Wolfie the Bunny- Bris Book Review

Its time for another Bris Book Review!  Since baby Oliver's arrival, we have been reading different books on welcoming a new sibling into the home.  Wolfie the Bunny is my favorite book so far.  Wolfie is the newly adopted baby Wolf in a house of a mom, dad and daughter bunny.  Dot, the bunny, is not so sure about Wolfie, especially when her parents are busy taking pictures of his every movement and saying how cute he is.  She is very aware of the fact that he could "eat them all up!"  Their parents make Dot take Wolfie to get some more carrots from the store together and while there they meet a bear who wants to eat Wolfie.  Dot could run away, but instead she fights off the bear and saves Wolfie.  It is a sweet story of sibling rivalry and the unconditional love through sibling bonds.  I also love it because it teaches acceptance for those who are different than us.  The unique illustrations really make this book a delight to read and look at.  Check it out for the littles in your life!  My 2 year old Addison loves shout "He's going to eat us up!" when I read it to her.  6 year old, Elizabeth, and 9 year old, Mason, get a kick out of the story as well.  Save more than $5 on it today at Amazon!

Thanks for following along!
xo
K

Oliver Newell

It would figure that by baby number four it takes me three months to share his birth story.  But that's how it goes when you have four littles taking up every moment of your time!

The day started as any other Monday did. I got up, fed the kids breakfast, packed lunches, brushed hair, and rushed everyone out the door in time to catch the bus. I actually woke up feeling refreshed and energetic, unlike other mornings where I would have given anything for a few more minutes of sleep. I got my little sidekick, Addie Guth, ready and we went on our way.  I normally took Addison with me when I had my checkups, but this time I had taken my friend, Kim, up on the offer to watch her while I went in.  I dropped Addison off at her house to play with her daughter Emme and I started driving to meet Tommy so that we could go to my appointment.  Almost immediately, I started having contractions.  They weren't really different from my typical brachs and hicks contractions, but they were coming quickly.  I probably was having them every 3-4 minutes.  I insisted that it was no big deal.  Even when the doctor examined me and told me that I was almost 5 cms, I brushed it off and claimed that it wasn't the real deal. This was my fourth time.  I would know for sure when it was time. She wanted us to go to the hospital, but I made Tommy take me home first.  We went home and the contractions continued.  I finally admitted that we should go.  But even when we got to the hospital I kept saying to Tommy that I just wanted to go get Addison and go home.  After doing a non stress test for the baby they let me get up and walk around.  We strolled two doors down from my delivery room to get Tommy a Popsicle.  On the walk back I had a weird pain and turned to Tommy said "oh no."  I finally was able admit that it was time and that I wasn't going to be leaving the hospital that day. This little person was making his or her way into the world.  Almost immediately, I started with some of the most painful contractions out of all of my deliveries combined. They started, climbed up, and as they climbed down another one would start again. There was no break and I was getting no relief. The doctor came in and offered to break my water. As she broke my water, his head emerged and they urged me to push. One strong push (and a lot of screaming) later and he was out.  I was absolutely shocked to find out that the little person growing inside of me was a boy. A sweet, perfect little boy. There is nothing like the first moment you meet your new baby.  Seeing their face for the first time, holding their skin against yours, checking their little baby fingers and toes... This moment is like none else and Oliver was no exception.  He has got his mama wrapped around his sweet little finger!

Now for a name.. For those of you who have been following for awhile know that when Addison was born we were told that she was going to be a boy and we had planned to call him Oliver. We planned on having a boy and were surprised in the delivery room to find that he was actually a she!  So this little man coming just made the whole thing make sense. We believe that the mixup occurred so that God could let us know that we weren't finished yet. As soon he was born, I wanted to call him Oliver, but I wasn't in a rush to make a decision on a name. I wanted to let it come to me after snuggling, nursing, and getting to know him.  The morning that we were scheduled to go home I started to panic a bit about making a decision. I was getting tired and the whole thing was stressing me out. It was then that a text came through from my sister claire which read "God sent you your Oliver. I don't see how his name can be anything else but that."  I knew that it was true and I picked up the form, then and there, and signed his new name to it.

Mr. Oliver Newell.. You are such a sweet, lovable baby.  Your favorite place to lay is on my chest, right on my heart.  You love a good swaddle and it calms you right down when you are worked up.   Your eye color is still undecided.  One day its teal blue and the next its grey brown.  You have a flirtatious, half grin smile that you give to all of the ladies.  You are such a casual, laid back little guy.  Even the clothes that look best on you reflects that style. Your little coos can heal anyone's bad days.  We are so thankful that you have come into our family to make it even more complete.  We love you to the moon and back little bro bro!

xo

K

Smoothtastic Smoothie Recipe

Green smoothies are a favorite around the Bris household.  We drink them all year round, but they are particularly refreshing as the weather starts to get warmer.  We have tried a couple of different combinations of frozen fruit, but this seems to be our favorite recipe.  It is packed full of vitamin C, protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants.  It is a great way to start the day!

2 cups (total) of frozen organic Pineapple, frozen mango, and frozen strawberries

1 organic banana

1/2 of an organic avocado

3 large handfuls of fresh organic spinach leaves.  Don't be afraid to fill your blender with these.  They grind up really well and give the smoothie that nice green texture

3 tbsp of raw shelled Hemp Seeds (Found here)

1-1 1/4  cup of unsweeetened non dairy milk (we like unsweetened Organic Cococnut milk.  Amazon  has a great deal for a pack of 6 that can stay in your pantry until opened.  )

1 cup of orange juice (Just juice from an orange.  You can make your own with a juicer or purchase one in store.  Just be sure that it does not have any added sugars or other ingredients.

Blend until creamy, serve in a chill glass with a straw, and enjoy!!!!

CHEERS!
xo
K

Matching Monday

I have been a bit reluctant to dress my girls in matching outfits. It's due to a couple of reasons. One, I am so not organized enough to do that, especially when it's multiple items of clothing that need to coordinate, like top, skirt, and leggings. Two, the girls look cuter in different styles. Addison looks good in more traditional, simple clothing, while Ellie can rock more funky, flowy styles. And then when I think that have found a style that they both could wear, I have had a hard time finding it in both of their sizes. I love the Target baby/toddler section, but I am less than thrilled with most items in the big girls section. Most of it seems too preteen for Ellie. That is until this season. While searching the Target website for a sweater for myself, I ventured into the girls section to check out some new spring stuff  for Addison. While there, I noticed that a lot of the dresses I loved for Addison were also available in Ellie's size. I was so pumped that I had to order a few to see if they would really live up the the hype. They came in and I'm thrilled with the sweet style on both girls. Now that I've dressed them alike a couple of times, I am kind of hooked on coordinating them. I think it should be particularly easy in the summer months when the weather is warm and they can live in sun dresses!!

I have rounded up a couple of my favorite styles for spring and summer. Get them while they are running this hot deal- buy one clothing item, get one 50% off! Some of the dresses are even on sale already.  That's a great way to stock up for all of the littles in your fam!

Circo Long Sleeve -  This long sleeve cotton dress is so sweet with the little white heart print.  I love that it is long sleeve for those chilly spring days.  It comes up to size 6x so its generous enough for Ellie to fit into!  Cotton, simple print. Done!

Happy by Pink Chicken Watermelon dress toddler  and the Happy by Pink Chicken Watermelon big girls dress-  This dress is so adorable.  The print is bright and cheerful.  I think that this will be a favorite of ours in the summer months in PA!

Sleeveless Lace Sun Dress comes in big girl and toddler sizes-  This one has a darling gold zipper down the back.  I want it for myself!  I think that this is going to be a big hitter and will sell out fast.  Don't hesitate on this one!

Clipspot green dress -  This one comes in sizes up to 6x and is plenty big on Ellie due to the cut of the dress.  It is so sweet and lays so nicely on both girls.  The little flutter sleeves are my favorite.

G-Cutee Aline dress pink with white polka dots in toddler  and big girl sizes-  This one doesn't look like much.  I was hesitant to buy it, but it is so simple and sweet.  I love the neckline.  I may even spring for a little monogram for each of them.

Cherokee Watercolor Challis Dress -  Also comes into 6x and as you can see from my photo it fits both of them extremely well.  Definitely a favorite.

Burts Bees Long sleeve cowl neck dress and Burts Bees Ruffle Tier dress-  I love that Target carries the Burts Bees clothing line.  Their cotton is the softest!  These are both going in the shopping bag today for the girls!  Love them both!

If you do not already have it, sign up for the target debit or credit card.  You get an additional 5% off every purchase and free shipping on all orders.  I have the debit card and I love it!  It comes right out of my bank account so it is just easier for me.  Sign up here!

Thanks for following along!

Xo k

Pregnancy Must-Haves

Baby Bris is not wasting any time growing and keeping time moving right along. I am currently 23 weeks and that means half way done with the pregnancy. I find myself feeling very sentimental about it. I know that this will be our last baby so I'm savoring all of those little kicks and I'm trying my best to embrace my growing self. This changing body means so much more than stretch marks, bigger hips, and boobs. Im growing an actual person! I will never get over the amazement in the way my body is able to achieve this miracle.

To accommodate for the changing size, I have had to purchase a few new items to spruce up the old maternity wardrobe. I am happy that I went for it because it gets mundane wearing the exact same thing over and over again. Here are some of my favorite maternity staples.

These Liz Lange tanks are the best layering pieces.  I had them when I was pregnant with Addie Guth and I used them all of the time post pregnancy too.  They don't have the scrunching on the sides so they do not even look maternity.  I size up in these tops.

These Jcrew maternity jeans are amazing.  They really look like regular jeans and they do not have the full panel.  I am not a fan of the full panel because I find myself always having to pull them up.  I bought these in the rinse wash and the black.  I did have to buy the tall length because they run a little on the shorter size and I wanted a full length. 25% off today with code GETSHOPPING!

I also love to grab cardigans in all different lengths and shapes in non maternity because I will be able to wear them after.  There are so many cute and cozy ones available right now.  I bought this Gap one a few weeks ago and it has become my very favorite.  It does run big so I had to size down

I get very paranoid about using any facial products or taking any meds during pregnancy.  I'm so happy that I stumbled upon Acure years ago.  Their products are amazing and everything they use is completely safe to use during pregnancy.  Their Acure Organics Facial Scrub is my favorite!  I use it about 3 times a week on my face, neck and chest, and I really see my skin glowing brighter.  I also love this Kiss my Face Bar Soap for everyday facial use.  It is made out of olive oil, water, and sodium chloride.  Thats it!

I'm on the hunt for a new maternity suit.  I have been taking Addie for swim lessons and the one piece I've been squeezing myself into has seen better days.  All of my bikini tops come no where close to covering "the girls" so I officially need a maternity swimsuit.  Do you have any recommendations on brands that you love?  I found this Motherhood Maternity suit and this Pez D' Or Maternity Suit.  Has anyone tried either one?

Tommy is home this weekend. Perhaps a little shopping trip is in order!

I'll keep you posted on my findings. Thanks for following along!!

Xo

K

Valentine ideas

It is that time of year to spread love to your Valentine!  I love that most of the schools are encouraging are urging children to bring in something other than candy to pass out to their fellow classmates.  I am always searching for cute little toys to attach to valentines so that the kids can still give their buddies a little something special.  I found these unicorns on Amazon and started searching for a printable unicorn valentine to accompany them.  They are sold in a package of 12 for $6.84 and they are Prime shipping eligible!  It is a great deal for a unique valentine.  I found this adorable, free (bonus!) printable on Seven Thirty Three Blog.  Kim is super creative so search around her website for other great party ideas, printables, and tutorials.

Mason loves baseball so I started a search for a cool valentine that would be good for the big THIRD grader.  I found these baseball "tickets" on CoralBalloon's Etsy page.  As soon as Mason saw them, he had to have them.  If baseball isn't your son or daughters thing, there is also basketball, football, and soccer to choose from.  Just email the shop owner, Emily, upon checkout with your child's name.  She will then custom make them for you and email you the PDF with printing instructions.  For only $5 you get a total unique valentine for your child and you can print off as many copies as you wish!  To go along with Mason's valentine, I scored another great toy from Amazon.  These little bat and ball keychains are adorable and surprisingly well made.  The bat is wooden and the ball has real stitches through it!  They are on sale for $6.71 and sold in a pack of $12.  For about $ .50 its really a great deal!  Prime shipping eligible too so you can certainly get them in time for that Valentine exchange!

We sent them to the local print shop today because my printer is on the fritz and I am out of ink.  We picked them up and finished putting them together.  It was an easy, pretty last minute Valentine, and both kids are thrilled with how they turned out.  I have to admit that I think that they are pretty darn cute as well. 

I hope that you enjoyed and that it inspired you to do something fun with your littles!

xo,

K

  

Snow filled memories

We were finally hit with our first dose of snow and it was a big one! When Mason cried on Christmas because it was 70 and sunny, I told him that winter had just begun and I could pretty much guarentee that we would see our share of snow. Then comes Jonas! We probably got close to 20 inches in Ardmore. Since everything in Philly is in a fairly compact area the snow has no where to go but to pile high into people's yards. It pretty much causes everywhere to shut down for at least a day to get the roads in order. We took advantage of the being cooped up indoors. We watched plenty of movies and Addie's favorite, Sesame Street, which she lovingly calls "Elmo." We played games, built towers, and ate loads of food. The storm started on Friday night and continued through most of Saturday . We tried going out a couple of times but the winds were ripping through and the kids would only last 10-15 minutes before they froze. Poor Tommy was stuck outside shoveling the driveway for at least two hours. The guy was SORE on Sunday. He sucked it up for a good run of sleigh riding on Sunday though, when the wind broke and the temperature warmed up a bit. There wasn't much of a hill at the park by our house due to the amount of snow that we got but we managed to find a good spot that the kids slid up and down a few hundred times. Mason and Ellie LOVED it, Addie, not so much. She pretty much screamed for the entire hour that she was outside. It was as if she was trying to say "um what the hell is the cold wet stuff? Where is the warm sand and sun that I was born into?!!"

I am definitely not a cold weather girl. Give me the heat and the beach any day. But I did enjoy our first storm since being back east and I will always cherish the memories that we made. Here are a couple of shots from our weekend, including these deliciously warm chocolate chip cookies that I couldn't help but make. I mean we were trapped inside and we needed to eat, right?!

What is your favorite way to enjoy a blizzard? Would love to hear your favorite memories!

Xo

K

And baby makes 6!

The Bris Bunch is gaining a new member in July! We are rounding off the bunch to an even 6. Four children is something that tommy and I have always wanted, but, after Mason's prematurity and the Elizabeth's preterm scare and bed rest we weren't sure that we should try again. When we took that leap of faith and went for Addison we both thought "this is it" during the pregnancy. We were so thrilled that she was born healthy and full term (39 weeks!), but there was something in both of us that kept thinking maybe the fourth isn't out of our realm.  On hard parenting days I really thought that I should just stop at 3, but at the end of the night when I would tuck those little nuggets into bed something in me did not want to be done.

Given all of that, I started to panic when I got the double pink line.  Three kids is tough stuff, and now we are adding another?! I was just adjusting to life here and getting into a routine, but this threw me off my game. I felt terrible almost instantly.  I had terrible nausea which lasted all day.  I was beyond tired, but I had insomnia at night.  I would lay awake for hours on end stressing about how I was going to handle taking care of four little human beings.  Even after seeing the baby on the ultrasound I found myself scared.  I asked for a sign that this was the right decision.  That is when I realized that this plan is all greater than I am.  I get so wrapped up in my own decisions and the "what ifs".   It is hard to just have faith in what is supposed to be sometimes, especially when you have crazy pregnancy hormones doing acrobats on you every single day!  We are having a baby and giving our children another amazing person to grow up with.  What isn't wonderfully, magical about that?!

There are a few things that I have noticed about being pregnant for the FOURTH time!

1.)  The belly is no joke this time around.  By day 5 of pregnancy I had a belly the size of someone who was 3 months pregnant.

2.)  No wine or beer sucks.  Tommy is the permanent DD after this one- I had my turn for almost 4 years!

3.)  Hearing that heartbeat on the doppler is still the most magical sound in nature.  I will never tire of hearing the sweet noise of my baby growing inside of my body.

4.)  Newborn baby clothes!  Enough said :)


I look forward to sharing more about my pregnancy, baby Bris, and the Bris Bunch's winters in PA!
xo,
K