, and Barbies.  because they know for a fact their mother wont budge before 8am.  

13.) I am absolutely TERRIBLE at remembering to brush Parker and Jolie's teeth.  I've started to set a reminder alarm in my phone so I don't forget!

14.) we have a room in the house that is stacked with party stuff, holiday decor, clothes, toys..  just a random slew of things that don't have a place.  that door stays shut. 

out of sight out of mind.

15.) when Baker stopped nursing last month I was really sad, I absolutely dreaded buying formula, and feared nearly to tears over giving her that first formula bottle.  BUT in those same moments felt a hint of relief and freedom.  with two other babies running around and taking advantage of the time their mother is out of service- I never realized how difficult it could be! scheduling my work day around pumping was one of the most stressful things of my life.

16.) Jolie and Parker talk about poop all day long.  for whatever reason I was convinced that GIRLS wouldn't talk like this.  but if the toddler humor shoe fits..

17.)  Parker tells me my breath stinks every morning.  like clock work.

18.) I used Amazon Prime NOW for the first time last week.  I bought three boxes of super tampons and a handful of organic baby food pouches.  you never can be too prepared!

19.) the extra five minutes it takes me to wash my face and brush my teeth before bed is almost as bad as washing my hair.  

why is it so annoying?! 

I'll tell you why.  I want to go to sleep right.now.

20.) Jordan: finish dinner so we can go take a shower, Jolie.

Jolie: I really have to go potty!!

Jordan: you can go potty when you get in the shower- take that last bite.

Jolie: DAD!  we cannot go poop in the shower!!

poop.  #allday

gold bow / dress / bubble romper 

motherhood is FULL of manic moments, you know?!

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.

swim styles for mama

this post brought to you by nap time, my third cup of coffee and daydreams of the beach and smells of coconut.  praying that the neighbor next door doesn't stir the littlest with his monstrously loud lawn mower.  why are they always SO much louder when you want it to be quiet? 

the mister and I leave in just a few short weeks for an adults-only vacation to Cabo (omgggg, I'm mega excited). I started to browse my favorite places for suits about a month ago and have come up with some really great pieces for this post-baby bod.  its been a couple years since I bought a new bathing suit.. last year I was 8 months pregnant when I donned my bathing suit for the first time that summer, and I had little desire to buy anything new with a baby on the way to keep me busy and out of the pool- nothing to complain about:)

t h i s year I was excited to find some that fit well and kept my confidence up!  

T O P S

I am not very well endowed.  never have been and probably never will be- but to be honest it was breastfeeding the twin babes that really did me in on that department.  after they weaned I had nothing, nada, zilch left.  and it never came back.  not even while I've been breastfeeding Baker.

all that being said.. these tops work well for me on my body.  however, I think that if you get the right size (and know your right size for that matter) it makes a huge difference!

Victoria has been styling my poolside wear for basically my entire adult life.  I love their styles and the versatility of their fit.  I have the hardest time finding something in store- but after being fitted and wearing VS for years I know the right size.  this year was a little different.  I wasn't sure what size I needed because my shape has changed quite a bit in the last three years.  I ordered a couple things and then had to return and reorder, but I have a suit that I really love.  they now offer in-store exchanges- making my life a million times easier.  

traditionally I have found that the bralette is my favorite.  I do size up from my regular because they tend to run on the smaller size.  this one from VS and this one from target are equally amazing.  I prefer these to the triangle tops.  I wore a flounce top similar to this through the tail end of pregnancy and it was modest enough without going the whole traditional maternity bathing suit tent route.  

it also accentuated my tiny tatas.

I'm telling you.. I got nothin.

the getaway halter is my favorite (I have it in white!) because it gives me shape and a little push with the underwire+halter action.  same for the flirt bandeau option.  I like these because they come in actual cup sizes- allowing me to choose the best fit to hold everything in!  

B O T T O M S  

I'm really picky about what covers my rear.  my favorite bottoms ever have always been these knockout bikini bottoms.. I almost have them in every color after purchasing them over the years.  after my c-section with Baker I was left with a smaller and less noticeable scar (yippee!) but at my 6 week post-op it was confirmed that my skin had retracted on one side.. so and I have this puffy place that sticks out.. and on the right day you can even see it through my pants.  thankfully after working out pretty consistently over the last few months that puffy thing has significantly become less noticeable, but its definitely still there!  

this year I am trying something new.  the heavenly bikini is a much higher rise than the knockout version and although the knockout covers my c-section scar, I feel more confident in the full coverage option this foldover bottom offers.

something else I'm trying?  the classic highwaist bikini.  I love the look of this vintage style bottom- and my favorite suit is actually ON SALE right now- yea, girls.  

what you want to make sure of with the high waisted bottoms is that it comes above your belly button to prevent that muffin-top we love to hate.

T H E O N E - P I E C E

(+ one-ish)

I've never bought a one piece suit before, but if ever was the right time, this is the year to do it. the options are amazing!!  I never thought I would want to wear a one piece, but having one in my summer swim collection is really pretty fun!  I fell in love with this black suit with lace detail.  and the halter option makes it trendy.. and the plunging neckline and delicate lace detail keeps keeps the focus up here rather than around that puffy place I mentioned before:)  and then theres the tankini.  giving a little more coverage but not putting it all out there the way some of the two-piece suit options are these days.  plus- if you are pregnant in the summer, these are the perfect go-to! plus, plus a two-piece tankini makes it a breeze to go to the bathroom.

forget trying to find the right suit  for your the body-type because these days there is no such thing!

its all about finding the right fit and what you ultimately feel comfortable and beautiful in.

perfect swim suit? check.

floppy hat? check.

cheap sunnies? check.

now.. someone bring me a margarita. 

anyone?