July and August Recap

I'm not sure quite how it's possible, but the months of July and August always seem to fly by so quickly! Why do some April days drag on, but the days of sunshine, tan lines, and vacations are gone in a blur? From family trips to soaking up some fun in the sun before we headed back to school, we've been pretty busy the last couple of months. Here's our July and August Recap!

JULY

July kicked off with a bang with a quick free visit to the zoo. Eli was SO much fun this time around- he truly loves animals and being outside so it was totally his jam. We had a really great 4th of July, where Eli stayed up late and watched the fireworks while pointing to the sky and saying his new favorite word. My parents were out of town for the fourth, so we even got an additional bonus 4th of July! (Hello, perks of living outside the city limits.) Then Aaron helped lead our church's Breakaway Sports Camp (like VBS), where Eli loved running around but was very confused why he couldn't be a part of the games with the big kids! Soon enough, buddy!

 

Lake Weekend

Shortly after VBS ended, we hauled our pontoon boat out to the Lake of the Ozarks for a relaxing lake weekend with friends. We stayed in their family's lake house, and it was so great just being able to hop on the boat and enjoy a relaxing ride whenever we wanted. There were plenty of hours of card games, discussions over yummy snacks, and lots of memorable moments- like a late night boat race back home to escape the pouring rain. Eli really loved feeling the wind in his hair and especially helping Daddy drive! We look forward to more future lake weekends with friends!

Family Trip to North Carolina

After coming home from the lake for just a couple of days, we flew off to North Carolina for an amazing family trip with Eli. Let's just say that Eli is a HUGE pail and shovel fan. I shared a pretty detailed recap with lots of fun photos and tips in a recent post, Visiting Southeastern North Carolina. Check it out here!

AUGUST

Trip to Hermann

We kicked off August with our last little getaway before it was back to reality. We'd been thinking about visiting Hermann for awhile, and the opportunity presented itself in the form of free Airbnb credit, a couple of free days on our calendar, and a willing babysitter in Grandma Kleinmeyer! We had a fabulous time just the two of us, and I shared all about it (along with gorgeous photos) in my post, Tips for a Getaway to Hermann.

Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead

Another last minute highlight of August was our first trip to Deanna Rose Farmstead in Overland Park. Eli was free and it only cost $2 each for Aaron and me. We had a lot of fun walking around, checking out the animals, and of course giving milk bottles to the goats. Eli was a little bit nervous, but it was actually really cool!

Settling Back Into It

From there, reality settled back in and we had to say goodbye to summer and hello to school. The time off is so incredible and I'm so grateful for it, but it made being without our baby that much harder after getting used to seeing him all day, every day! Not to mention, losing the ability to do whatever we wanted all the time and honestly forgetting what day it was! But now we're back into our world of teaching, cooking, cleaning, working out, and surviving the daily grind. I honestly have some pretty good kids this year at school, so I really can't complain.

Eli's 18 Months! 

I can't believe it, but our little man is a year and half old!! Where has the time gone? He honestly gets more and more fun with each month. He's saying probably around thirty different words at this point, including lots of choo choo, plane, milk, blocks, boat, french fries, doggie, papa, bubbles, and basically anything that he hears me say first. It's the most adorable thing and I love it! He still loves dancing, and runs circles around the house these days. I love when he chases me and then dives into my arms, when he pours cups of water on himself in the bathtub, and when he insists on putting his socks and shoes on so that he can go outside- his very favorite place to be. He's also incredibly cuddly and sweet before bed, and reading God Is Watching Over You before singing worship songs while rocking him is truly one of the very best parts of my day. He's acclimated back to his daycare situation like a champ, is still taking a three hour afternoon nap, and waves bye bye while saying see ya to basically everyone. He's FINALLY caught up a bunch in weight to more of the middle of the curve, and I swear he's grown more every time I see him. I honestly can't even believe how much I love him- being his mama is the best!

That's our months in a nutshell. Thanks for hanging with us. Let's do this fall!

Currently,
Kelsie

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Visiting Southeastern North Carolina

In mid-July, we snuck away for a little family vacation to Raleigh, North Carolina. We were looking for a place with cheap flights from KC, beach access, and the ability to see several cities within short drives. Raleigh was perfect! Located in the mideastern part of North Carolina, Raleigh isn't far from popular destinations like the Outer Banks and Myrtle Beach, and it's super close to Durham and Chapel Hill! Here's a recap of our trip, and some great reasons to visit the Raleigh area.

The Jacksonville, NC Area

Since we're big fans of thrifty travel, we planned this trip around the fact that Eli could still fly free. We had flight points and hotel points to use, so we looked into IHG hotels in the area where we could use those points while still having a little diversity in the places we were seeing. We flew into Raleigh, rented a car, and then drove to Jacksonville, NC. This area has a really large military presence, and was mainly our access point to the beach, as it's only 45 minutes from the ocean. While in Jacksonville, we enjoyed Aruzzo's Pizza and Mi Cabana Mexican Restaurant. We bought Eli a little dollar store pail and shovel, and he was in heaven! 

On our first full day, we headed to Topsail Beach, which is known to be a great place for sea turtles. It was a little overcast, but the water was actually pretty warm. We also hit Surf City, which lived up to its name with incredible waves so intense that Aaron couldn't really use his snorkel. Eli could've dug in the sand all day.

The next day, we drove a little further east to check out Atlantic Beach and the Emerald Isle. Eli ended up falling asleep in the car, so we kept driving all the way to historic Beaufort, where we visited the free North Carolina Maritime Museum. We had a tiny rental car, so Eli's umbrella stroller was just perfect. Traveling with him at about 16 months old meant we had less "stuff" to bring with us, which was kind of nice. But he was more difficult on the airplane than back when he just slept the entire time. Still, he was pretty golden almost the entire trip!

Wrightsville Beach

One of my very favorites parts of the trip was our time spent in Wrightsville Beach. We had a free IHG night to redeem, so we stayed for free at the beautiful Holiday Inn Resort, which was right on the beach! The resort had a "happy hour" with free cookies and milk, as well as a couple of restaurants, a bar, pools, and a hot tub all right on the grounds. And you could walk right down to the ocean! They had a shuttle that took you within five miles, so we rode that to a fantastic dinner at Tower 7 Baja Grill, and then we just called them to come pick us up when we were done! I also enjoyed a little shopping at a downtown store called Wings- right across the street.

We had a perfect sunny day that day, and I ended up getting to have beach and pool time, while also going on a run on the beach while Eli napped in the hotel room with Aaron. Side note- Pack and Play naps in the bathroom for the win!! They made it possible for us to actually watch TV, play games, and talk while Eli was napping- almost like a separate room so that he could get the mid-day sleep he needed in order to be ready for the rest of the night. He does one 3 hour afternoon nap, so we'd go adventure in the morning, come back for his nap (when I'd typically go work out), and then we'd adventure again before coming back for bedtime! Anyways, I'd definitely come back to Wrightsville Beach! There is more of a suburban city presence, but then the beach is right there within a 10 minute drive.

Wilmington 

The next day we headed to Wilmington, which is a port city right on the Cape Fear River. It has a really cool downtown with fun restaurants and shops, and is just the right mix of historical yet suburban. It rained our first evening, but we came back the next day and took a trolley tour around the city, which was really fun and reasonably priced.

Because it had been so rainy, we spent part of our time at the Independence Mall, but we also enjoyed an incredible meal at Casey's Buffet! We'd definitely go back. Another highlight was eating dinner at Flaming Amy's Burrito Barn. I got my nails done here, and I'll forever be a fan of dipping powder, because they lasted a month! We stayed at the Courtyard Marriott, which was newly remodeled and really nice.

Wallace

From Wilmington, we started to make our way back North towards Raleigh. We had a free cheap point night to stay in Wallace, NC. There wasn't a lot in the area, but we did make a quick stop at the world's largest frying pan! We also enjoyed dinner at Mad Boar, which was right next to our hotel. If you're a fan of sweet wine, Duplin Winery is nearby and has cheap tasting and lots of events!

Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill

From Wallace, we headed north to Raleigh. Our favorite thing in Raleigh were all of the free museums that were really well done! We took Eli to a storytime at the Museum of Natural Science, where he also got to "pet" a cockroach, bunny, and lizard. We also had a lot of fun riding the train at Pullen Park, which had free admission, awesome playgrounds, and really reasonable attractions. We also enjoyed visiting the State Farmer's Market and sampling fresh produce.

Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill form what's called the research triangle, or simply "the triangle". You can get to any of them fairly easily, and they all have big colleges present: NC State, Duke, and North Carolina, respectively. We visited Duke University's campus in Durham and saw the beautiful and famous chapel. We also walked around their gardens, which were free to visit.

My favorite of the three triangle cities was Chapel Hill. It had a really cute downtown area within walking distance of campus, as well as lots of shops and restaurants. It definitely had that college town feel. We enjoyed visiting The Top of the Hill Restaurant and Brewery for our last dinner. We also liked walking around the North Carolina campus and seeing one of their gardens. If we went back, we'd probably visit their planetarium. We did make a quick visit the the free College Basketball Museum, which had a cool Michael Jordan exhibit.

All in all, it was an amazing trip with just the right mix of beach, history, food, and college town fun. Eli did great overall and we were able to do a lot during our week away, while still building in time for afternoon downtown (and a nap for E). I'm not sure if we'll be flying with Eli as much once we have to pay for him to fly, so it was a perfect trip to an area where we probably wouldn't have driven. We loved our visit to the area and the trip couldn't have gone better. Have any questions? Let me know! 

Currently,

Kelsie

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How to Create the Perfect Playroom for Your Kids

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

When you're dreaming of your next interior design project, odds are good that you aren't thinking about a playroom. You're probably more focused on an awesome nursery or a cute living room.  Though it isn't anything cute or special, I have to tell you that my life has been changed just by clearing out our mess of a fourth bedroom and converting it into a playroom for Eli! It is LIFE CHANGING to have a space where his toys go to land, he can play safely, and I can just shut the door and deal with the mess later (without having to pick up the same thing over and over or trip over toys while cooking). Kids are going to be messy- they're kids. And because of that, finding a space to call their own is so worth it! Here are some tips to get you started on the playroom of your children’s dreams. 

Find the Right Space in Your Home

Where's a place that you'd be okay having toys around? Where could your kids play safely without things to hurt them or stairs to fall down? Bonus points if it's a place you can shut off and leave without others seeing a mess! For some, it may be basement area, a bedroom, or even a covered patio. You may have to clear out a current space- just consider where the ideal place in your home is and see if you can make it work.

Figure Out Your Organizational Plan

Do you have a toy chest you'd like to use for lots of small toys? Do you want to rotate your kids' toys in and out each season? One of the main benefits of a playroom is that all of this business stays out of your nicer living areas (and therefore out of the eyes of your guests). Consider if you'd like to use tubs, include books, or have designated places for drawing or certain activities (see next point). 

Have Plenty of Activities (and Areas to Match!)

What do your kids love to do most? If you have more than one kid, how can you keep them all entertained with the least amount of fighting? You want to keep your kids entertained in their playroom, and the main way to do that is to create distinct activity areas and plenty of materials to have fun with within them- especially if you have more than one. When you’re designing your playroom, make sure you’re sectioning it up into at least four separate areas, and have an activity or theme planned for each. Maybe you have a soft play area in one corner,  building blocks in another, a doll’s house and a box full of Barbies in another, and then a reading corner in the final space. Whatever way you set it up, make sure there’s always some variety, and that there’s some organization to the chaos!

Soundproof as Much as Possible

Does the place you've chosen for the playroom already offer a potentially quiet space that won't be loud for other napping kids or even guests? Kids make noise, there’s no getting around that. Though I'm with Eli anytime he's in his playroom right now, at some point your kids maybe able to play alone. So consider how to keep the sound down so that they don't wake up their sleeping siblings or interrupt your small group meeting upstairs with adults. Instead of asking kids to be quiet over and over again, simply soundproof the playroom! Soundproofing doesn't have to be ugly- consider using padding like curtains and paint and turn the room into a fairytale. And then you can stick some DMX 1-Step under the carpet (or get some that is actually carpet!), so you won’t even know it’s there.

If you've got kids with tons of toys and a good amount of imagination, help yourself out and give them a space to play without having to worry about the mess. It's a win win for everyone! 

Currently,

Kelsie

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4 Small Ways to Make a Big Impact on Your Kids

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

Being a parent is one of the best, sometimes hardest parts of life. There is nothing quite like bringing a child into the world and watching with joy as they learn and discover, grow and shape into an incredible little person. Sometimes when I look at Eli, I honestly can't handle the depth of my love for him. As a parent, I think most of us would really love to have a huge positive impact on our little ones. Here are some ways you can do just that- for both the present and the future.

Start Saving For Their Future Now

One of the things we often don’t think about in the midst of diaper changes and temper tantrums is the financial future of our kiddos. Once children get through basic schooling, what's your plan for supporting their higher education? What would happen if your child wanted a car or even a phone? While it isn’t our responsibility to do all of these things as parents, or give our kids everything in life, many parents do like to be able to help their child along the way. It's never too early to open a bank account for kids, or getting a saving plan started. We're working on getting one for Eli, and you can even have family members add to it for birthdays or Christmas, while saving in little amounts here and there. My parents did this for me, and it was a tremendous help! Just saving a little adds up quickly.

Support and Supplement Their Education

Education is one of the very greatest gifts we can give our children. What they learn and what they develop a passion for can ultimately shape the rest of their lives when it comes to the career they choose. As a teacher, I have a special respect and appreciation for parents who are very involved in their kid's learning. Not that they do work for their kids, but rather that they put in the time outside of the classroom to read to their kids, help them with homework, and just ask them questions about what they are learning. Giving them this support will make it easier for them to pick up the skills and knowledge they need to move on with their lives.

Make Time for Making Memories

This suggestion may seem a little farther out there, but stick with me here! Even when we're looking ahead to their future, there is something to be said for living in the moment and making memories with your children. Even if they are too small to remember things (like Eli is), someday they will look back on the photos and hear the stories, and know just how loved they are! As your kids get older, continue to make the effort to spend time doing things you love with them. They'll only be little once. Go on vacations, visit the park, and think outside of the box. Each day is a chance to make some incredible memories with your family- ones that you'll both cherish for a lifetime.

Teach Them Age-Appropriate Life Skills

Teaching kids skills is an essential part of parenting, and one of the best ways you can prepare them for the future. Teach them to swim so that they can be safe around water. As they grow, teach them about budgets and finances so that they can avoid getting into a mess with bills and commitments when they get older. Teach them to care and be empathetic to others. Teach them the importance of chores, and assign them some small ones around the house so that they can learn responsibility. These are all things that will help them as they march towards being independent adults (all too quickly).

Of course there are so many other ways to influence your child in a meaningful way. I also love the idea of teaching them to love others, be a hard-worker, love the Lord, and so much more! Our children are our greatest blessings, and we need to consider ways to give them the best opportunity to do big things in life that we can! 

Currently,

Kelsie

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Tips for a Getaway to Hermann, Missouri

Aaron and I had talked about visiting Hermann for a while now, but when the opportunity officially presented itself before the end of the summer, we knew we had to take it! Hermann is only three hours from where we are in Kansas City, and is only about an hour from the St. Louis area. And oh friends, it is beautiful!! If you're looking for a perfect little getaway in the heart of the rolling hills of the Midwest (and in our own little wine country), then look no further! Here are some of our favorite tips for an amazing trip to Hermann. 

Where to Stay

Hermann has some really excellent history, mixed with lots of great wineries, beautiful scenery, and a dash of newer distilleries and breweries mixed in. And of course, delicious food and German heritage! My best tip for you? Stay in the heart of it all! We stayed at the Hermann Crown Suites, which was right on 4th and Market Street. I'll sing more praises of it later, but first, hear me out on location. If you stay in a guesthouse or boutique hotel right in the middle of it all, you can easily walk the main part of the Hermann downtown in a very short amount of time. While we did drive our car to get to some of the farther out vineyards (and just to check out surrounding views and cities), we were able to walk in and out of our place to go eat, stretch our feet, shop, and even hit some of the nearby wineries. Additionally, a lot of hotels and or wineries provide free shuttles to farther out destinations as needed. There are lots of trolley tours, and you can come in on the Amtrak from KC or St. Louis as well, so I can totally see how you wouldn't really even need a car once you're there. I loved that about this city. 

This was our first visit to Hermann, but I would definitely recommend the Hermann Crown Suites, and I'd stay there again for sure. It's a collection of private "suites", ranging in size from a place with one queen bed and a private bath to a suite that can sleep 8! We stayed in the Winery Suite (which you can book on Airbnb here)! It was really great, and came with two drink coupons, a free shuttle, free breakfast, and it even had a historical wine and craft beer bar onsite. We were there on a Thursday and Friday, so we stayed on a Thursday night- which made it really really affordable. We actually used our Airbnb credit from being hosts and paid nothing! I'll be honest, Hermann can get quite expensive on weekends and especially on special festival weekends- so keep that in mind when planning your visit. Side note: lots of places are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so don't visit then! 

What to See and Do

If you are okay with spending a little more money and fighting the crowds, there are lots of special "wine trail" events throughout the year. These different events typically pair food and wine along with special events and music throughout the year. We noticed that things seemed pretty dead on Thursday, which we actually loved because we had the place to ourselves and we were perfectly content playing Chinese checkers and eating cupcakes to end our evening- not to mention saving a whole bunch of money on our hotel. But if you're looking for a little more lively social outing in the evenings, you may want to pony up the money to visit on a weekend or even during Octoberfest. Check out the Hermann Event Calendar and plan ahead because weekends fill up fast! 

Within the Hermann wine trail, there are seven main wineries that stretch between Hermann and nearby New Haven. There are also some a little farther out that we just didn't make it out to this time. I'll highlight a few of our personal favorites! 

Hermanhoff Winery 

This is where we kicked off our trip and it was hard to beat! Julie in the tasting room was phenomenal, and the wines were varied and quite good. In general, tastings are $6 for 5 samples. Hermanhoff also has a Dierberg Star Lane Tasting Room, which is for tasting their estate wines from California. They also run Hermannhof Inn, Tin Mill Brewery and Restaurant, Hofgarten, and Hermann Farm. Basically, they're a huge presence in the town, as their website will show you! A can't miss, and easy to walk to.

Stone Hill Winery

This place is HUGE. We're talking, second largest producer in Missouri huge. They have a beautiful location up on a hill, and they offer a free tour every hour that is super cool. We didn't walk from our hotel, but it was like a six minute shuttle ride. You get to see the old wine cellars that were dug by hand. Tastings are also $5 for six samples. We didn't eat at the German restaurant here, but everyone says it's the best in town! They have some good sweet wine and 25% discounts on their wine of the month. Here's their website.

Robller Vineyard

This place is farther out in New Haven, but it's huge and beautiful. Definitely a lot more open, with 15 acres of planted vines on an even larger property. You'd definitely need a car (or a tour/shuttle) to get out here, but they host huge concerts and a variety of fun events each year. My knowledgable hubby says their wines are some of the very best, and they were just awarded "Best Winery in Mid-Missouri" by Feast Magazine to prove it. The gentlemen here were so friendly, and even took us into their basement to show us their production. Tastings are free, so be sure to make a stop. Check out their website for more info!

OakGlenn Winery

This place has the BEST view around, so you definitely need to get in your car or on a shuttle/trolley and make a visit. It's not a long drive and it's all so beautiful. OakGlenn has a lot of fun outdoor events and live music, and it is open far later than anywhere else in town, so consider ending your evening here! They do free tastings, so give it a try! We also heard they have more mixed drink and beer options than other places in town do.

We did visit a few other places, but the ones that I've mentioned above were our favorites. If you have questions about any specifics, feel free to shoot me an email here and I'll share any insight I can.

Other Things We Loved in Hermann

We had a great dinner our first night at the Fernweh Distilling Company Restaurant. The spinach dip and pita chips were the best I've ever had. I have the Avocado Ranch Chicken Club which was just as yummy and it sounds, and Aaron enjoyed the Brisket Grilled Cheese. Mains are around $14 and come with a side.

We loved Wings a Blazin! It was delicious and very affordable, especially with daily lunch specials. Yum! It also was literally a two minute walk from our hotel, just a couple of doors down.

We wandered into UnColor Wine Bar and Gallery (also literally right next to our place) for cupcakes and games later in the evening when most other places were closed. The owners were really nice and people around us were enjoying wine flights.

I found two adorable pairs of earrings in a cute shop called The Vine Boutique (which also has a super adorable guest house available to rent. It's on Schiller, along with a few other places that are supposed to be cool, like the Bank Bar.

If you have the time, and make it out to New Haven, enjoy the riverside views of downtown, and be sure to visit Pinckney Bend Distillery for a distillery tasting. They are $5 and include a souvenir glass and a gin and tonic at the end. I don't even like gin and I loved their drink!

All in all, we had a great time and we felt like Hermann was the perfect little two day, one night getaway. You could make it two nights, but you'd probably need to come on a weekend so that a little more would be going on to see and do- just keep in mind that you may be doubling your hotel cost and fighting crowds a bit more. We'll be back! Let me know if you have any questions. If you're a Hermann regular, where are your favorite places??

Currently,
Kelsie

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My 28th Year: A Birthday Reflection

I always felt like 28 was so old. But now that I'm leaving it behind for 29 (just one tick mark short of the big 3-0), I'm feeling like it's not old at all. Sure, I feel kinda ancient when I see that the people I once knew as "kids" are now in college, married, or having their own babies. But honestly, I don't feel that much different than I did at 23, 25, or 27. Heck, I'm still waiting to become an adult... but I assume that I am since I'm married, have a kid, and am starting my 8th year of teaching (how!?). When I look back on 28, I'll won't remember my first chiropractor visit, the insane amount of ice cream I consumed, or how disastrous my postpartum hair was. I'll remember all that I learned, the moments I loved, and the feeling that the best is truly yet to come.

28, you taught me wisdom and the importance of self-care, especially when raising a little one. You taught me to dream big, trust the Lord, and follow Him with reckless abandon- even when you have no idea how things will turn out. You taught me to choose hope and grace over fear and judgment. And you taught me to stop holding so tightly to the ways of this world, things we can't change or stop, focusing instead on what has true, eternal purpose and meaning. You taught me again and again that the plans I think I have for myself pale in comparison to the blessings that the Lord has in store- and oh, dear friends, I can't wait to catch you up soon on all He's been doing!! 

 As 28 year old Kelsie, I set big goals and I stuck to them. I trained for and ran four half marathons, setting new personal records with each of them. I rediscovered my competitive self, made new running buddies, and logged hours and hours, miles and miles of reflective time on streets, sidewalks, and trails. I survived my first year as a working mom, and gained tremendous respect and a new level of understanding for all the mamas out there who have been killing it for years. I made it through the days I thought I couldn't with the help of the Lord, caring co-workers, my sweet hubby, and some fabulous iced coffee.

I learned how to leave work at work for a change, and realized just how terrible my pre-baby work/life balance was. I watched my baby boy grow up way too quickly before my very eyes, thanking God each day for the sweet gift of him and his little stinker smile. I was reminded that I'm constantly learning how to manage relationships better, and to not take things too personally- to always assume the best in the intentions of others. I committed to and attended a Bible Study for ME for a change, and it was so life-giving. I realized it's okay to make changes in life, and that it doesn't mean I'm a failure. I grew deep friendships with some fabulous women who are "bonus moms" to E, who are there for me always, and who make life so darn fun (and full of laughter). I learned to listen more and talk less, to reflect before reacting. I was reminded that I don't have it all fully figured out, and I never will. 

And so, as I set off to my 29th year, I realize that life is pretty sweet right now. My parents are healthy and are the very best grandparents you could ask for. I have a fantastic hunk of a husband who loves me well despite my lonnnng list of flaws and selfish moments. I have the happiest little boy you've ever met, who brings me more joy than I knew I could feel. This year we have traveled and made beautiful memories that I will cherish forever. Thank you, my sweet friends and family, for loving me and shaping me into a better person this year. I've still got a long ways to go, but I'm so thankful that you're in in for the long haul. Let's do this, 29! 

Currently,
Kelsie

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Things You Must Have Ready Before Your Due Date

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

There’s a lot to consider when you’re approaching your due date. By now, you've spent so many months pregnant and waiting for the big event that you’re probably desperate for your baby to just get here already! (Thank goodness Mr. Eli came ten days early!) The lists to prepare can seem overwhelming and daunting, but really there are only a few things you really MUST have ready before having your baby. Heck, you don't even need a fully-decorate room (although it's super fun)!

I get it; you’ve got a lot going on. But  chances are that, when labor does come, it’ll do so at the worst possible, or at least most unexpected time. You’ll be in bed, like I was, getting ready to head to sleep, maybe not expecting it yet and not quite packed. And just when you least expect it, you'll suddenly know what a real contraction feels like. Admittedly, that first contraction doesn’t mean you should panic. If it's your first baby, you'll probably have quite a while until you need to head to the hospital (or you'll just be sent back). When I was in labor with Eli, I hung out in the bathtub for the first three hours. Still, once contractions start, you won’t have time to think about anything but your baby and, sorry to break it to you, the pain. Though you won’t need to rush to the hospital right away, some degree of panic is normal. There’s no chance you’ll think to grab everything you need before finally setting off to have your baby. Here are some things you'll want to make sure you have ready before your due date arrives!

Your Hospital Bag 

Every maternity class you’ve attended likely emphasized the importance of packing a bag for the big moment. You've probably seen lots of great ideas on Pinterest. If not, articles like this one containing the essential newborn baby hospital bag checklist can help you get ideas for yours. I should have finished packing earlier apparently, because I hadn't and I was having Aaron go throw things in a bag in between my contractions. Looking back now, I would have packed more outfits for myself because I didn't anticipate getting peed on or spit up on, so I had to wear one of my hubby's t shirts. Make sure your clothes are super comfy and you've got nursing bras ready. I also brought my pump which was super helpful before the lactation consultant showed me what to do. I brought along my Boppy too, which really helpful with feedings. I didn't pack postpartum stuff, because the hospital will have most of that for you during your stay (and send home extras). By packing ahead of time and putting your bag by the front door, there’s no chance to forget anything. Keep your bag near the door, and rest easy knowing it has everything you need inside it. 

Your Car Keys

This seems obvious, but you NEED to find a place right next to the door for your keys. If you usually leave them in your bag, get out the habit now before it’s too late. No matter how much you think you know where they are, you won’t be able to find them when labor kicks in. By the time you’ve searched the house and returned to your bag to find them, your labor will be much further along. Besides, who needs all that stress when they’re about to have a baby? Cut it out by placing a small bowl or a hook as close to your front door as you can. As soon as you get home, get into the habit of putting your keys here. That way you’ll be able to find them right away. Keep them in plain view and easy reaching distance. 

Your Phones

It’s also worth keeping your phones by the door, or on you/your nightstand. Much like keys, phones have an irritating habit of going missing when you need them most. You could even toss your phones into the bowl by your keys. That way, you can grab them before leaving too, and message loved ones with updates. (Side note, your hubby should be the one doing this while you focus on labor!) Knowing where your phone is will also be helpful when you need to contact your nurse or midwife. They’ll be able to advise you exactly when you should head to the hospital to ensure everything runs smoothly. If your phone has a good camera, you're set there too (or you can bring a separate camera if you have one). 

Your Car Seat 

Thank goodness we had Eli's carseat installed literally the day before he came. I would recommend putting your car seat into your car about two weeks before your due date. It can't hurt anything, and that last thing you want to do is have your hubby trying to install it in a rush, or in the hospital parking garage before you bring your little one home. Make sure you have the car seat, install it, and then have someone check it- they will do it before they let you leave with your new baby! 

Baby Essentials 

Although you'll feel like there are a billion things you need for your new bundle of joy, you really just need the essentials to make it through labor and bring your sweet baby home. The hospital will have diapers and wipes and some small outfits for the baby to wear. Ours also had a Sleepsack, and they gave us a brand new one to bring home. It's fun to bring a new outfit for the baby to wear home, along with a special swaddle or hat if you have that (but again, the hospital will probably have that). I threw a few of those things in my hospital bag. Back home, make sure you have a safe place for the baby to sleep: a bassinet, pack and play, or crib. You'll need a place to change diapers, and some diapers and wipes ready for when you come home from the hospital. Other than that, some onesies, and your breastfeeding essentials (if you're planning to nurse), you should be good to start baby's life. Don't stress! 

Postpartum Essentials

Make sure you've got some pads, witch hazel, Colace, and ibuprofen on hand. It's a hassle trying to send your hubby out to get things he doesn't know anything about, so just have them ready and available at home. It will make the healing process much more pleasant. My hospital also sent me home with some extra mesh undies and things that were really helpful. And don't feel bad wearing those maternity clothes for months after baby is born! Be comfortable! 

Is your bag packed? What other essentials did you have ready before your baby arrived, mamas? Let me know if you have questions! 

Currently,

Kelsie

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My Top Ten Summer Reads of 2018

As an English teacher, I don't have a lot of time to read for fun because I'm constantly grading student essays with every spare second that I have. But during the summer, that all changes! When May rolls around, I crowd source ideas for great reads, put them all on hold at the library, and get to work at knocking out a whole bunch of great books. I've been getting lots of questions about this year's summer reads (and what I thought of them), so here they are!

1. Big Little Lies (Liane Moriarty)

Holy smokes, this one was good! If you like plot twists with a little bit of mystery thrown in (without things getting too dark) you'll love this book. It's the story of several characters whose kids all attend the same school, with separate plot lines that are all unified in some way, but Moriarty keeps you guessing as to how the entire time. I've really started to love her style, so you'll see her multiple times on this list. I actually haven't watched the show, but I know it was based on this book. If you haven't read this yet, you should!

2. Where'd You Go Bernadette (Maria Semple)

I couldn't put this book down! It's the story of a mother on the verge of a breakdown who mysteriously disappears. Told through a variety of letters, emails, and general entries that are constantly changing point of view, it's very engaging and you'll try to figure out just where Bernadette did go the entire time you're reading. Loved it.

3. The Story of Arthur Truluv (Elizabeth Berg)

This book was so sweet and touching! It's all about the unlikely friendship of Arthur (a widower), his neighbor Lucille, and their young friend Maddy. This novel is full of compassion and emotion, and I did cry a few times while reading it. But overall, I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it!

4. The Wife Between Us (Hendricks and Pekkanen)

Ohhh, this was good! I seem to be into lots of mystery with plot twists and a variety of unknown, yet united characters this summer, and this one did not disappoint. This love triangle explores dangerous truths and complexities of marriage- things that people often overlook when they love someone. I don't want to say too much and give things away, but just know that this one will keep you reading and on your toes.

5. The Hypnotist's Love Story (Liane Moriarty)

Moriarty does it again! Her style here is very similar to Big Little Lies, so if you like(d) that one, you'll like this one too! An interesting and engaging story about a crazy ex-girlfriend who stalks the new woman in her ex's life, this one is really good, and manages to be funny yet intriguing. You won't be able to put it down!

6. Of Mess and Moxie (Jen Hatmaker)

On a completely different level than the theme of my other reads, Of Mess and Moxie is an inspiration memoir of sorts. Jen Hatmaker uses her own hilarious life experiences to help all of us women feel connected, courageous, and inspired to live grace-filled lives. As a mom of a 16 month old, I found myself nodding along, crying, and laughing over and over again. If you're a woman over the age of 25, you should definitely read this one!

7.  The Magic of Motherhood (Ashlee Gadd)

This books shares all about the good, the hard, and everything in between when it comes to being a mom- in whatever form that looks like. It's a compilation of essays from a variety of women on their experiences with infertility, adoption, miscarriage, birth, kids with disabilities, and just general mom emotions and struggles. It's powerful and moving, and I cried multiple times and found a lot of it so challenging and relatable. Again, I'd say any woman over 25 (especially if you're thinking about having kids) should read it.

8.  The Friends We Keep (Susan Mallery)

This one was a nice, light summer read about a group of friends and the struggles they go through while all supporting one another. Each friends has a different scenario, and it's nice to see how they are all undergoing different, yet similar struggles. It felt relatable to real life, and is a good beach or easy fiction read that I enjoyed!

9. The Husband's Secret (Liane Moriarty)

Another Moriarty fave, this one unveils a big secret early in the book, and then you follow along to see how the wife is going to handle the secret she discovers. Like Moriarty's others, it keeps you reading and guessing along the way. I read it quickly since I wanted to see how it ended.

10. Why Motherhood Matters (September McCarthy)

This book was an excellent read if you have any interest in parenting from a Christian perspective! I loved its insight into ministry as a parent, and how your kids can be a part of that. McCarthy discussed things applicable to parenting kids all the way up into their teens, so a few of the chapters and points she made weren't applicable to me just yet since Eli is so young. All in all, this was a really good read that provided guidance and ideas for hard times as a mama.

Bonus Reads: 

Here are a few books that I've read in the past year or two and really loved!

• The Last Anniversary and What Alice Forgot, both by Liane Moriarty! 
• All the Light We Cannot See
• The Glass Castle 
• Murder on the Orient Express 
• Bossypants

If you have any questions about the books, I've love to hear about them in the comments below or on my Facebook page! Have any other books you'd add to this list (or that I should put on my reading list)? Happy reading! 

Currently,

Kelsie

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