Wednesday, October 31, 2018

September and October Recap

Hello, friends!! I'd start this post like I typically start my bi-monthly recap posts, and say that the last couple months flew by, but they honestly didn't this time around. Sure, I can't believe that it's already the first of November. But guys, the last couple of months have been crazy busy and full around here- especially October. All of the things are good things, but man, I'm starting to find my extrovert-self getting shockingly more possessive of my personal downtime. Anyways, here's what we've been up to the last couple of months, complete with sweet photos of our ever-growing boy.


SEPTEMBER

September always means the official end of summer and the disappearance of all of the put-together start of the school year vibes. This year we didn't have too much going on for our labor day weekend, but we did enjoy a few pool days and getting lots of things done around the house and in our lives in general.


 Modern Farmhouse Bedroom

We finally got around to sharing our modern farmhouse bedroom and I'll still in love with it (so I would say that's a good sign). I love the way it looks in the middle of the day with all of the natural light (which basically makes me want to photograph alll the things in here). It's so calm and peaceful in the midst of my totally-the-opposite world, so it's perfect.

Our Fifth Housiversary

This September also marks five years for us in our house. I can't believe how quickly the time has flown by. So many wonderful things have happened in those years, and this home will always have a special place in my heart: it's where we brought home Eli, where he took his first steps, and where we've hosted numerous friends and parties. It's a dear place full of laughter and love.

Girl's Weekend and Girlfriend Time!

I haven't gone on a girls' weekend trip in seriously like eight years- since I was in college! (Yikes, how am I getting so old so quickly?!) Anyways, I snuck off to Branson and left Aaron and Eli to fend for themselves for the first time together. Everyone survived, and I had an amazing time staying up until 4 am chatting with friends, successfully escaping an escape room (my first time), and making lots of fun memories together! We've got to get another one planned soon!

OCTOBER

Eli hit 20 months, and I can't quite believe that he's closer to 2 than 1 these days. I tried to record a few of the sweet moments and things he's up to in my post "My Baby You'll Be", if you'd like to check it out! We also survived our crazy week of parent teacher conferences, and really enjoyed the day off with gorgeous weather and a visit to the pumpkin patch! (Those darn squirrels get us every time!)


Styled Shoot Fun

We kicked off October with a bang, and had an AMAZING time modeling in a styled shoot for my amazingly talented friend Lacey of Lacey Rene Studios. A "styled shoot" is basically a mock wedding, where various incredible vendors come together to do florals, invitations, rentals, decor, hair, makeup, and provide a wedding gown- all which are photographed. It's basically like a dream team for a wedding redo, only without the stress and big ole bills to pay. I can't wait to show you more soon, but basically I felt like a princess and it was a dream and super fun date night with the man I love!


My Fifth Half Marathon

On October 20th, I ended up conquering my fifth half marathon this year (5/5) by running the KC Half Marathon with a time of 1:44. This beat my goal of 1:45, and beat my previous best by about four minutes! It takes effort and planning to make the training work, but boy does it feel good to accomplish big goals (and have a blast doing it). I never thought I'd be a big half marathoner, but I really do love the distance now! And by the way, I had never run more than 6 consecutive miles before I started my training the first time around. So you can do this, even if you're not a big distance runner!!




One year, five half marathons, and a whole lot of miles later, it was back to the half @kcmarathon today! 🎉 I set a new PR by 4 minutes, and beat my overall time last year on the same course by over 11 minutes! Crazy fun to see what training and pushing a little can do- and I totally had the best cheering squad ever!! 💕This year has been so much fun for me! There were days I didn't want to run in the cold, the rain, or the early morning hours, but having a race goal kept me grounded. I've made running buddies, managed stress, met fitness goals, and ran way faster for way longer than I ever thought I could (especially post baby). Thankful for this competitive outlet, the hours of reflection it offers, and all the people who sacrificed along the way for me to (literally) chase my goals! 🏃🏽‍♀️😘
A post shared by Kelsie Kleinmeyer (@currentlykelsie) on

Fall Fun

This fall has been gorgeous around KC!! At our annual Fall Fest at church, Eli was amazed by the fire, and had lots of fun throwing the footballs (even though he got decked in the head accidentally by one of his aunties- ha)! We enjoy leading square dancing each year, and had the most perfect fall evening for our event. Let's just say that it's super hard to get quality family photos with Eli being 20 months old! This month, we also managed to make it out to a local pumpkin patch, where Eli rode his first carousel, and his favorite- the choo choo! He's getting so big!




 Halloween Fun

Eli was a baby cow last year for Halloween, and we already had our farmer and cow outfits ready, so we just went with it again this year (hey, we enjoy free Chick-fil-A in July too). This year I ordered him a little hooded cow onesie online from Amazon for like $7. He loved it!! He didn't mess with the hood, and loved walking around in his outfit, so I feel like that's a mom win! He really loved the suckers at Trunk or Treat, and he proudly walked all around with me and held his own candy bag for his first year trick or treating. Of course he didn't really eat much candy, but hey- Mama gets some perks for her hard work too, right!?



In Case You Missed Them


Love to you all! Thanks for popping in to share this little corner of the internet with me- it means more than you know! 

Currently,
Kelsie


Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Secrets to Staying Healthy While Traveling

This post may contain affiliate links. Thank you for supporting Currently, Kelsie. 

I can already feel my excitement building as I reach into our closet for my trusty travel backpack. Packing can be a pain, but it means the start of an adventure, and priceless memories that come along with it. But nothing can put a damper on traveling like feeling sick while you're doing it.  Do you always feel unhealthy when you’re traveling? Do you have a relatively healthy lifestyle the majority of the time, but then struggle as soon as your routine changes or you jet off to somewhere new? If you’re always left feeling exhausted, lethargic, and gross (thanks to poor food choices), then you need to do something about it - and fast. Here are some helpful tips to make sure you’re as healthy as possible when you travel.

Hydration

The key is water. We all know that hydration is so important for your health in general, but when it comes to travel (and flying in particular), you need to make sure that you’re drinking enough water. It’s hard to remember when you’re on the go, but keep a bottle with you at all times for this reason. Try to refill and drink it multiple times, and schedule in bathroom breaks as needed.

Nutrition

Next up, you’re going to want to try and do your best to nail your nutrition too. It’s tough when you’re moving around a lot, and sometimes you just have to grab what’s convenient. Just do your best to plan ahead and bring healthy options to snack on or eat as healthier meals throughout the day. Obviously there will be days of delicious food that isn't the best for you, but the more healthier choices you can make while you’re traveling, the better.

Sleep

And finally, if you really want to make sure that your body is nice and healthy when you’re traveling, you need to get control of your sleep- especially if you're going on a longer, overseas flight. You may find that something like the below infographic can help, as you can actually pre-plan and alter your sleep before you go so that jet lag isn't an issue for you. (And trust me, you'll be thanking yourself there!) If you strategically look to adjust your sleep, and get better sleep on the plane, it’s really going to help you to stay healthy.


Infographic Design By Mattress Advisor

Traveling is so much fun, but it can also be a lot of work, and it can often take a toll on your body. Do your best to follow these tips so that you can stay healthy and ready for adventure on your next trip!

Currently,
Kelsie

Thursday, October 25, 2018

On Stories

You never know what your story will look like. I was the Sophomore singing on stage at church, and he was the 8th grader in the aisle. And then six years later...⁣

I was the one who said yes and then no to dinner when I realized it was a date. He was the one who didn’t give up. I was the one who friend-zoned a guy I was afraid to lose, and he was the one who patiently pursued. And a few months (and a lot more details, tears, prayers, and conversations) later…⁣

I was the one dancing in the rain on a first date, and he was the one holding me close. I was the one falling in love at a distance, and he was the voice I couldn’t wait to hear. And a few months later…⁣


⁣I was the one saying yes to the man of my dreams, and he was the one down on his knees asking me for forever. I was the one in the pretty white dress, and he was the one waiting for me at the end of the aisle. And now?⁣

We’re the ones building our dreams together, watching with joy and anticipation as our story continues to be written. It’s not all sunshine and roses and styled shoot love- it’s downright hard sometimes. But man, it sure is good. Better than any story I could have dreamed up for myself. And this is only the beginning. ⁣

Just like us, your story is being written: each day another sentence, another purposeful paragraph. It’s beautiful and confusing and often excruciatingly slow- every detail emerging just when you think you can’t bear to wait any longer. But then a chapter comes together. And it’s breathtaking. A hard one closes, and it’s refreshing. And a new one begins. And oh friends, I can’t wait to see what’s next.

If you'd like to read more of the details of our story, check out How the Ks Came to Be: The Story of Us and The Proposal. You can also find more about me here

Currently,
Kelsie


Sunday, October 14, 2018

My Baby You'll Be

In the blink of an eye, you are nineteen months of spunk and charm, more of a little man and less of a baby. Though we've traded nursing and infant onesies for sippy cups and sneakers, there's something you should know- you're still my baby, and you always will be.


I love the way you love the world around you, how you take it in full steam ahead- learning more and more with every passing minute. I will forever cherish your little giggle and sweet smile, the way you say "Mama" and "Daddy" with such a desire to know where we both are at all times. I love when you climb up on the couch just to sit with me, or when you exclaim "icky" while we're cleaning up the kitchen together after dinner. I love when you drive your cars up and down the walls, eat "fishies" all day every day, and try on all of our shoes in the closet. I love when you play hide and seek behind the kitchen curtains: giggling while we "look" around the room for you, because you can't quite contain the joy you feel- and I hope that never changes.

There are times when I think of you as your sweet little seven-pound newborn self, and it's crazy that you're the same little one that I carried inside of me two years ago. I look at you now, truly in awe as you grow and learn new skills, marveling at the way the world is revealed to you a little more each day- whether you're discovering how to pick your nose or pick up your toys when you're done playing. I never knew that I'd get such joy from watching you go from a timid walker to one who runs up and down the sidewalk in complete confidence. I never knew how much I'd love decoding your special words for what you want, whether that's your tractor, milk, Grandma, outside, bubbles, or even just going for a ride in the truck. And I never knew just how much I'd love you- more than I ever even thought possible.


You're knocking on the door of being two, and I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm a bit nervous. I'm a little scared that my sweet, kind, funny little love is going to turn into a "terrible two" year old. Sure, you have your moments, and I know you will continue to, but honestly, you are such a joy. You make my whole day, with your big ole smile waiting for me to pick you up from daycare, or greeting me first thing in the morning while you're still all cuddly and snuggly in your sleepsack. I'd freeze you in this sweet time- 24 pounds, blonde hair, blue eyes, big smile with almost all your teeth- but that wouldn't really be fair to you. Because I know this season is only the beginning of all the wonderful things you'll grow up to do.

While I'm not emotionally ready to think about you starting school, graduating, or going out to change the world, I know you will. And I know that being along for it will be the best ride. The time will come when you won't want to snuggle on my shoulder and read the bus book over and over again while you point out the monkey. The time will come when you won't giggle at me while I chase you around the dining room table for the millionth time. And the time will come when you won't come running to me crying when you're hurt, or tired, or frustrated- when I will no longer be your safe place. (And to be honest, I'm tearing up a little bit right now, just thinking about it.) But you know what time will never come? A time where you're no longer my baby. A time where you aren't cherished and loved and worth dropping everything else for. Because you always will be.


Someday you'll probably tower over me. You'll move out and have your own job and your own adult problems. You'll marry a beautiful girl and probably have some sweet blonde babies of your own. You'll read this blog post and wonder why your mother was such an emotional goober. And that's okay- good even. Because I am so blessed to be your mama and I am so grateful for a front row seat to the greatest show ever: watching you do it all. But you will never stop being my baby. And I will never stop loving you- and neither will Daddy. When you become a big brother someday, or lose your first tooth, or go on your first date, or leave for college, you'll still be our baby. And these arms will still be here to hold you. No matter what.


For now, we'll sing another song, and we'll read another book, and we'll linger a little longer in your babyhood. But in the words of the sweet book, Love You Forever, by Robert Munsch:

"I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be."

It's true. I love you so much, no matter what, and I always will.

Love,
Mama

Monday, October 1, 2018

Five Tips for a Smoother Morning

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and The Coca-Cola Company. All opinions are mine alone. #CollectiveBias #DunkinPumpkinToGo

We all dread it: the sound of our alarm wailing at us each morning, beckoning us out of our comfy bed and into the crazy of the morning. There's something about those early hours that can feel so rushed and stressful: the people to get ready, the bags to pack, and the places to reach. And your morning can be even worse when you don't have time for coffee - especially when it's the only thing that helps you function! Mornings on the go can be hard. Check out these tips to make yours a little bit easier!

1. Pack Things Up the Night Before.

One of the biggest ways to make your morning easier is to take care of everything that you can the night before! I've found that if I can make myself think through my day (my lunch, my workout clothes, my baby's bag, and more), then I can prepare everything I possibly can. This saves me precious time (and stress) in the morning, and keeps me from struggling to find keys or other necessities that can make me late.

2. Get Up Earlier.

This isn't a very popular option, but boy does it help. I've always been a "shower at night, get up at the last possible minute" type of girl, but I've found on the days that I can make myself get up early (maybe to work out, get stuff done, or just sit and enjoy breakfast) I truly do feel more with it the rest of the day. Not to mention, I have time to unwind and wake up a bit before the crazy of the day sets in.

3. Grab Your Caffeine To-Go.

Before I got pregnant, I wasn't a huge coffee drinker. But now? I can feel myself craving it!! In an ideal world, I'd have plenty of time to sit and enjoy some coffee at home each morning, but that's just not realistic! I also don't have time to sit in a drive through for overpriced coffee. My solution? Dunkin Donuts Pumpkin Spice Iced Coffee! It's literally the number one selling flavor in premium and bagged coffee for the past three years, and is the perfect fall flavor, so you've got to give it a go. I'm always looking for a way to get my caffeine fix in a hurry (and without spilling anything on the way out my door), so the convenient on the go iced coffee option is perfect and delicious. And the best news is that you don't sacrifice anything in the name of flavor. It can save you time while waking you up at the same time! Pick one up today at your local Circle K.

 

4. Find Your Routine, and Stick to It!

If you're a mama, routines can change just as quickly as your kids. But they typically seem to be the same for at least a small season. This year I've got my routine down to an art: I know just how early I have to get up in order to get myself ready, get the car packed, wake up my son, get him ready, and get us both where we need to be without making myself late. I don't change things up in the morning, don't dawdle, and don't leave room for error or change. Stick with what works until it doesn't work anymore, and then find a new routine that does work! 

5. Go to Bed Earlier and Avoid Time Suckers. 

I'm so guilty of staying up too late doing mindless things. Isn't it the worst when you look down and realize you've wasted an hour that you should have been sleeping scrolling through social media instead? I'm a night owl at heart, but I'm trying to convert to being more of an early bird. My husband has helped me a lot with this because he has to get up so early that I've just been trying to go to bed by 10pm when he does. It's hard to make my mind shut off, but I do find that I wake up feeling more rested and more ready to take on the day. (And if I'm struggling, there's always that Dunkin Donuts Pumpkin Spiced Iced Coffee!)


Hopefully these tips will get you on the right track to an easier morning! I know they've definitely helped me convert the crazy into a bit more calm. You've got this!

Currently,
Kelsie