That Friday Post - the middle of Septemer

September is just flying by.  Probably because we are so incredibly busy with school starting and appointments practically every day.  Finnley is doing awesome with her sling and we are all counting down the days until her next X-ray and we get a better idea of when she can resume normal activities.  Mostly she misses going to the Pool, which is crazy because she used to cry at her lessons...this summer though she turned a whole new leaf and loves the Pool now!

Let's see...where should I start.  Little Séamus is 8 weeks old and is the perfect addition to our family.  This time around is both so familiar and completely foreign at the same time.  Similarities are: eat, sleep, poop, and some crying.  Differences are: no bottles or cleaning of bottles, me being the only one to do the feedings, his poops from breastmilk, and Thomas already going back to work.  I realize that I got to have Thomas all summer but since both the girls were Spring Babies he didn't return to work until they were 3 months old.  So it's a bit different having a Summer Baby and I wouldn't change it for the world.

I have a whole post coming about my Essential Oils story.  Basically it starts over 4 years ago where I was dabbling in it here and there.  I tried joining a company but didn't really get any guidance, help or support...so I had to teach myself.  Then an opportunity came my way to switch and join my friend Courtney and Young Living and I jumped in!! I can't get over the quality and promise that Young Living offers, additionally the support and education that comes from our team.  I've been there before, completely overwhelmed with what to do with Essential Oils, and the reality is that it's pretty easy when you have someone to guide you.  It totally matters WHO you sign up with and I don't want you to have the experience I had.  I want to be there for you so that you can live your best life and use your oils to their fullest potential.  I want to do this journey with you! Come join me at Life, Kids and Oils!! You can also follow me on my Oils IG page (@lifekidsandoils) and like my FB Page too!

Ellie is off to Kindergarten and having the best time ever!!  We are letting her pick out her clothes the night before and she's getting herself dressed in the mornings (half of the time).  She walks to her line and is waiting patiently for me to pick her up at the end of the day.  She is silly and kind and loves to go to recess.  Ellie is the best little helper, especially if she is doing it for 'her baby' and I am just so pleased watching her little heart grow.  She has pretty much turned into a big girl over night and I truly am enjoying watching it all. 

Finnley asks all day "where Ellie?" and is screaming excited when Ellie gets back into the car to go home.  She is more and more involved with Séamus and loves to just smother him with all her love.  It's been so fun to watch her mature over the last few weeks with Séamus and all that she is capable of doing.  I feel like she is so much older at 2 than Ellie was, but that is probably because she has her big sister helping her out.  These little minds are like sponges and they are capable of so much more.  I am really excited for us to get into a bit more of a routine (once we're done with all these appointments) so that she can really flourish this year.

I've been really working on getting rid of all of the clutter we have acquired over the years in our house.  For some reason I have just been holding on to so much "crap" and I cannot explain it at all.  I've been slowly reducing the amount of toys in our house, because really my girls don't play with all the toys they have and they just make a big mess.  I am working on getting rid of bags of the girls clothes that they have outgrown and can't be passed down to Séamus.  I've gone through my half of the closet a few times and finally got Thomas to clear out a bunch of his stuff.  I've gotten rid of shoes I haven't worn since college and a whole bunch of decor items that have just been sitting in boxes the past couple of years.  And you know what? I don't miss a single thing!!! Ellie notices that some things are gone, she has the memory of an Elephant I tell you, but we are all still happy and she has so many other things.  It is so incredibly freeing both in the home and mentally to not have all that stuff here anymore.  I'm still going around collecting things and putting them into a bag to donate.  The best part about freeing up all the space is that I love having so much extra room that our spending on "stuff" has gone way down because I just don't want any more "crap" in the house!!  It is really making us think about what we are going to bring into our home.
 

 

Our plans this weekend: I'm hosting a Ladies Night with Oils tonight and then on Saturday we are going to get our Fall decor down from the attic and to start decorating our house!  I'm going to go for a more minimal look this year and will probably decide on donating some of our decor that I just don't use any more.  Rest assured there will be pumpkins and all sorts of good things still to decorate with.  I will be sure to post some pictures once we get it done!  Then Sunday we are planning to go to our State Fair and eat our weight in fresh hot scones!

What are you doing this weekend?



♥ Ashley

The Séamus Weekly - week 8

It's been a whole 8 weeks since our little man graced us with his presence.  I can't get over how much I love him and how much our lives have changed.  We are totally and completely whole over here and it is glorious.  Séamus has the sweetest little personality and I am loving this mom of three thing...I have to be honest though, it's not always easy but it is TOTALLY worth all of it.  We haven't really had a chance to get into a rhythm with Ellie in Kindergarten because it feels like we have been totally on the run the entire time with doctor appointments, coffee dates, oil changes, and lots of other things to keep me busy 😉.  I am looking forward to time slowing down a bit - before we are full blown into the holidays...so I guess we'll maybe get a bout a week of rest before all that comes in to play!! lol

Sleeps: we've been off of our schedule just a little bit but I would say that Séamus is still a pretty good sleeper.  He is able to nap through the girls screaming and playing, which is awesome.  And he is still only up twice at night for feedings.

Eats: breastfeeding is still going on strong and his latch has improved tenfold since his procedure!  He is eating about every 2 hours or so and we're making sure to try both sides at each nursing session.  I'm sure that most breastfeeding Mama's are concerned with their supply - since we don't get to see it in a bottle - so I've been doing some learning and research and giving Fennel Essential Oil a try.  I just got it in my ER this month and I'm excited to see how it works.

Goes: we went over the mountain and along the river to my Inlaw's house!! I was so busy with lots of things that I didn't take any pictures and it was a total FAIL because it was Séamus first visit to their house!! We also did the other regular running around to Ellie's school, the grocery store, work, etc.

Wears: sweet little Séamus is still in the between size of NB and 0-3.  I'm starting to put him in more of the 0-3 and phasing out the NB. I love that he is growing and getting bigger!

Does: little man is doing great at Tummy Time.  He is pretty content doing it and I think he has a pretty strong neck!  We're also almost done with all of his mouth and tongue exercises for his lip and tongue tie and he is the best about it.  He's looking around a lot more and I think is starting to recognize us a bit more...he definitely recognizes the boobs!!

Mama: Ellie is back at school and I'm actually doing great for the transition...she loves it so I think that helps.  Also I used to work at her school so I'm totally comfortable with the staff and layout, plus it's the same school the my nanny kids attend so we've been going there for 4 years with them.  We've been busy with lots of things practically every day so I haven't really had to dwell on her being in school all day.  Of course I am lathering myself in my Joyful Mama roller ... so that is helping as well.  I just can't wait for things to calm down a bit so I can really put some focus and energy into some 1 on 1 time with Finnley and with Séamus as well as working on my Oils Business.  Having a purpose in life and the opportunity to share something that I absolutely love speaks volumes to me and I am so grateful for this opportunity!

Sisters: Finnley is all about "baby" and wants to be with him practically all the time.  She is an expert paci giver, crying alerter, and playmat companion.  Her collarbone is on the mend and she is doing splendidly with wearing her sling.  I can't get over how well she has adapted to only having one arm and all the things she can STILL do!!  Ellie is loving Kindergarten, talks about playing "soccer" at recess (though I'm told it's actually kickball), and wants to dye her hair a cool color like one of the girls in her class.  She seems to have matured exponentially over the last week and is seriously my little oiling sidekick!  Additionally, she is always wanting to give Séamus kisses and hugs, she wants to hold him all the time and whenever she is with him she is completely in her happy place.  She asked me the other day if they could all 3 have a shared birthday party because she just loves Séamus and Finnley so much!!

previous posts:

Seamus week 1, week 2, week 3, week 4, week 5, week 6, week 7

Finnley at 8 weeks

Ellie at 8 weeks 

♥ Ashley

Our Weekend in bullet points

Y'all I can't believe we are already halfway through September!  This month is just flying by, as we've been busy with doctor appointments, Ellie going off to Kindergarten and Young Living announcing a Sale on their Premium Starter Kits!!  The Flash Sale was originally Sept 12-14 but they've extended it through today September 18th!!   Click here to get yours for 10% off!!

⧫ Ellie started Kindergarten on Thursday and she had the best time!  I got to walk her in, she made fast friends with another girl in her class, and I gave her some kisses and off she went!

⧫ On Friday we were working so she got to walk in with her friends - who led her to her line and made sure she was A-OKAY before they got into their own lines. 

⧫ Then I got to drive in the car with Finnley and Séamus for over 2 hours for Séamus follow up appointment for his lip and tongue tie.  Thankfully I had Finnley's Car blend ready to go and put a couple drops on a cotton ball and put it in the air vent...we had the most pleasant drive!

⧫ When we finally got home we had just a little bit of time before we had to go pick up the kids from school.  I made up a quick blend for the diffuser and we got to enjoy it for a little bit. We picked up the kids from school, Ellie played "soccer" at recess with all the boys and the other two had great days as well.  When we got to their house, the kids played a bit had a snack and then it was time for me and my kids to head home.

⧫ Thomas was prepping dinner when I surprised him with getting home early!  He was making chickpea curry, I wanted to add in some chicken - so after I nursed Séamus I headed to the store. I also picked up some things to put into Ellie's lunch!! I can't believe she's in Kindergarten already!!  After dinner Finnley was cracking me up with her sunglasses shenanigans!! 

⧫ Saturday morning we were up and at 'em pretty early since we were heading over the mountains and along the river to my Inlaw's for the weekend.  The girls were so excited to hang out with Nanny and Papa while Séa slept the whole drive 👐 I made sure to bring along the Essentials with us to make our overnight trip a success!

⧫ Once we got to their house we just got to hang out the whole day.  Ellie played on the scooters and bikes, while Finnley pretended to drive the Power Wheels.  Séamus was being a good boy and eating/sleeping/pooping the whole time.  We got to enjoy dinner, it got too windy for Thomas and his dad to fish so they stayed and spent the evening with us.  I helped my MIL with her oils and cleaned out her diffuser for her (she had knee surgery and is dependent upon my FIL to do all things oils...it's a work in progress).

⧫ Sunday the girls were up early (no surprise there!) we had breakfast and hung out a bit before the boys (minus Séamus) headed out fishing for the morning.  The girls played, I chatted with my MIL, did some work for my Oils Business, flipped through some magazines, and fed/changed/napped Séamus.

⧫ The boys got home and we all spent some more time together, then we headed out to go back home.  We stopped by our Alma Mater to get some lunch.  Ellie was complaining of some tummy troubles so I pulled out the Tummygize and let her roll some on her belly.  Then we made the trek home...along with everyone else in the state, our commute home took twice as long thanks to traffic!  Luckily both Finn and Séa slept the whole way home and it was glorious!

⧫ When we finally arrived home, we fed the animals and gave Cooper his insulin shot.  The girls had a bunch of sillies to get out.  We then started winding down for the night, I made Ellie's lunch for the next day, she picked out her clothes, I set up the nighttime diffusers, and let Ellie do the Sleep Spray on their pillows.  We brushed our teeth, got changed into jams, rolled on our Wellness roller, and finished the night out with an episode of Peppa Pig! Once everyone was in bed I watched some "Unbreakable Kimmy Schimdt" so funny! 

We had the best weekend, full of all the busy things but feeling refreshed for the week ahead!

Remember today is the LAST DAY to take advantage of Young Living's Flash Sale of 10% off the PSK's!! AND I'm throwing in a SECOND diffuser! You can put it in your bedroom, your kids bedroom, the playroom, the office, the classroom, your kids dormroom!! It's so good you don't want to miss out!!  Click HERE to get yours!!

♥ Ashley

The Séamus Weekly - week 7

Sweet little Séamus it's hard to believe that just 7 weeks ago you were trying to make your appearance on the outside.  While I joked around that you were so much easier to take care of when you were in my belly you've actually been a super great baby and we feel so blessed to have your sweet calm demeanor in our family.  You have quite the go with the flow personality (something us 3rd borns have in common 😉) all while knowing that we will all dote on you forever and always!

Sleeps: Séa has been sleeping pretty good!  He's been taking a couple of serious naps each day (thank you swaddles) and then sleeps from about 7pm - 1am and then up again around 4:45am.  We started up work again and he's been a champ on the go! Before he was born I was completely torn on whether I wanted to get a Snuggle Me or not, then I thought about how nice it would be to have a portable lounger for him when we're at work.  So we used the Amazon gift card from Thomas coworkers and had one sent to our home.  Best decision ever!! It came to Disneyland with us, has moved from our bed, to the Halo, to his crib and back!!  He loves it and so do we.

Eats: boobies and more boobies!  He's able to get more at each feeding and they aren't taking as long as they were, I am so glad that I went in for a lactation consult and was referred for his lip and tongue tie.  We are still working on his latch and doing his tongue exercises the progress is slow but he's getting there.  At our lactation appointments he was getting anywhere between 3-4 ounces at each feeding, that makes me feel good knowing that I can provide him with his nourishment.  Nursing him for his first year is a goal of mine so I want to make sure that I am producing enough, so I got some Fennel Essential Oil in my Essential Rewards order this month and I'm really looking forward to seeing how it's going to support our Breastfeeding Journey!!

Goes: Just like his big Sister's Séa is our baby on the go!  Unless he's hungry he is a happy camper in the car.  We've gone to doctor appointments, school pickup, our nanny house, out to eat, out to target, and to visit with family!  Ellie loves to show him off and Finnley loves to give him is paci!

Wears: he definitely needs to be in size 1 diapers, I found a couple of newborns we had left and geesh they're a bit tight on him!  We're changing his diapers often and contrary to the girls on formula, just about every diaper has a poop...we've had a lot more poop-splosions and I can't quite figure it out because there really isn't that much in there - he just must use A LOT of force 😆😂.  He's growing out of some of his newborn clothes but the 0-3 is still a tad big on him.  He can wear the 0-3 sleepers as long as they don't have feet in them otherwise he gets super fussy when his feet come out and get stuck.  I had to snap a picture of him in this green dragon onesie before he grows out of it because it's one of my favorites ever!

Does: we're really working on the tummy time and he does great most of the time.  He can hold his head up and look around, he loves Finnley's puppy and that has given him a lot of entertainment (the girls too) for tummy time.  He is quite the grunter and it's so incredibly cute.  We also get to see a lot of smiles out of him when he is sleeping and they are just the cutest!

Mama: We finished up my first week back at work and all the kids had a great time playing with each other again! I'm happy to have a bit more of a routine and know that life is going to get a little bit more structured now that school is starting.  Ellie is starting Kindergarten this week and that means that we really have to get our act together in the morning, like every single day!! It's going to be weird without Ellie all day but I know that Finnley is going to gobble up the alone time she's going to get and it will be perfect for her.  I am going to rely on my Essential Oils to get me through it all.  I still can't get over how much they have supported me both mentally and emotionally this summer after having Séamus!  I just want to share the oily goodness with every one because I truly want all the people to get to have the support for their family that oils can provide!  Starting up an Essential Oils business is hard (starting up any kind of business is hard) especially when I decided to start just 2 weeks before I gave birth to Séamus, but when you love something and you're passionate about sharing it it keeps you going.  I love that I have something that is mine and that I can help contribute to our family and work around my own schedule and still get to be home with the kids. Let me know how I can help you get started with oiling, I would love to have you join my team and oil with me!!

Sisters: they are still OBSESSED with little bro!  Ellie is constantly giving him kisses, telling him she loves him all the time and wants to be a part of his every waking hour!!  Ellie is so ready for school to start and keeps asking if she gets to go to Kindergarten "in the morning". Finnley is always the first to alert us that "Baby crying" insists on touching him at all times (not always gently), rarely wants him out of her sight, and gets quite irritated that she isn't allowed to bug him while he is sleeping.  Finnley is a champ with her new sling and has adjusted quite well to missing an arm, she gets to be in the sling for 3 weeks and then we will have another Xray to check on its progress.

I was reading through the girls week 7 updates and it's crazy how similar and different all three are.  I made note of how much I wanted to nurture a sisterly bond between Ellie and Finnley - while they can get each other's goats at times they really do get along great and sharing a room has been awesome for them.  I think it's safe to say that they absolutely adore Séamus and that the sibling love and friendship will continue on and include him!

Previous Posts

Seamus week 1, week 2, week 3, week 4, week 5, week 6 

Finnley at 7 weeks

Ellie at 7 weeks

♥ Ashley