Hello, Friday [August 2, 2019]

It’s been twenty-two days since I posted here. TWENTY-TWO. I’ll admit that having three kids is infinitely harder than having two. Sometimes I think our age gap makes it easier on us, but other times I think that’s part of what makes it stressful. Parenting kids in vastly different stages of life will just suck it right out of you.

On Instagram, a few weeks ago, I mentioned that I signed up for Orangetheory again — I can’t remember if I ever mentioned it here. I was planning to go back after the kids were in school, but Jennifer started back in July and I’m a total bandwagon-er, so here I am. I’m only going twice a week for now, but since Josh is dragging me out to the barn a few days a week, I’m still getting three to four workouts a week. Working out is hard, after a year off, but I’m hoping in a few weeks I won’t be limping around like I am today.

The girls start school next week (WHAT IN THE WORLD?!), so we had to run out for school supplies and new shoes and plenty of complaining, after church on Sunday. I vowed (out loud, in a very sharp voice) that I will never buy school supplies in person ever again — Amazon delivery or Wal-Mart pickup is where it’s at. Since the girls didn’t need much in the way of clothes (it will be summer here for several more months), I limited them each to four items and that was the best decision I’ve ever made. They carefully considered each purchase and were super happy with everything they got.

Speaking of clothes and shoes, I dug out my high school Doc Martens for Ella and we’re both in heaven. I threatened her very existence, should something happen to them, but relinquished them all the same. They look pretty much identical on her thirteen year old self as they did my fourteen year old self. Talk about full circle.

I haven’t had the time to read as much since we got home from the beach, but I am still trying to listen to audio books on a daily basis. After so many people recommended them, I started the Outlander series a few weeks ago. I had already read the first two books (and watched the first two seasons of the show), but it’s fun to start over in a new format. Davina Porter is the best narrator ever and I only wish it didn’t take me weeks to knock out a 32 hour audio book.

We are dangerously close to Polly’s first birthday (it’s a month away, guys) and she is into everything. It is equal parts frustrating and adorable, how often we have to redirect her attention. We’ve had to install cabinet locks on every door in the kitchen, we added two gates to our living area, and we are on constant guard around the stairs. She’s just so fast and inquisitive and it’s hilarious to watch her discover what’s around every corner.

It’s World Breastfeeding Week and — to celebrate — I’m sharing a post about our breastfeeding journey on the Birmingham Mom’s Blog today.

I printed a quick content calendar for the month of August and filled the whole thing up in less than five minutes. When you don’t write a post for almost a month, you end up with a ton of post ideas. I’m hoping to get our July videos edited for Monday morning and, if all goes well, I’ll have a post for every weekday of the month. See you soon!

Kristin is married to her high-school sweetheart and the mother to two daughters. Professional by day and creative by night, she is a family lifestyle blogger who writes about faith, family, and fitting it all into a busy schedule. At Taz + Belly, you’ll find healthy recipes, children’s party ideas, tutorials, DIY projects, and more. Click Here to Read More About Kristin