July Recap

For as long as I've known, I've dreaded July 31st. Why? Because it signified the start of August and what it brought along with it: the end of summer and the start of school. Summer has always been my absolute favorite: pool days, sunshine, travel, and time off from work- what's not to like? It has been extra sweet this year with our little man in tow. I'm sad to see July come to a close, especially because it's been such a fun month of adventures. Here's what we've been up to!

Seattle Vacation

We kicked off July with a visit to Seattle. We'd never been to the Pacific Northwest, and I was really excited about seeing it for the first time. Eli did great on the almost four hour flight, and we took the LINK light rail directly into downtown. This trip we only checked one bag for all three of us, and then had a diaper bag, backpack, and umbrella stroller. (No car seat, because no car rides!) We also stayed at one hotel, the Grand Hyatt, all three nights so we didn't have to check in and out of hotels, and Eli slept in a hotel crib so we didn't bring our pack and play. It was a lot easier and a lot less stuff than all we had when we went to the Keys.

We had to do touristy things like visit the famous Pike Place Market and the gum wall. We didn't plan our trip around this, but the Royals were actually playing in Seattle when we were there so we went to the game. Being on Western time meant that Eli was up wayyyy past his bedtime and he wasn't too happy about it when we were leaving after the Royals won in extra innings, but it was still so great. We were able to get seats right by the visitor dugout for very little money, and we actually ended up meeting both Mike Moustakas and Lorenzo Cain and getting their autographs! Eli won't remember, but he'll have a great story some day!

The next day we slept in a bit and then took the ferry across to Bainbridge Island. It was a really pretty ride over, and we enjoyed some restaurants and wine tasting. Eli loved his first ferry ride! He's such a great traveler. 

On our last day, we went to the Space Needle. It was great, but you had to park your stroller before getting in line, so we had to switch off holding a sleeping Eli. Totally would've brought my carrier if I'd known! We also visited the University of Washington Campus and went into the Fremont area where we enjoyed my favorite restaurant of the entire trip, the Stoneway Cafe. Of course we had to take a picture with the troll, and we also grabbed some yummy chocolate at the Theo Factory. We'll definitely come back again, but we had a perfect amount of time to see all the main touristy sights while enjoying the beautiful weather! It was the perfect last summer trip for me and Eli.

Ten Days without Daddy

You'll notice I said for me and Eli, because Aaron still had another big trip left for the summer: an EF Tour with middle school students to Italy. This trip was "sold" almost two years ago, and I was originally going to go as a chaperone as well. But when we decided to try to start our family, we knew that there was a possibility I wouldn't be going to Italy. And then I got pregnant the first month.

All that to say, I stayed home with Baby E while Daddy was away in Italy for ten days. It was hard. Aaron and I have been apart before, but only for five days and he was just a few hours away and in the States. The seven hour time difference meant that we usually Facetimed around 3 pm Central time. It was so fun watching Eli see and hear Aaron on the phone, and it was a time I was very thankful for technology.

Safe to say I'm not the only one missing Daddy. Ten days is far too long to have my other half thousands of miles away in a foreign country 😥I have SO much respect for single moms, military moms, and moms whose husbands travel for long stretches. #comehome #fivemoredays

A post shared by Kelsie Kleinmeyer (@currentlykelsie) on Jul 16, 2017 at 2:38pm PDT

We spent lots of time hanging out with my friends (including another Royals game) and enjoying time with family to help the time pass by, but I was definitely very grateful for Aaron to be back home! 

Eli's Five Month Update

This month Eli is weighing in right around 15 pounds. He sleeps in his sleepsack every night, and does a great job sleeping in his crib, pack and play, on the swing, in the car, or pretty much anywhere. Sometimes he even plays so hard on his activity mat that he falls asleep. He slept through fireworks on his first 4th of July, started taking hour long+ naps, and learned how to cradle Mama's face in his hands. He went to his first three Royals games, kept Mommy company while Daddy was gone, and started growing out of his 3 month outfits. 

Eli loves fake standing, dancing to "Wobble", laughing at Bandit, and shaking his head from side to side. He self-plays like a champ, and is filling out his size two diapers a little better. He's so snuggly and cuddly, especially when he's tired and after he eats. He is also babbling like crazy, and sits fairly well with assistance. Eli just keeps getting better and better, and each month is my new favorite. 

My Golden Birthday

Just a few days ago I also celebrated my golden birthday: 28 on the 28th! I enjoyed a wonderful day full of thoughtful cards and gifts, pool time, Starbucks, and a delicious dinner at Lidia's with my hubby. The next night, the celebration continued with a Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse Dinner with these lovely ladies and my boys, followed by hanging out at our home where others joined us before enjoyed a little dancing out with the girls!

I wrote a little birthday reflection about this year and my thoughts on aging, and you can read it here.

In Case You Missed Them: 

Our Summer Family Photos
Taking Care of Mama: The Oxygen Mask Mentality
The Best of Brooklyn
Goodbye 27: A Birthday Reflection

July was the best month. I'd do it all over again if I could. But instead, I'm going back to work. Sad day. Please be praying for me in this new chapter as a working mom! Any tips are welcome. August, here we go.

Currently,
Kelsie