Spring Fever & Sippy Cups

It is finally warm here in Maine and we have been taking full advantage.  I am not going to lie the spring fever around here has been intense.  Constant cleaning of the same messes when we can't be outside has had me wound up pretty tight and the results aren't pretty.  Last week we took off with some friends to Acadia for the day.  I almost forgot how much he likes to let the waves chase him and his little toes in the sand.  I guess I have taken for granted how beautiful this great state we live in is.  Driving through the park hearing my freshly napped babe say "oh wow" as we turn the corners and the trees give way to breathtaking ocean views.  I caught a glimpse of our wedding venue from the tree tops on our way to the beach and was so excited to be back.  Baby bump and all!

|| Straw sippy cup ||

Being on the go isn't always easy though.  Leavitt is independent and a free spirit.  I am tired and pregnant.  The combo is exhausting and down right frustrating!  Drinks and snacks are honestly the only things I can consistently count on helping me out on trips out of the house.  I know I am not alone here.  Nuby came out with these awesome new cups that have a weighted straw, a flip top so the straw stays clean, handles for easy use and carry for the little hands in your life.  Click-it technology so you can hear when the cup is locked means I don't screw the top on sideways per usual making a huge mess.  My little guy likes to tip his drinks like a bottle, but prefers to drink from a straw... the irony and lack of logic is not lost on me.  However I'd say that must be a kid thing because the weighted straw solves the problem without any fussing.  The flip top was perfection for the beach, no sand around the straw and no spilling in my bag!  Less baby drama, happier mama.  

Daycare was closed last week for spring break... daycare caught a break mama not so much.  My mom took the week off to help my sister and had her kids for the week.  We had plenty of playdates of course.  My mom or Meme as we call her loves to take the kids to sweet frog.  I would rather do the drive through at Dairy Queen so I don't have to deal with rogue two year olds and sticky fingers.  I obliged and met them there.  As you can see from the pic above ice cream makes a guy thirsty and we were able to stay in our seats thanks to his new favorite cup.  There are some parts to this cup for all of you that live for the dishwasher.... so me.  I have a dishwasher basket from our days of bottles.  I take the straw apart toss it into the basket and it comes totally clean.  No left over juice and I set it on a paper towel to let it air dry after the wash cycle.  No effort from me and no mold which is super gross and common in many sippy cups.  

Nuby has agreed to let me give one away to a lucky reader before you can buy in stores! So hop over to our instagram username Bringingupleavitt to enter! If you aren't the lucky winner you can also find these cups at Tj Maxx & Marshall's in June as well as the link above. You can almost always find me there because I have a love for all things Tj Maxx and Marshall's! 

Brining up Leavitt is a Nuby Parent Blogger and was given products in exchange for reviews.  All opinions are and always will be my own.  

Happenings

I'm not going to lie I have been really enjoying gabbing about bath toys, mama gifts, and answering all the funny messages I get! It has really been a fun distraction to the pregnancy funk I am in.  I'm showing, but basically just look fat.  I am in that weird mixture of my clothes and maternity clothes, which doesn't have me really feeling like myself.  I have never been a yoga pant/legging for clothes kind of Mom.  I know if I start now it will kill my Mojo beyond recovery and that scares the ever loving shit out of me.  I wear my yoga pants to work out, and my leggings I save for days that I am ready for bed at four, and would like my husband to not come home to me in pajamas.  

So I have been wallowing in my current situation and really hoping warm weather arrives sooner than I expect it to.  Leavitt has been talking so much better and able to have real conversations with me.  If I am running around worrying about this out of place item, or that dirty dish he wraps his arms around my legs and says "mama I need a hug".  I need to follow his lead more and worry less about the petty things.  So petty things be damned,  I am going to pry myself out of this pregnancy rut.  For starters, we had a breakfast playdate last week with six ladies and eight kids... obviously the picture above is pre-party arrival.  But flowers and a clean kitchen tend to make me happy.  Digging out wedding gifts also puts a smile on my face so theres always that!

So about those messages I have gotten, lets chat.

A common question I am getting lately is what will the blog be called once I have the new baby?  Will I change it or leave it the same?  Good questions ladies, since I have no idea myself! Baby brother doesn't have a name yet and I am really struggling to get a name to take hold of my heart that my husband likes too.  Leavitt has such a strong family name that I feel badly if this guy gets a totally  unique name without any family ties.  However being the baby of the family he probably won't care and will  hopefully have my last born rebel soul.  So now that I have failed to answer the question you at least know why!!

Another question I got recently was how we told our families we were expecting.  I had ordered calendar cookies for our parents with my due date on them and we ended up telling them before hand.  My mom had been stopping over and I was making excuses why I had no wine, or  wouldn't have a drink with her.  Then we went to Margaritas and I knew she would catch on so while I was driving I passed her my ultrasound picture and told her she would be enjoying those drinks solo for a good cause for a while.  I still thought we could use the cookies to tell his parents and my mom together when they were done but my father in law beat us to it.  After my husband had worked out of town for a day they had a long phone conversation that resulted in him asking if I was pregnant.  Obviously my mom bod is worse for the wear this time.  It was boring, I hope you all find a better way to spill the beans to your families.  The cookies were cute and I was the only on who didn't eat one.  Mine is in the freezer along with our wedding favors, baby shower toppers, but sadly no wedding cake.  Totally going to have to order another top from our cake for our anniversary!  Bonus points to our little man if he arrives a little early so I can enjoy a glass of bubbly with the cake.

Ok this last question I got has inspired me a little.  A super sweet girl I have never met sent me an email asking about maternity clothes and style.  I died a little inside.  I was so flattered but had no idea what to say since I have obviously been in a rut.  I'm not loving my regular clothes and maternity clothes have me feeling like I am being swallowed whole because I'm not quite there yet.  I did happen to know of some great maternity sales that were going on at the time, that of course no longer are.  I have decided to swallow my pride and share some maternity OOTD posts every so often so you expecting mothers can see what I am wearing, you know if you're into that sort of thing.  I won't document every day because I am already a mom and have some things on repeat and I don't want to bore the ever loving daylights out of you.  I am on the hunt right now for a maternity swimsuit and will report back when I find one I am not terrified to rock.  Not to worry I will not be sharing the pictures.  Jesus take the wheel.

In other news Old Navy is having a sale right now and I just snagged three maternity shirts and a pair of shorts for $45 shipped! I normally loath Old Navy, something about it stresses me out.  I am way more of a Gap girl but these deals were ridiculous and who am I to turn my nose up at a sale like that?

Mother's Day Shopping Guide

If I am being honest, I would tell you that Mother's day is a big deal to me.  It also falls the week of my birthday so that makes it a really big deal.  Although it doesn't take much to make me happy on my very special day it does however take a lot to redeem ones self if you live with me and make no fuss of me at all.  That got me thinking of all the things a Mama wants.  Now I am not dropping major hints here for anyone in particular because my son can't read and has no money, and my husband will skip right over a post that says "shopping guide". 

|| Lat & Lo Necklace ||

This necklace is similar to the gold bar version I wear every day.  My bar necklace has our wedding coordinates on it.  I get compliments on it all the time and it always starts a conversation about our wedding, instant mood booster.  For Mother's day I love the idea of coordinates to where your babes were born.  If you got pregnant on your honeymoon, or a vacation and live in the town where you will be giving birth you should totally go for where you conceived.  Might be a little awkward if a stranger asks but I like the idea of a sexy little secret that doubles as jewelry.  The price point is also amazing at $54.  They quote 14-21 days for customer orders and make sure you get something written on the back!! 

|| Alaina Marie Clutch ||

This colorful clutch has had my eye since last summer.  I tend to not get much use out of a clutch because, well I am a mom and have to shlep everything but the kitchen sink wherever we go.  So while I might not buy it for myself it makes a nice gift for when mom actually does get her me time.  The bright colors have me thinking about a spray tan.  The Maine girl in me loves that these are made in Portland, ME and the price is right at $65.  I just might snag this for myself on second thought because I just bought an adorable chambray dress that needs a little something fun.  See it only took me two sentences to talk myself into buying it.   

|| Tory Burch Tote ||

This bag has to be the perfect summer tote.  The bright colors scream vacation, and the white an tan bring just enough neutral to the party to be grown up.  I'm dying over how festive this makes me feel. While I have a very realistic feeling I won't be splurged on for my third mother's day- birthday gift because I got over the top gifts the first two years.  I hope someone is gifted this gem.  It makes me want to grab a sundress call my girls up and head out for margaritas... you know sans tequila for moi. The bag is also the perfect size to drag around the six days a week you don't have a sitter and have your little BFF in tow.  Ok so the $495 price tag says splurge but you made a beautiful baby you deserve it!! 

|| Tory Burch Sandals ||

While I was in Florida my sister who happens to out swag me on every level,  graciously let me sit in her closet while I asked her about all her new purchases.  We both wear a size seven so she shows me all her new shoes and one by one I model them for myself and our kids who think we are so lame I'm pretty sure.  She had just bought these and was loving them.  I am typically not a jelly sandal kind of gal.  The thought of friction and sweat makes me cringe.  These however were super cute on, true to size (Tory sandals I always size up half a size), and she swears they are comfortable.  I can attest to that because I tried them on every time I walked by them.  I have no shame.  The fuchsia is fun, and the gold logo is grown up just enough to not look like a six year old in pink jellies.  If you are spoiled this year and get these and the tote bag send me all the OOTD selfies.  Also these will only set you back $95 which is significantly less than most Tory sandals, and unlike all the leather ones I have these are pool, beach, and mall perfect. 

There you have it the top mom gifts I am crushing on this year.  It seems a little early I know but I wanted to give even the procrastinators a chance to snag that amazing little personalized necklace in time for mom's big day! Mother's Day is May 8th this year which is a little early.  Sadly for my husband my birthday is the following weekend giving me the entire week to soak up the love!  Which my hormonal mushy self should confess thats really what I want is quality time with the two guys that made me a mom.  

Sick Survival Guide

I have been suffering from a cold for a solid eight weeks.  Last week my husband brought home some nasty respiratory virus from work... what is it with men that go to work and spread their germs?! Although I really tried my best to quarantine my husband in the basement (mancave) and set him up in the guest room to keep from getting my healthy toddler and my pregnant self from getting the plague.  My toddler got super sick.  There are a few must haves that are getting me through.  One of them is fantasizing about a vacation but since that won't be happening anytime soon here are the things keeping us afloat over here.

Learn to make your own Starbucks beverage at home.  I am a non-fat vanilla chai girl.  I buy skim milk, the vanilla syrup from Starbucks, and the Tazo original chai latte mix.  It only took a few tries but it tastes the same if not better at home and I don't have to leave the house.  I also don't have to shell out $5 for my drink and then pay for an overpriced toddler snack to keep the taskmaster happy.  Saving money and time while caffeinating its a solid win for mom. 

I live for DoTerra On Guard essential oils.  The smell helps keep the house smelling fresh and cozy and is supposed to help ward off germs.  I was slacking on this while I was sick and now we all are.  Coincidence? Maybe.  But at this point I would burn sage to clear the germs out of here.  You can get some for yourself here.  I use a diffuser and put it on the bottoms of Leavitt's feet especially on daycare day.  I double up on the oils at night and diffuse DoTerra's serenity blend at night in my bedroom diffuser to relax us.  

Hannaford to-go.  I can order my groceries and pick them up without getting out of the car.  I can also send my super busy husband to pick them up and I know that I will get what I actually need and he won't have to put much effort in.  Not going to lie this is a mommy game changer for me especially when we are sick.  I spend significantly less money because I don't buy impulse items and my toddler who loves fruit and cheese doesn't help me spend any extra money on extra items like exotic fruit that may or may not get eaten at home.  I also don't feel obligated to let him eat unwashed fruit to keep him from screaming through the entire store.  I still prefer to shop by myself and pick my own meat and produce.  But in a pinch convenience is my best friend.

A pair of really good pajamas, that are cute enough to put on after a shower and feel like I actually put myself together.  I live for pajamas.  I have always had a thing with matching pjs since I was a kid.  Some of my favorites are a comfy adorable romper from Eberjey.  I won't put you through having to look at pictures of me in all my bedtime glory so I will link if for you here.  Although Eberjey is a splurge it is totally worth it.  I have a robe, a couple rompers,  and even a beach cover up that are all flattering, and wash well.  You can sometimes find their stuff on sale at Nordstrom, Anthropologie & Eberjey's website.    I am also a super fan of Target pjs mostly because they are between the door and the diapers, and they are inexpensive.  I just got this pair not too long ago and they are cute, comfy and most importantly baby bump friendly.

So there you have it my survival guide to being sick with a sick toddler and in my case, knocked up.  Hope you all are avoiding every single disgusting virus that has been going around like a the plague.  Is it summer yet?!

Bath Time

Let's talk about bath time shall we?  I love to hate bath time.  If I am being honest... which as you know is to be expected,  I sort of dread it and enjoy it.  At two my little man likes to stand, jump, swim, slosh, and for lack of a better word go ham in the tub.  I sit on my little floor pouf, sipping my tea while he pretends to be Shamu and me the idiot in the front row.  The only thing that helps ease the crazy are entertaining bath toys.  Nuby sent me a few of their newest toys to try out and I have to say I may have stayed dry for the first time in ages.  All the toys are BPA free which is a nice bonus for me!

The Nuby little submarine pull string bath toy 

was a hit because as soon as he pulled the string it cruised around the tub making a fun little noise that entertained the giggles out of him.  The submarine made its way on to dry turf and came to bed with us he enjoyed it so much.

The tub tugs floating bath boats are larger than most bath toys and double as a bath squirt.  The two pack makes it perfect for parents or siblings to play together.  Luckily he likes being squirted with the boats more than he wanted to squirt me! 

The Fun bath links toys are awesome for hand eye coordination.  My son is a lover of blocks and this gives him a fun extension of that in the tub.  The little critters that link up are soft and can be used a bath squirters also.  The suction cups are nice to string across the tub or hang them from the shower wall to dry out when bath time is over.  There are 15 pieces in the set which makes the possibilities for little ones endless!  

To enter to win the bath links follow us on Instagram and Facebook and like the giveaway post this will be your entry!  For an extra entry tag a parent or grandparent you think would love to win this for the special little one in their lives! To be eligible to win you must be a U.S. resident.  Giveaway closes at midnight on Monday March 28th 2016 and the random winner will be announced on Tuesday the 29th!

Brining up Leavitt is a Nuby Parent Blogger and was given products in exchange for reviews.  All opinions are and always will be my own.  

Easter Egg Hunt

My husband is under this impression that I take holidays a little too far and that Easter is not a major gift giving holiday.  Wrong.  It totally is.  Especially when you had a mom like mine.  I remember getting the catalogs out, circling which vacation outfits I wanted and selecting my swimsuit for the upcoming heat wave we may or may not be getting here in Maine.  She would buy us a frilly dress, purchase our selected items, have the perfect Easter baskets, and have a huge dinner for us after church.  I always remember her having lots of decorations and special Easter china.  I love those memories that were only second to Christmas.  Then there was the annual Easter egg hunt she would do for us.  Candy and as we got older money was hidden in them.  Something Nick rolled his eyes at when I told Leavitt that when he was a little older we would throw some cash in there to make things exciting.  He didn't believe me until my mom chimed in and said "Oh yeah we did that".  

She's still at it and this year she threw an awesome Easter egg hunt for our kiddos.  Along with the egg hunt she made lunch and had a dessert bar for the men in our life.  I totally love and appreciate how serious she takes the holidays and that she is making them still so special for us all.  I love even more how happy Saylor was eating a Reese's... if spinning on your bottom in delight while noshing on some candy isn't the cutest thing I don't even know what to say to you.  Leavitt had a pretty adorable moment himself when halfway through his hunt he remembered he had stashed some chocolate covered oreos in his basket and laid down in the grass to enjoy them.  Russell was the voice of reason telling Leavitt over and over that we shouldn't make a mess.  He's going to have his hands full when his sissy turns two!!

Hope you all love love love these pictures they make my heart so happy!! I can't wait until this little love inside of me can do this with us next year, for now I will enjoy a piece of candy with him! 

                                               

Biggest News Ever!

Well the cats out of the bag now.  For those of you that follow along on my social media platforms you now know why I have been MIA.  And by social media I mean Facebook and Instagram because mama don't tweet or snap.   For those of you that don't I am pregnant!!  I also have had a cold since we left Florida so basically my ambition is nonexistent.  Good news is we are 12 weeks I can share some fun little pregnant facts with you!

So far I have had no morning sickness... unlike baby number one who made me gag at the smell of water... yeah.  I also am not nearly as sleepy.  However last time I was working and had to be to work at 5AM on my feet all day.  Hardest way to be pregnant ever! I have it so much easier this time... if you asked my husband he would tell you it has been easier on him too.  Pregzilla has yet to rear her ugly head this time around! Third trimester, I make no promises.

I have been craving weird things but once I have it the craving totally subsides never to return.  One day it was corn chowder, another day it was Bologna sandwiches.  Yeah yeah I know I am not supposed to eat that but I did and avoided listeria and I won't do it again.  I crave some of the same things more during pregnancy that I love when I am not.  For instance chips and salsa, I want a virgin margarita like whoa.  I have become a lover of orange juice, and the thought of bacon makes me cringe.  Send all the avocados to our house, Leavitt and I will be eating them with a spoon in our pajamas morning, noon and night.  If you are judging hop right over to that X at the top of your screen we feel no shame for our avocado addiction!

We totally cheated and did the blood test to find out what we are having.  Last time we were building a house so I couldn't plan the nursery until well after my 20 week appointment.  Once I knew last time we still had 3 months before we could move in.  This time I wanted to know ahead of time to decided if we would paint the nursery or if we could leave it.  I really didn't want to be painting a nursery in the summer heat, I would rather be at the lake with my favorite guy catching fish.  So it's a BOY!!! You know if the blue balloons didn't give that away.  I am so excited to be raising brothers.  It is the only combination of kiddos neither sides of our family have right now.  I am already keeping a mental note of all the annoying things people say to a mom who just found out she's having her second boy.   I will let it ride for another week and let you know, but people are crazy!

I am naturally more emotional right now.  I have been taking it hard looking at newborn clothes seeing how much Leavitt has grown.  He will be starting Montessori twice a week when this baby arrives, I could not be more excited for him to flourish but I will be shedding lots of tears this summer as we share our last adventures just us two.

For those readers who have e-mailed me in the last month and I spilled the beans to you thank you so much for keeping my dirty little secret!  You know I just can't help myself and blurt out whats really going on!!