tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46777239253543023692024-02-07T23:19:45.446-06:00Kait Latelyadventures in motherhood, mindfulness and matters of the heartKait Latelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114810592677193260noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4677723925354302369.post-78982787941669005872022-08-02T23:03:00.020-05:002022-08-03T07:07:15.276-05:00A Letter to Ronan on your 5th Birthday <p>Gaga is sitting across from me at one of our favorite coffee shops and your name comes up. We reminisce about something we did with you when you were smaller and tears form in my eyes. I tell her, "I don't know what it is about this birthday but I'm so emotional lately." I <i>say</i> I don't know why but, I do - this is a big one. A milestone birthday. Every one before now has been special in its own way but turning 5 is a bit like reaching the top of a mountain...it's just one of many stops along the climb, I realize, but look at what we've done so far. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UUP_uLivxnuExM4dUARArBXfhYm3vIpYBhGEn5T4bWZaWyfSmJN3xdSJOM3G4fCsnCFzYcj4ogw2dBT5NZvYsJaHY4aOV24F4tw5JWY9KstTi8nyESVKyhFqNWf-ikKKrMr92G7cqttHPmum183_XXodeZR5mXkeq4N6PHH7t9bGS3Js-x_euNZR/s4032/IMG_0483.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UUP_uLivxnuExM4dUARArBXfhYm3vIpYBhGEn5T4bWZaWyfSmJN3xdSJOM3G4fCsnCFzYcj4ogw2dBT5NZvYsJaHY4aOV24F4tw5JWY9KstTi8nyESVKyhFqNWf-ikKKrMr92G7cqttHPmum183_XXodeZR5mXkeq4N6PHH7t9bGS3Js-x_euNZR/s16000/IMG_0483.jpg" /></a></p><p>We have successfully navigated all of those big toddler challenges that define your first few years. Together, we tackled breast feeding, sleeping through the night, ditching the bottle, potty training and a big boy bed. Each task seeming monumental at the time and now, just simple parts of your daily routine. And though you may not understand why, you should be so proud of yourself too, especially with the independence you've gained over the past year, starting with preschool.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2ovECOJBelRe6bSNnaAbbOm_VnD_5owM4CSbQqzSh8ilHPqfFW2YEw5rbqYUuHWynPD1GcdaGxoSg1WA71cyEChP1mcm6cJiuJ0D_tYklNiq1_sxCJTMCHzXsT8119V5-ruh_CNt-jiZdlZzdpxLA0PKyDY6naPD0TKgEYj4f2ljon2obTuT8Ffg/s4032/IMG_8419.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2ovECOJBelRe6bSNnaAbbOm_VnD_5owM4CSbQqzSh8ilHPqfFW2YEw5rbqYUuHWynPD1GcdaGxoSg1WA71cyEChP1mcm6cJiuJ0D_tYklNiq1_sxCJTMCHzXsT8119V5-ruh_CNt-jiZdlZzdpxLA0PKyDY6naPD0TKgEYj4f2ljon2obTuT8Ffg/s16000/IMG_8419.jpg" /></a></div><p>That was the hardest moment for us yet, myself included. Until then, we hadn't spent much time apart. You were either in my care or spending time with Gaga and suddenly you turned 4 and it was time to watch you walk away by the hand of a stranger into a new setting and just hope we had done everything to best prepare you for a good experience. I'll never forget how hard that first week was; me, anxiously sitting at Starbucks on your first day, crying because you were and waiting for you to be done so I could immediately come back. The next day, the teacher peeled you off me as you cried and they told me to just trust it would get better and of course it did. You had a great year with so much progress made.</p><p>Now, as we count down the days until kindergarten, I am left with the same big feelings, as it's a much longer time before I get to "come back." For the first time, you will be spending a full school day away from me, learning, making friends and fine tuning the independence we've worked on for the past 5 years. What an exciting time in your life! I am allowing myself to look forward to everything the school years will bring while also quietly mourning all of the time we previously had to just be together during the day, doing the most simple things. Whether we were visiting the library, going to Peets, hanging by the fountain or just watching Peppa, they have been the best days of my life and that's mostly because I have had my best friend by my side.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKufoexBbSlWuNChNxHDStVbjXlZSDULE-3AKY0KtE8QTR6nx4bLfP4rHOlK9hPVNxkARFfxeEum7ZTFn4dbQpJhcaE6-ls-lvjFzjbNdBSqYtMrqXTmWJyPqn36U-EUIcsSjkDjMHw-XYJHdcY1EXh-gTOUy1GTLoKOG_mGfIinhFnMUyRhmggSb/s3088/IMG_9418.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKufoexBbSlWuNChNxHDStVbjXlZSDULE-3AKY0KtE8QTR6nx4bLfP4rHOlK9hPVNxkARFfxeEum7ZTFn4dbQpJhcaE6-ls-lvjFzjbNdBSqYtMrqXTmWJyPqn36U-EUIcsSjkDjMHw-XYJHdcY1EXh-gTOUy1GTLoKOG_mGfIinhFnMUyRhmggSb/s16000/IMG_9418.jpg" /></a></div><p>One of our greatest joys over the past year has been watching you grow in your role as the older brother. Yesterday, you two spent a full evening playing together on our swing set after dinner, without any intervening from Dada or I. You were laughing, squealing with delight and finding ways to make him feel better if he was hurt. It has taken us two years to get to the point where you can play on an equal level with one another and it is a beautiful thing to see because understandably so, there were many challenging situations along the way. Staying home with you both was a huge adjustment for me and there were some <i>very long </i>days. But for every argument or tantrum between you and Lawson, there has been two more hugs, butterfly kisses and shared cups of orange juice on the couch. I will never forget you coming with us for his two year doctor checkup and crying when he cried, because you couldn't stand to see him sad. </p><p>That's how deeply you feel.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRqHO3gOOYUHsXk1Ma3YmaPRfB9g7-7yySBEUxrkqL-f0eQreZTbBDdjm0NZlMWfZOyIDs3yElK4t5CLs0LNO2yxukwSw-pTCIeUx6F-Z4fVeF6wWJJdUpSwHE7jPlCc9lkZRSCIOeHbvA04IvB3B9b-_vmm3b8izXkSd4wdhqaDSYwpOA-xo1Xpq/s4032/IMG_9276.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRqHO3gOOYUHsXk1Ma3YmaPRfB9g7-7yySBEUxrkqL-f0eQreZTbBDdjm0NZlMWfZOyIDs3yElK4t5CLs0LNO2yxukwSw-pTCIeUx6F-Z4fVeF6wWJJdUpSwHE7jPlCc9lkZRSCIOeHbvA04IvB3B9b-_vmm3b8izXkSd4wdhqaDSYwpOA-xo1Xpq/s16000/IMG_9276.jpg" /></a></div><p>You care with all of your heart for everything that is special to you. You love your stuffed animals like they are real pets of your own. You ahh and ooh at strangers babies to make them smile, saying, "Mama, look at that sweet baby!" You still hug "the man with the lantern" statue in our neighborhood as we walk by, wishing him a good day and telling him you will see him again soon. You cuddle your blanky when you need to feel safe, collect nature treasures at the lake house and think about the injured bird in our yard days after he is gone, hoping he has found his way back home. You initiate the big "Family hug" before bedtime, telling us how much you love our Family, but Ronan...if you only knew how we feel about you. </p><p>In our bones, in our heart and in every single move we make.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQfQVVfgGU9rtU0qj3RuMU4IqXsVfaBpdUqALngllzthqGpl_AumejEjyKtgMel4bgjZP7z1eDvV4CdM7ICu9KKwNjTlS8tgjRvcuTkP5S-4Rg7gJV0JzTkVmd0K-0IvAKdjsUX8fMfhsoboPo5FYFkd3VQa3DWq0fH59EAjvmx1KzMMqzd7L0Cu-/s4032/IMG_7771.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQfQVVfgGU9rtU0qj3RuMU4IqXsVfaBpdUqALngllzthqGpl_AumejEjyKtgMel4bgjZP7z1eDvV4CdM7ICu9KKwNjTlS8tgjRvcuTkP5S-4Rg7gJV0JzTkVmd0K-0IvAKdjsUX8fMfhsoboPo5FYFkd3VQa3DWq0fH59EAjvmx1KzMMqzd7L0Cu-/s16000/IMG_7771.jpg" /></a></div><p>I am so proud of everything you have accomplished thus far and the person you're becoming. You are nurturing, thoughtful, exhaustingly curious, brave, emotional, smart, deeply loving, a bit cunning, a little too stubborn (must be hereditary!), a creature of habit and one of the sweetest five year olds I know. I will miss you more than you know as you embark on your next adventure this year but I can't wait for so many others to see all the magic you have inside you. And there are so many "just us" dates to come! </p><p style="text-align: center;">Happy 5th birthday to my sweet Ro. I love you to the moon and back.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Love, Mama</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EFdUcEwrVhsUm1Ti_-3NwgGjWYGz3t4mddA0oKXw9tRGo5ib74DKC_zxV_S389Xt9EBkg_H0v2h6U8K8SZR3NLhNgVbBO01pVUxcapCtsIqSaNwQ96IkYQc0uPdPub7CCgsHUENJnrNNp3IDI-jf_wHYZ930ikbi2jjAQUHGVrNTVpzqZyflQ_xQ/s4582/IMG_7657.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4582" data-original-width="3055" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EFdUcEwrVhsUm1Ti_-3NwgGjWYGz3t4mddA0oKXw9tRGo5ib74DKC_zxV_S389Xt9EBkg_H0v2h6U8K8SZR3NLhNgVbBO01pVUxcapCtsIqSaNwQ96IkYQc0uPdPub7CCgsHUENJnrNNp3IDI-jf_wHYZ930ikbi2jjAQUHGVrNTVpzqZyflQ_xQ/s16000/IMG_7657.JPG" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><br /></p>Kait Latelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114810592677193260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4677723925354302369.post-31187920173968586362021-05-06T22:06:00.002-05:002021-05-06T22:06:16.530-05:00A Letter to Law on your 1st Birthday<p>My sweet boy - <i>Happy 1st birthday</i>. I can't believe a year has passed but more so, I can't believe the kind of year it was. A year (plus) spent in a pandemic that has forever changed every single one of us. I have spent a lot of time this week reflecting on the past 365 days we have spent together and it often brings me to tears. I am not the same person I used to be - I suppose you never are after bringing life into the world, but it's more than that. In March of 2020, we were busy preparing for your arrival, already nervous about making this big transition and entering the next phase of our lives but we could have never prepared for <b><a href="https://kait-lately.blogspot.com/2020/07/a-new-baby-in-new-world.html">the kind of change</a> </b>we were about to experience. It started out small - <i>We moved out of our room in the house and turned it into your nursery. We bought Ronan books on becoming a big brother. <b>AND THEN </b>- Restaurants started closing - A stay-at-home order issued, just for two weeks to "flatten the curve" (and I remember how even that seemed impossible). Trade shows shutting down which meant uncertainty at work. Maternity leave which turned into a furlough which resulted in never once stepping foot back into the office with the team who had become my family over the past TEN years. Caution tape put up on our favorite parks. Wearing masks to see hug a family member, not hugging many family members at all. Favorite play places closed, no explanation for heartbroken toddlers. A covid test and masks required in the delivery room. No visitors allowed at the hospital. An unexpected and extremely emotional emergency c-section...</i></p><p>But then on May 7, 2020, at a little past 2pm, you were placed in my arms with a tear-stained face while my teeth were still chattering and I didn't know much about you yet but <i><b>I knew you were exactly what we needed. </b></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nhLhIt0rOhoFnOkLVvtCVDFAd4GsUHZlUkLiHgE_zLbI6Pn1wpYf7eInsOGVeP7LYQvbUabz3UlR2RctbM7GYEg0yM4-lPcu_dWPORWAEX_BwTOxeklFBWZ2IvOdPL_Q_KeYJi5Stws/s2048/EB81F795-7E16-4592-A827-2F7297464B66.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nhLhIt0rOhoFnOkLVvtCVDFAd4GsUHZlUkLiHgE_zLbI6Pn1wpYf7eInsOGVeP7LYQvbUabz3UlR2RctbM7GYEg0yM4-lPcu_dWPORWAEX_BwTOxeklFBWZ2IvOdPL_Q_KeYJi5Stws/s16000/EB81F795-7E16-4592-A827-2F7297464B66.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzvr6LOQlPI4Ctt9ImO33r3ythNJ2izSB08oXOaffOVfUjP9BBNWm1yZusuWNG7QbaoYRsQmpDBiRSNkcl1PRsh_4Ob6tbJ5diN7ORtKcZakuA8E1a49qSrlSsdJiIVkoFdg6x7IL5hI/s2048/IMG_2949.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzvr6LOQlPI4Ctt9ImO33r3ythNJ2izSB08oXOaffOVfUjP9BBNWm1yZusuWNG7QbaoYRsQmpDBiRSNkcl1PRsh_4Ob6tbJ5diN7ORtKcZakuA8E1a49qSrlSsdJiIVkoFdg6x7IL5hI/s16000/IMG_2949.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Z_jLJYq3247LaAvbBk9BAt4sDPRyX1qZDLPY69nob5fPxFGkZFfWFwpmCUM9DjRcv4o7CueZauNFDL2r15AiusgpqZaewC-TPdqNiyXfPO5t7nU1zB9BJCNCJkZh6SyjeuxMwoQHb8A/s1692/IMG_2944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1692" data-original-width="1143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Z_jLJYq3247LaAvbBk9BAt4sDPRyX1qZDLPY69nob5fPxFGkZFfWFwpmCUM9DjRcv4o7CueZauNFDL2r15AiusgpqZaewC-TPdqNiyXfPO5t7nU1zB9BJCNCJkZh6SyjeuxMwoQHb8A/s16000/IMG_2944.JPG" /></a></div></div><p>Our early newborn days together are hazy at best - Standard for that phase of life, yes, but because there was so much going on in the world, I felt as if I was sleepwalking through the motions many of those days. It was survival mode and then some - I was doing my best to adjust to being home with you and your brother all day every day (and not having the freedom to go anywhere!) and find our own routine once Dad went back to work. I was figuring out how to breastfeed while keeping Ronan entertained, remembering what it was like to function on little sleep and all the while, keep a positive attitude about life during COVID. </p><p><i><b>But you...you made all of the hard things so much better.</b></i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3oMXDTbo3BrYw7q0x_5kN2hXvET85qf3RX4ssLfdxKgBQ7EOz0Wu-mK169FFQ3D3-UXu1Ts6JRXfCG6TGUbE8UWlW6AoJF51Q4xHlM_hKUHJO55qtdsFMtR0Udil-8Ec7xkSGLo_vwQg/s2048/IMG_3081.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3oMXDTbo3BrYw7q0x_5kN2hXvET85qf3RX4ssLfdxKgBQ7EOz0Wu-mK169FFQ3D3-UXu1Ts6JRXfCG6TGUbE8UWlW6AoJF51Q4xHlM_hKUHJO55qtdsFMtR0Udil-8Ec7xkSGLo_vwQg/s16000/IMG_3081.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPu6jMtf6YnxJwOpwIV37jHdsK5ewWX_zUxGj5dnuH8bAdySYiH4UJGtqTkZ5wPQmsIwsTGdk-jA0_YZjKcPazwuCoJQMk7umuBumtPE_mFuXFy1j2yE9fFRbroASibWekhOl01JWOA0g/s2048/IMG_3721.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPu6jMtf6YnxJwOpwIV37jHdsK5ewWX_zUxGj5dnuH8bAdySYiH4UJGtqTkZ5wPQmsIwsTGdk-jA0_YZjKcPazwuCoJQMk7umuBumtPE_mFuXFy1j2yE9fFRbroASibWekhOl01JWOA0g/s16000/IMG_3721.jpeg" /></a></div><p>As important as it is for me to acknowledge what a difficult, trying year it's been, it's even more crucial you know that YOU have been the <i><b>brightest light</b></i> in it all and my reason for trying to do my best every single day. From the day you came home, you have been perfectly happy and content, willing to go with our flow and thankfully, being blissfully unaware of anything happening outside our 4 walls. We knew very early on that you were a sweet soul, from the long naps you would take in your outdoor dome to sitting on the porch rockers late at night with us at the lake house, just smiling as we talked. You slept in between Dada and I for months and it was comforting to have you so close. You made my job of nursing you so easy and certainly less stressful this time around, both of us finding our groove and STILL going <u>TWELVE - MONTHS - LATER</u>. I am so proud of you - <b>OF US</b><i> </i>- for continuing on that journey together and will for as long as you'll have me. </p><div><div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidas2QkssKTeZjijZ4YeG4EJW8J4fkEIiByhrOzOnuiBSFlZiq2g35TnzZCyWolp8LR8frkr5c6hmogNDWM7sgkIvzwWRyydjWm5Z3Uc_6dYxl5YVf5AYc-wLIvhlGPctcf7D2bfjDw4k/s2048/IMG_7690.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidas2QkssKTeZjijZ4YeG4EJW8J4fkEIiByhrOzOnuiBSFlZiq2g35TnzZCyWolp8LR8frkr5c6hmogNDWM7sgkIvzwWRyydjWm5Z3Uc_6dYxl5YVf5AYc-wLIvhlGPctcf7D2bfjDw4k/s16000/IMG_7690.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>You are never not smiling. Friends and family have asked many times, "does he ever cry? Is he always this happy?" and the answer is, yes - There is very little that upsets you, unless we're talking about food or pacifiers being taken away, understandable. You have always been patient with us, often giving us the time we need to tend to your brother, who at 3 years old, demands a lot of attention. Then and now, you often have to wait a few extra minutes because he needs to be buckled first, given a snack or helped climb up a ladder at the park and you just wait your turn, with a grin on your face. It is easy to see how much you adore and idolize Ronan, your eyes following him when you were an infant and your feet running after him today, as he tries to play hide and seek with you or make you laugh (or more realistically, steal your toys and "accidentally" push you on your butt). But I see your bond forming and it makes a Mommy and Daddy heart so happy to know you have a built-in best friend for life.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIAQYm9KOMSRuH5SfebzsesmD0i0Se6CD80NGP34D7EZDN00mjxmU5WFmX2gzw-GNAA-frpr2cDZmxs8G4cC_Kv36bM468Lw2ccUCR8oxlDj0KGAQ56diqfFac02Fwka38EvtaXb4uoI/s2048/IMG_3754.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIAQYm9KOMSRuH5SfebzsesmD0i0Se6CD80NGP34D7EZDN00mjxmU5WFmX2gzw-GNAA-frpr2cDZmxs8G4cC_Kv36bM468Lw2ccUCR8oxlDj0KGAQ56diqfFac02Fwka38EvtaXb4uoI/s16000/IMG_3754.HEIC" /></a></div><div><br /></div>There are so many things I want to remember about you in your first year. </div><div><br /></div><div>How you would wake up in the pack & play and I would see two little eyes staring at me, smiling when you saw me sit up in bed. When you were really tiny, Ronan would wake in the morning and say, "good morning baby - are you comfy??" How you've ALWAYS loved bath time, never once complaining about being in the water. Naps in the dockatot. Naps on the bopppy. But rarely naps on Mom - not a fan of being rocked. Loving the abc 123 song book. Insisting on sleeping on your belly from the get go. The night you wouldn't sleep so I put pillows all around my bed and we slept in the middle together. The elephant Halloween costume. How delightfully chunky you were. Your obsession with the remote. The plaid winter hat. The way your face looks when you see Elmo. How fascinated you were with the toy crab (RIP crab). Your tiny foot in my armpit while feeding. Incessantly rolling under the table once you knew how. Your first Christmas. The snowsuit. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARoV2oqNAXXWmE1NU6r7VUxKZYJtcTQ99uvGXJpnuDVgKY9D1oxN06kQlR27Drus8iyqUOIryqkvNVcxVQzEw1UioKFPnDkIiO07Hfh-GcK9gugagbQSzkUstN6fgV61gnYV9HR-fhv4/s2048/IMG_8199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARoV2oqNAXXWmE1NU6r7VUxKZYJtcTQ99uvGXJpnuDVgKY9D1oxN06kQlR27Drus8iyqUOIryqkvNVcxVQzEw1UioKFPnDkIiO07Hfh-GcK9gugagbQSzkUstN6fgV61gnYV9HR-fhv4/s16000/IMG_8199.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTtbcsd27iSn6MxoxtO1sraon6IiPKWq4ZUNXh3th_70JCXePFW7UuPZtMHLtXJ1mxU24cC3mB7NTSBTuuFOLt6McDv9SFl9-HWj9cTiF1VrxITelsI9Am0eCDYebVD5ji5MqdnUSMo7c/s2048/IMG_8449.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTtbcsd27iSn6MxoxtO1sraon6IiPKWq4ZUNXh3th_70JCXePFW7UuPZtMHLtXJ1mxU24cC3mB7NTSBTuuFOLt6McDv9SFl9-HWj9cTiF1VrxITelsI9Am0eCDYebVD5ji5MqdnUSMo7c/s16000/IMG_8449.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBD7iP2XUOC8i2NfyqPizfQHUhjzTlckkeBO_lxia01Y7bHmxvDlCC6idKRpqjASPh1bpu-97iwHW68Ji683gB6xWVmVS2B3PxZpWazW1wI2M1x2VYl2dE28d2aQAdaoV6g0cz1Qjho8/s4032/IMG_8552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBD7iP2XUOC8i2NfyqPizfQHUhjzTlckkeBO_lxia01Y7bHmxvDlCC6idKRpqjASPh1bpu-97iwHW68Ji683gB6xWVmVS2B3PxZpWazW1wI2M1x2VYl2dE28d2aQAdaoV6g0cz1Qjho8/s16000/IMG_8552.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8oyddE4gicl13ChfB4EL8qoxrKr7g4FAKl-USO8XdmM-wtP9VA3qPIKb1e_J4dp3UvqIdFxcsRiMZT5oM9Jv0ec4paC30_70loh7CEqUH9XGx-cPEGJijuO5_s-OMTp5NNtxFOxzAvE/s2048/IMG_8745.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8oyddE4gicl13ChfB4EL8qoxrKr7g4FAKl-USO8XdmM-wtP9VA3qPIKb1e_J4dp3UvqIdFxcsRiMZT5oM9Jv0ec4paC30_70loh7CEqUH9XGx-cPEGJijuO5_s-OMTp5NNtxFOxzAvE/s16000/IMG_8745.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0F2AepQ1iIuyprUPGbcaXlrYZc20fwgeftdphpTqyoEDjJwFg9oKDwOAZ6SoIOoH8_64T7NM8WLORDm2ltTLrUsYa-Js47gqT_zGRYOA9BwxgrIu_A32zPTuNEZy3HZ1gus9dkvyjhaY/s2048/IMG_9980.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0F2AepQ1iIuyprUPGbcaXlrYZc20fwgeftdphpTqyoEDjJwFg9oKDwOAZ6SoIOoH8_64T7NM8WLORDm2ltTLrUsYa-Js47gqT_zGRYOA9BwxgrIu_A32zPTuNEZy3HZ1gus9dkvyjhaY/s16000/IMG_9980.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNj7VmaLU2svDr5glUoWiMDKaj3tLJAMRqTDyBg5IWyqLHYIO23zViSx_2UMewLIPtexT2T1C2bCuA1Tu7oPPI5sTwHIkCunnQ5pc-BppCdxaYXQEtmb3AmyA4lEqQHEYtsaU5VsEO4FI/s2048/IMG_9502.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNj7VmaLU2svDr5glUoWiMDKaj3tLJAMRqTDyBg5IWyqLHYIO23zViSx_2UMewLIPtexT2T1C2bCuA1Tu7oPPI5sTwHIkCunnQ5pc-BppCdxaYXQEtmb3AmyA4lEqQHEYtsaU5VsEO4FI/s16000/IMG_9502.HEIC" /></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT83_PRr0V2Bpo39AOqCrH4qfP452RuTeKF6qxApsFfGTHJ0YmdmkmoLodWzR_uddSh-fSvw6gIG0xrN4ofhh1it7NU_eaj7RHkldfYo8MdrQMaI4CUaylk59lc8sWBPc8xrygu3Pt34A/s2048/IMG_9711.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT83_PRr0V2Bpo39AOqCrH4qfP452RuTeKF6qxApsFfGTHJ0YmdmkmoLodWzR_uddSh-fSvw6gIG0xrN4ofhh1it7NU_eaj7RHkldfYo8MdrQMaI4CUaylk59lc8sWBPc8xrygu3Pt34A/s16000/IMG_9711.HEIC" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpxiM5RO7cyePdKuJuX7ikib7hpyhOpN1rh22bdyAzcHDLh3xb-cIACGyau0uWjhsjLxwvrIl428HRgcKEmjNlwsJ63jfhHD6Z0OqD_SbyK62N0LTMSu86GOB3rGdhWKe50G7udaxBZlo/s4032/IMG_0995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpxiM5RO7cyePdKuJuX7ikib7hpyhOpN1rh22bdyAzcHDLh3xb-cIACGyau0uWjhsjLxwvrIl428HRgcKEmjNlwsJ63jfhHD6Z0OqD_SbyK62N0LTMSu86GOB3rGdhWKe50G7udaxBZlo/s16000/IMG_0995.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>The way you used your sloth toes pick up toys and help you balance. When you started giving kisses. Your first swing. The first time you said Mama. How your tiny fingers touched the "Never touch a Dinosaur" books. The firetruck at the park. How you started walking at 10 months, just like Ro. How much you LOVE TO EAT. How you dance to the purple dinosaur. How you clap your hands at dinnertime. How you love to take out the bath stopper. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">How absolutely WONDERFUL you are. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgYPcqgsVDOTPTkwmlrVyEJ81D_ner4x8BeRjTjdPWeOtap_wk4I5FOTY8CnGd5TJq4NX4_a3MqyyS2WLjb-VEshvMR06K4xM2mFtmFEnHnwimlMyGy3RqAr-R8COcYNoWctTdmsLMEU/s2048/IMG_0968.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgYPcqgsVDOTPTkwmlrVyEJ81D_ner4x8BeRjTjdPWeOtap_wk4I5FOTY8CnGd5TJq4NX4_a3MqyyS2WLjb-VEshvMR06K4xM2mFtmFEnHnwimlMyGy3RqAr-R8COcYNoWctTdmsLMEU/s16000/IMG_0968.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8-tTIRgU8a4iZEznK1MK0ztgSIj8dvpJyY94MXaqNc5W2WN_afepCFy1undnIQWamCIyQZncUZ66Cn66lVdmn3KVNq73Z8M2lD9yG9bEoxiUiRgjXpQOmbOg-wYZXEoyZTaPWowbfco/s2048/IMG_1321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8-tTIRgU8a4iZEznK1MK0ztgSIj8dvpJyY94MXaqNc5W2WN_afepCFy1undnIQWamCIyQZncUZ66Cn66lVdmn3KVNq73Z8M2lD9yG9bEoxiUiRgjXpQOmbOg-wYZXEoyZTaPWowbfco/s16000/IMG_1321.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2jL2nDgKzaDJabp9m9_hZ6SdY3wZluTtXEOO70P8a-bjPzzLq502UhdjTcpsu75k6Jxsdd1fUpNK2O-Z94Q_3sVHtsiCX1ELfoaT9xgWezINU3wd4mHCynRARpKTiCvVX5-geHl-5iCE/s2048/IMG_2003.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2jL2nDgKzaDJabp9m9_hZ6SdY3wZluTtXEOO70P8a-bjPzzLq502UhdjTcpsu75k6Jxsdd1fUpNK2O-Z94Q_3sVHtsiCX1ELfoaT9xgWezINU3wd4mHCynRARpKTiCvVX5-geHl-5iCE/s16000/IMG_2003.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0Fcg9DimfkJ-sRWXMKSnqecX087jfaPWSOPEw8Y35-PjrNJE5XyvySYQfYCJT-RA2vD7hjFkBjikVDYgbFHIckVnOvgdarg3MDCMadt9TYUgW8BNoh2SMnPcpJ86ahy4RxebbxCX_HI/s4032/IMG_2307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0Fcg9DimfkJ-sRWXMKSnqecX087jfaPWSOPEw8Y35-PjrNJE5XyvySYQfYCJT-RA2vD7hjFkBjikVDYgbFHIckVnOvgdarg3MDCMadt9TYUgW8BNoh2SMnPcpJ86ahy4RxebbxCX_HI/s16000/IMG_2307.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtshTh0a7ZKvm6D818Cyg95zK-RdRqPbuqh-j15XvAo6zGpmFj-X4qq2geCFBYz65rte33I9rVyjIXbGMu6P820JjAR5W2-Yki38C4561-o2JoKGNnTV2YTzBk5-Qakq4ZII7XzrXa-YY/s2048/IMG_2564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtshTh0a7ZKvm6D818Cyg95zK-RdRqPbuqh-j15XvAo6zGpmFj-X4qq2geCFBYz65rte33I9rVyjIXbGMu6P820JjAR5W2-Yki38C4561-o2JoKGNnTV2YTzBk5-Qakq4ZII7XzrXa-YY/s16000/IMG_2564.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGSScrQ9SvACbCBCTvHTcKJAqIp3ohoU3XhmypkaBD0Mg2BTGgvtUQEdTJzmfh1Dfy4wWeyOsshcWvGSXi0F129ObyvRTRFQMKyh0oCmZm5drY0reioE9I-4RG7XqdFxd683aCGHFSAfc/s2048/IMG_2575.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGSScrQ9SvACbCBCTvHTcKJAqIp3ohoU3XhmypkaBD0Mg2BTGgvtUQEdTJzmfh1Dfy4wWeyOsshcWvGSXi0F129ObyvRTRFQMKyh0oCmZm5drY0reioE9I-4RG7XqdFxd683aCGHFSAfc/s16000/IMG_2575.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78IoY3RS4YUH_mvXJLjwmu4oNZpMhZQ-9viyJ3h29QVH5ayFWBGTTm58HUBzsPpBDYLDioPblAn06lnR_fiEuOIb3PzvtQOYsqJE2ys_Md69FCUSIGP6H-WNcmWF2Xlj7iGf4xFo2_FE/s2048/IMG_2947.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78IoY3RS4YUH_mvXJLjwmu4oNZpMhZQ-9viyJ3h29QVH5ayFWBGTTm58HUBzsPpBDYLDioPblAn06lnR_fiEuOIb3PzvtQOYsqJE2ys_Md69FCUSIGP6H-WNcmWF2Xlj7iGf4xFo2_FE/s16000/IMG_2947.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcIv4AGLSlvPgH-z009XgTskjccZDOmPWALNKTukQceI3nOfMW7FggCZG_x1Cm3F0vcclO0CnfWDLTLdzElr6N-s00qm4eb9Yx1yNoBGfgDynQSHtJbRDc0Jn22RRgloJ3Ia4bW1LHVI/s2048/IMG_3102.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcIv4AGLSlvPgH-z009XgTskjccZDOmPWALNKTukQceI3nOfMW7FggCZG_x1Cm3F0vcclO0CnfWDLTLdzElr6N-s00qm4eb9Yx1yNoBGfgDynQSHtJbRDc0Jn22RRgloJ3Ia4bW1LHVI/s16000/IMG_3102.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaBQTfhbXAUFN6md_A6fBgANX6Ux8HUKM8M_Ug9qYQS1PrSDfEw6B2RFNGTljL-2phv34o8IbUiEHV5SX4u-BYTSfIR2P8OwPi4SOS-7W4xUqmclatPuNUGcwMzGTK-wSavKW6jj_ARE/s2048/IMG_3137.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaBQTfhbXAUFN6md_A6fBgANX6Ux8HUKM8M_Ug9qYQS1PrSDfEw6B2RFNGTljL-2phv34o8IbUiEHV5SX4u-BYTSfIR2P8OwPi4SOS-7W4xUqmclatPuNUGcwMzGTK-wSavKW6jj_ARE/s16000/IMG_3137.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhte-igayefdgF6UTyjfpClfJX7mQmiiUCbtVOO-kkL21sqoBSVwDjskMM-MBy5mfZ5fZ7R082AJbf7K6kjIxpJPzlDx4MjvZmlu8maAYzXUozndbk5Z0tFXtLtlcDxoov7qPFQb1DFoOU/s2048/IMG_3651.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhte-igayefdgF6UTyjfpClfJX7mQmiiUCbtVOO-kkL21sqoBSVwDjskMM-MBy5mfZ5fZ7R082AJbf7K6kjIxpJPzlDx4MjvZmlu8maAYzXUozndbk5Z0tFXtLtlcDxoov7qPFQb1DFoOU/s16000/IMG_3651.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJ-oI6IuqZQrFabUwejoFzwC_hZXNw8LAJbVAfD_zYwex7LKN_ciG5uEkwtwcgv_JZjMGuoEtrEiQVY31FXllKFEyAXfcd_lUPedwUK5KjMJP3_bRpcSskmJRBD_xRZad2KPnrwEUzU4/s2048/IMG_3698.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJ-oI6IuqZQrFabUwejoFzwC_hZXNw8LAJbVAfD_zYwex7LKN_ciG5uEkwtwcgv_JZjMGuoEtrEiQVY31FXllKFEyAXfcd_lUPedwUK5KjMJP3_bRpcSskmJRBD_xRZad2KPnrwEUzU4/s16000/IMG_3698.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3ri4ucLN_Oeb6hE9HZEZFGTjgLtsjqAFiGBCzCBl4uX-SydzHU7omqAzruVTMjLX0UJCr2whgkeuwu2etM1Fhqd2wH7XT3uMLVWdvBtHHmKfsVZOGIoNGms4mI4q7LrtjNkwavwnW08/s2048/IMG_4270.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3ri4ucLN_Oeb6hE9HZEZFGTjgLtsjqAFiGBCzCBl4uX-SydzHU7omqAzruVTMjLX0UJCr2whgkeuwu2etM1Fhqd2wH7XT3uMLVWdvBtHHmKfsVZOGIoNGms4mI4q7LrtjNkwavwnW08/s16000/IMG_4270.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bRCOSKVClnPYFWcs4p7KbgLQt_K2QFG4K9xY2h_Fwh-bjJuOszHVJPQk-lsMAddpnMORiv_4knFgft_kz9YCwDEHlTxbYpgxXUqypxX3Gu2JPwKke3FYOYjX0U_SHLfxXq-vbv_KRIU/s2048/IMG_4287.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bRCOSKVClnPYFWcs4p7KbgLQt_K2QFG4K9xY2h_Fwh-bjJuOszHVJPQk-lsMAddpnMORiv_4knFgft_kz9YCwDEHlTxbYpgxXUqypxX3Gu2JPwKke3FYOYjX0U_SHLfxXq-vbv_KRIU/s16000/IMG_4287.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqhlr6zFXUzzXH2d0zAAT6hzsf-w7uLGk7J4NZSdsyc1Tz1GF3r6hk4yPIx-9ojdJtIab9Bc-RMCz-VRyVhJhusFOrJhJ5LIhLyQijqoUvJ_daWZ8VFYx8R_k44iQIFoQfGAjTPAH-ag/s2048/IMG_4351.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqhlr6zFXUzzXH2d0zAAT6hzsf-w7uLGk7J4NZSdsyc1Tz1GF3r6hk4yPIx-9ojdJtIab9Bc-RMCz-VRyVhJhusFOrJhJ5LIhLyQijqoUvJ_daWZ8VFYx8R_k44iQIFoQfGAjTPAH-ag/s16000/IMG_4351.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1JyS60Iikdv3ragn8TGmlucuun0JuU5pr3Cw0SNXBWkznylyblzD8AQNuNtqQ7chZ06FB7Ww1RN8Purh0b5L7DG4mNwd1RFDVLEn6xHtPxVEBxJY5jSwVHYiAaLjAjTyUgjsHPm4Sl58/s4032/IMG_4436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1JyS60Iikdv3ragn8TGmlucuun0JuU5pr3Cw0SNXBWkznylyblzD8AQNuNtqQ7chZ06FB7Ww1RN8Purh0b5L7DG4mNwd1RFDVLEn6xHtPxVEBxJY5jSwVHYiAaLjAjTyUgjsHPm4Sl58/s16000/IMG_4436.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifNxgCKXictRfUu9JVDcJsgkxzfh-WsfR_jRpwgoj4wUGH7i-ntFVJm5LkiMMfyURyenUxtFpzSiu06VUFp8b3Laze9lsH3Z5b29tQ3fZ3HyvORTfHpB4EbSN5PS5vU6S7ftx4Pf5LuII/s2048/IMG_4469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifNxgCKXictRfUu9JVDcJsgkxzfh-WsfR_jRpwgoj4wUGH7i-ntFVJm5LkiMMfyURyenUxtFpzSiu06VUFp8b3Laze9lsH3Z5b29tQ3fZ3HyvORTfHpB4EbSN5PS5vU6S7ftx4Pf5LuII/s16000/IMG_4469.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIdBR9GP38O22bGbZi1UpOdWuVr87cERyPF0oECeR4RuHjun90s-V1kF8zY2_vvlGYZ6TvLQhv5DMyCsJ2-LIEP_207m5zeOHfy29SBi-e5WAIrSLNtXutDEBDrh1apxrjxJiL7NXkKM/s4032/IMG_4556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIdBR9GP38O22bGbZi1UpOdWuVr87cERyPF0oECeR4RuHjun90s-V1kF8zY2_vvlGYZ6TvLQhv5DMyCsJ2-LIEP_207m5zeOHfy29SBi-e5WAIrSLNtXutDEBDrh1apxrjxJiL7NXkKM/s16000/IMG_4556.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And please never let me forget how when I laid you down to change one (of your many) diapers today, I kissed your bare, chubby legs, right in the nook underneath your knee and you laughed a laugh that made my heart jump out of my chest. I did it again and again because for as long as I live, that will be one of the greatest sounds my ears have ever heard. <i>Much like this first year together, it was one of a kind. </i></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: center;">Happy birthday to my Law. You are everything we needed and more. I love you more than you'll ever know.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_3XAdq8P3kVqeZPZr4GxY6sv_dL_XgNLdiO_KWvfYjFUR3-PwW_MP49OTpdJVl1eU4aZXYyjqsrph_J0pcG3jyKG4VtzqigHlu8McrVHF8VVBprQ5dN8u-VC6uf33BlBUrrjC2kV7sw/s2048/IMG_4371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_3XAdq8P3kVqeZPZr4GxY6sv_dL_XgNLdiO_KWvfYjFUR3-PwW_MP49OTpdJVl1eU4aZXYyjqsrph_J0pcG3jyKG4VtzqigHlu8McrVHF8VVBprQ5dN8u-VC6uf33BlBUrrjC2kV7sw/s16000/IMG_4371.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzwKFNmKEKMOzLqqGcXzVhqiMCXs5g-KCfxhF-F-7cJw1Nv7uLbbaMxWNkhd7XMH1iqOWFRGHVz-5MNZ30mVwTjk9nKANbDgmZ_FGIY8K5bNwg9pLhKKU5mpeh0xrjiIHrIo6LAU5WFQ/s2048/IMG_4691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzwKFNmKEKMOzLqqGcXzVhqiMCXs5g-KCfxhF-F-7cJw1Nv7uLbbaMxWNkhd7XMH1iqOWFRGHVz-5MNZ30mVwTjk9nKANbDgmZ_FGIY8K5bNwg9pLhKKU5mpeh0xrjiIHrIo6LAU5WFQ/s16000/IMG_4691.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Love, Mama</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p></div></div></div><br />Kait Latelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114810592677193260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4677723925354302369.post-83306619150679164212020-08-02T21:18:00.002-05:002020-08-02T22:20:50.736-05:00A Letter to Ro on his Third Birthday<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Happy golden birthday to my first baby. Today, you are 3 years old, the best 3 years of my life. In so many ways, it seems like you were just born. Like you were just wearing onesies, watching Mickey Mouse in your jumper and eating rice cereal with a bib on your chest. But in many others, it seems like you’ve been two for a while now— perhaps that’s because of quarantine or maybe it’s because we’ve watched you grow up so much since you’ve become a big brother. Partly because you’ve had to but also just because you’re learning so much every day and your independence is blooming at a rapid rate. Two was a big year for you - once you started talking, you never stopped and your vocabulary is flourishing (though we could do without the god damn it’s!). You developed a love for the water through your swimming lessons. You have amazed us on a regular basis with your numbers, colors, shapes, dinosaur species, presidents names and more. We tried basketball class - You weren't a huge fan. We potty trained (big thanks to m&m's). And most of all, you became a big brother to sweet Lawson. You have adjusted to this change with more patience than I imagined and we love watching you get excited when he wakes up in the morning and kiss him goodnight. Thank you for sharing us with him.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCO7xGqXTZdBD7ls_PrdWDzdsJ99RooVeBAWu6WKV3qD4AKFmnSu6Tf1jucrjrHpyq7BxJhKXOBGmlfWyNEHwK2RbRM1k9LbsLvIuWLJ06vK-vEkeP8-voDcJGCKwtYwTrNFxJIPchKA/s1600/two.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCO7xGqXTZdBD7ls_PrdWDzdsJ99RooVeBAWu6WKV3qD4AKFmnSu6Tf1jucrjrHpyq7BxJhKXOBGmlfWyNEHwK2RbRM1k9LbsLvIuWLJ06vK-vEkeP8-voDcJGCKwtYwTrNFxJIPchKA/s1600/two.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibILNHRjc_IZoYmTHYqhXTqBW2cgrcXKQPLq3umI3m1MUFQpqbLlwrjNhiviuSY5BGJUYsx_qzuquzJ_j-qconk6KKYn_869Ilg2uBYexmrk7k9BkoMHqYbkPyrhS3OVlUrZnMC0TwARE/s1600/brothers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibILNHRjc_IZoYmTHYqhXTqBW2cgrcXKQPLq3umI3m1MUFQpqbLlwrjNhiviuSY5BGJUYsx_qzuquzJ_j-qconk6KKYn_869Ilg2uBYexmrk7k9BkoMHqYbkPyrhS3OVlUrZnMC0TwARE/s1600/brothers.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">You are truly your own person, I have learned. You have a wild and curious spirit that can never be tamed. Your laugh is infectious, the best sound my ears have ever heard. You are painfully stubborn, persistent and focused which makes makes for MANY challenging moments now but these are qualities I’m confident will serve you well later in life. You never run out of energy, doing everything full-speed until the moon is high in the sky and you have no other choice but to fall down and sleep. You really don’t like art activities. You really DO enjoy music. You love little figurines you can carry around, sleep with and take in your bath. You’re extremely nurturing - to your stuffed animals (your “friends”), your baby brother, even the squirrels and birdies we find on our walks. You want to pet them all, squealing “aww, they are so cute!” You have a beautiful face with a smile that makes us all weak, which always makes us cave for one more “fruit nack” or another “green M.” You’re still very passionate about Peppa pig: her show, your comfort...her camper van, your favorite toy and Peppa world, which we visited in Michigan almost a year ago to the day. You are still asking when we can go back...”Soon,” I say. A little white lie, as this measure of time, "soon," hasn’t applied to many of our favorite adventures for some time now.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3PLMbm6ghHGcPkr5LeQEfJFBzNT64EwX05IPlSsHsB_Qp7bOPeN8MvIShd6U6oAditkCoLkbYk-YpLExtGW4b1E-1Kja8qmOxsMm0_W08dSUk0OH3bSDkiHum9WS2q1BsqY2UdtrtMU/s1600/camper+van.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3PLMbm6ghHGcPkr5LeQEfJFBzNT64EwX05IPlSsHsB_Qp7bOPeN8MvIShd6U6oAditkCoLkbYk-YpLExtGW4b1E-1Kja8qmOxsMm0_W08dSUk0OH3bSDkiHum9WS2q1BsqY2UdtrtMU/s1600/camper+van.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinhuvEEq3doU6fy-tNwyVDwwgdDWWNqNaRGHRiNi812i94rZlwZOe_UbcLGpTOZd8spSiLTZQwfA7kQ-A_yaJd3HW3cpTmwvrb0gcbvgErCq1PET4Ubrp4GXUvF_gH-N5Vxvb7aWHWHg/s1600/peppa+world.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinhuvEEq3doU6fy-tNwyVDwwgdDWWNqNaRGHRiNi812i94rZlwZOe_UbcLGpTOZd8spSiLTZQwfA7kQ-A_yaJd3HW3cpTmwvrb0gcbvgErCq1PET4Ubrp4GXUvF_gH-N5Vxvb7aWHWHg/s1600/peppa+world.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But despite how much has changed in our lives since Covid began, we’ve had some of the best times at home together - I mean, how lucky are we to HAVE this Family time?</span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We recently took a walk down our block together, your tiny hand in my left and your bug catcher in my right. You decided we should sit down right there, in the middle of the sidewalk with our magnifying glasses and look for ants. You gathered a few leaves we could use to scoop them up and we just waited. I knew brother and dad were waiting for us at home but I could not possibly rush this moment. It was so exquisitely simple - I watched your eyes dart back and forth as microscopic ants made paths on the pavement. You thought every curved stick was a worm, holding out hope. Our street was fairly quiet and you were so content to just be there with me and I felt the same. I am quite serious when I say it is THESE small and insignificant moments that I never want to forget. When you inevitably start shutting your bedroom door for privacy or the first time you take our car to pick up your friends, I want to remember how we looked for bugs together...I wish we always could.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkBQt9iJ9gpZ0UZAzjk9Y9mawwRsLLp3ehSAtoZ6PyizHH91MomyVGJdRNzYc8xc6tBHzCSj_jHMmjGvPV57wg6nbuz0DLqgyKwm8f0Jy3R3GxhZees3Yflj3z3pF03p7YIMAUWUIA-k/s1600/ro+and+mom+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkBQt9iJ9gpZ0UZAzjk9Y9mawwRsLLp3ehSAtoZ6PyizHH91MomyVGJdRNzYc8xc6tBHzCSj_jHMmjGvPV57wg6nbuz0DLqgyKwm8f0Jy3R3GxhZees3Yflj3z3pF03p7YIMAUWUIA-k/s1600/ro+and+mom+2.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As you turn another year older, I want to remember how you call out “mama! Mama!” a thousand times a day, saying you just want to see me or give me a “huggie.” How you want me to lay on your sheep beside your bed at night. How we end each day talking about our favorite parts and singing a song. How obsessed you are with the vacuum. How you talk about Santa all year long. How we have indoor picnics on the big blanket. How you ask dada and I “you wanna come?” anytime you go anywhere. How you want us to sit RIGHT next to you when you play. How you live for going to the lake house. How we took walks every night this Summer to see the "kitty and puppy" and the "owls eyes" (neighbors lawn decor) and how excited it makes you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKZ2h0iSPW9ptvTMDgcunYwiRTg6TFMg3tX6PU05bjKJk4hiO0vGi2yJqQNXHWKVWH1Zpv-z1QMgDWMN20-D6dZjnmL_hczjAKHlGAiqHTp9mKuzt6XADXTlFogtoejUpHK9oRppxx3E/s1600/santa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKZ2h0iSPW9ptvTMDgcunYwiRTg6TFMg3tX6PU05bjKJk4hiO0vGi2yJqQNXHWKVWH1Zpv-z1QMgDWMN20-D6dZjnmL_hczjAKHlGAiqHTp9mKuzt6XADXTlFogtoejUpHK9oRppxx3E/s1600/santa.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg08KqmeKFtdGOZMXdXBS2sn1-lx1zVs0CL3aHDPmevPCrEcpepwSnO4twXF2ZC9GWGNMBUgnb9S6JYlVBnxgiJ4fNduu_Vc1l1CFbkJ8DBacoJ28ODeuuPf3fwvUYbDmj-IiB3k2Ydos/s1600/walks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg08KqmeKFtdGOZMXdXBS2sn1-lx1zVs0CL3aHDPmevPCrEcpepwSnO4twXF2ZC9GWGNMBUgnb9S6JYlVBnxgiJ4fNduu_Vc1l1CFbkJ8DBacoJ28ODeuuPf3fwvUYbDmj-IiB3k2Ydos/s1600/walks.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">How it sounds when your feet run across our kitchen floor. How you come downstairs in the morning in your paw patrol pjs and we lazily watch Peppa and make breakfast. How much you love life, not wanting to miss a single thing. How much you care for your family and friends - unconditionally. How excited you get when your grandparents come over. How badly you want to sit in everyone’s car and “drive” to the coffee shop. Our Peet’s dates by the fountain. How we say “I love you to the moon...and back.” Because I really do - I hope you know...<i><b>you mean the world to me.</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
I want to hold on so bad - more than anything. I want to keep you home forever with me, snuggle in your chair at night and read every story on your shelf. I want to sit beside the bath tub and watch as you let your imagination run wild, splashing, singing and talking to your toys. I want to sit next to you on the swings, climb into the clubhouse and laugh as we take turns shimmying down the slide. I want to make smoothies and chocolate chip cookies with you standing next to me on your stool. Brush your teeth at night as we sing the Daniel Tiger song. Help you put on your strappy sandals. Comb your hair. Squeeze you just one second longer...<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDIbhEoEsMVDRnpqcitYJ1t0L_HgLgwpdkEiYUtIufXRcU3w8_BeOmSPXbmjYhUfk5IrNLutHgy4SMGTMN4a6ga8NHGqsQUe-ZFyO6l7hkTSsQjk9NZqDneHdCsnoAs4Hz8yC__B99kI/s1600/brown+bear.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDIbhEoEsMVDRnpqcitYJ1t0L_HgLgwpdkEiYUtIufXRcU3w8_BeOmSPXbmjYhUfk5IrNLutHgy4SMGTMN4a6ga8NHGqsQUe-ZFyO6l7hkTSsQjk9NZqDneHdCsnoAs4Hz8yC__B99kI/s1600/brown+bear.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZgyVOt0Y_CEehjP_PbXrLu4mwkQrWTT9VtygYanemC3fa-vMGLMYIzAxFIXFvP0-WHcpJsCCUt98XZE54EplX_HCypmPnfxlTcRUPrAPRuIePozin4GX6YWrIbqRHbmhiy-c7k_Nen0/s1600/ro+and+mom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZgyVOt0Y_CEehjP_PbXrLu4mwkQrWTT9VtygYanemC3fa-vMGLMYIzAxFIXFvP0-WHcpJsCCUt98XZE54EplX_HCypmPnfxlTcRUPrAPRuIePozin4GX6YWrIbqRHbmhiy-c7k_Nen0/s1600/ro+and+mom.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's to year 3 - I hope it's as wonderful as you are. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thank you for being you...there's nobody better. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Love always, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mama</div>
Kait Latelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114810592677193260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4677723925354302369.post-64993793772266047482020-07-15T14:04:00.001-05:002020-07-16T05:57:41.356-05:00A New Baby in a New World I remember sharing the news with my co-workers that we were expecting our second child. I taped up a picture of our announcement in the kitchen at the office and waited to see the reactions. That was earlier this year, maybe late January and from there on out, the girls and I would talk about it weekly: What we were having (another) boy, what names we liked (Lawson vs Liam), how I was feeling about expanding the Family, how my bump seemed so much bigger this time around...and then one day, it all just stopped. The conversation, the camaraderie, the work - The world. We were placed under a "stay at home" order, something that seemed so unimaginable, it couldn't be true. But there we were...We left the office one day in March, notebooks open to lengthy to-do lists and computers put to sleep until the next morning, or so we thought. It's now mid July and those same notebooks are still sitting open and the computers have long since been shut down. Change had only just begun...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDQe7IUQfqwBUJSghE3svw9Di6SIC1AYW_4E6MKVG4i51cG4rqAjLkreguY3l55NPwF3g2f6hhyphenhyphenjS94x9Bk8CV-vsALyejhyphenhyphenp3MUQPCgZuyB2ldsRvOjTOj0p6fwdtSsg27qEASK58ac/s1600/announcement.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDQe7IUQfqwBUJSghE3svw9Di6SIC1AYW_4E6MKVG4i51cG4rqAjLkreguY3l55NPwF3g2f6hhyphenhyphenjS94x9Bk8CV-vsALyejhyphenhyphenp3MUQPCgZuyB2ldsRvOjTOj0p6fwdtSsg27qEASK58ac/s1600/announcement.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The baby is no longer in my belly, but sleeping soundly next to me, while we both listen to the sounds of his noise machine. He, much like everything else this year, caused quite a stir with his arrival into the world due to an "emergency" c-section that nobody, me especially, could have predicted. In fact, this birth story is much like a metaphor for our entire Covid-19 experience. After experiencing a smooth induction that moved quickly and being told I was ready to push, everything changed in a matter of seconds - He was breeched and he was coming, whether we were ready or not, so a storm of doctors and nurses flooded the room and with tears streaming down my face, I was rushed to an operating room, leaving my husband behind and counting the minutes until I saw him come through the door to be by my side. I felt completely blindsided and beyond scared, as I had no time to mentally prepare for major surgery and immediately thought of my toddler waiting for me at home. Waiting for me to come home and put him in my lap for songs and a story before bedtime. I told the nurses through my tears how much I wanted to be able to do that when I got home, to give him every sense of normalcy I could, since so much of that had already been stripped away - no parks, no play places, no choo choo restaurant and to top it off, a brand new brother who would demand much of my time. But there was no turning back and it all moved so quickly.<br />
<br />
I felt them poking and prodding me but never any pain. I squeezed my husbands hand and stared up at the bright lights, wondering if I was dreaming and just waiting for it to be done. I thought about my parents at home, who so desperately wanted to be sitting in the waiting room and I wondered how long it had been since they heard an update. I couldn't stop shaking, my teeth chattering uncontrollably and the nurse assured me that was the drugs, that this was normal. But really, none of this was<b> <i>normal</i></b>. I waited to hear him cry, to hear that he was healthy and see his face, which we had been imagining for 9 months prior. I felt the weight of him as they placed him on my chest, my husband supporting him, as I could not physically manage that. He was beautiful and everything I imagined yet at the same time, nothing like I thought. Thank God he was here safely.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZvx_Me7WIDkkiYG4BqWfaOkrVszcCvh1bQxu8BjH2iSmsfn6ACfwToSwlN4P5NZbLDdZyp2K0m8F3JCsmcZTt_xHAFuHlDWLHeTg8uIjbUYFN7aTC9iyf_fqDf9i3_Y6OTIhWh2P3uE/s1600/c+section.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZvx_Me7WIDkkiYG4BqWfaOkrVszcCvh1bQxu8BjH2iSmsfn6ACfwToSwlN4P5NZbLDdZyp2K0m8F3JCsmcZTt_xHAFuHlDWLHeTg8uIjbUYFN7aTC9iyf_fqDf9i3_Y6OTIhWh2P3uE/s1600/c+section.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It felt odd not to have any hospital visitors. To have to put on a mask every time a nurse entered the room (which was often). To watch "Couples Retreat" with the volume almost too low to hear on the TV in our room. Neither of us even like the movie - We laughed because we were just too tired to find anything else. To order pizza via Door Dash and have it delivered to the hospital. To not be able to receive any gifts to our room of any kind (My Mom is still upset she couldn't send flowers). To see a gift shop, lights off and doors closed. To know how badly our Families wish they were there, kissing the new member and wishing us well. To not have the option for newborn photos, commemorating such a magical moment in our lives. I've said this so many times but what an odd time to have a baby.<br />
<br />
I was extremely sore and still in a bit of shock that I had major surgery. A few days prior to my induction, the dr had felt my stomach and said the baby was in perfect position. How could he have flipped this late? Or had he? I couldn't move with any ease or do anything on my own which was disheartening. But the morning after delivery, I woke up when the sun was starting to rise which highlighted the tiny little profile of our new little man and I had deja vous from the first hospital morning after Ronan was born. It was quiet besides a few hospital beeps, my baby boy's chest was moving up and down ever so slightly and my heart expanded beyond what I ever thought was possible.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoK2w6KvHwVssKymAmzxf3oUBnOLuD1yexvFG-lOtYED6t3vzvdjXSQRYRnvcxQYdUa_C1I4pFpQVc8Tafu3v299oDs7ZWSVR7X-a6BIw3jK2AGKyhFihikcTyYMmzn0B_H58jFPi0xbQ/s1600/lawson+sunrise.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoK2w6KvHwVssKymAmzxf3oUBnOLuD1yexvFG-lOtYED6t3vzvdjXSQRYRnvcxQYdUa_C1I4pFpQVc8Tafu3v299oDs7ZWSVR7X-a6BIw3jK2AGKyhFihikcTyYMmzn0B_H58jFPi0xbQ/s1600/lawson+sunrise.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
I admit, I felt frustrated that I was going to be left with a massive scar smack dab in the middle of my stomach. It is now 2+ months later and I have such different, unexpected feelings. I find myself hoping that no matter how much it lightens over time, I will always be able to see it. Babies don't keep and we try to capture their spirit, their innocence as much as possible through film and photographs but even those get lost or fade over time. I have a physical mark to remind me of the exact spot where my son entered the world...to remind me of everything we went through during this unprecedented time. But most of all, to remind me of how amazingly strong Mothers are, creating life and nurturing it for every minute after.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Though Lawson's birth story is a bit upsetting, his presence is anything but. He is an angel baby, a missing piece of our Family puzzle, who spends his moments awake with a massive smile on his face and sleeps peacefully, rarely causing a ruckus. He is something I am so sure of in a world where it's hard to make sense of anything.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUOrfKsv7nV6z87ixr2ycM5Wm67wRhbno5Zi2hZCg1puutUiDygDZrjVaF0wFxWw4JpMeYtz4FOoUfTwhtDoTDgBIwyIj34U_KT0tSFHrjhGyT0l5FUNCoM83QK-pGadtQ4yB7DuVhPU/s1600/lawson+and+I.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUOrfKsv7nV6z87ixr2ycM5Wm67wRhbno5Zi2hZCg1puutUiDygDZrjVaF0wFxWw4JpMeYtz4FOoUfTwhtDoTDgBIwyIj34U_KT0tSFHrjhGyT0l5FUNCoM83QK-pGadtQ4yB7DuVhPU/s1600/lawson+and+I.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's hard to believe how quickly everything can change. Those co-workers I mentioned at the beginning, I haven't seen them in so long and they were such a big part of my life. The trade show and event industry we were thriving in just months ago has completely shut down, leaving us all wondering where we'll go from here. I miss so many things, some significant, some not. My job - The inside jokes - The Target dollar section - The library - The park(s) - Sharing sandwiches with Ronan at the coffee shop - The Farmers Market (as it was) - The Children's Museum - The aforementioned train restaurant - Restaurants in general - Going to the movies - Going anywhere, really - Being able to use public restrooms - Swimming pools - Ice cream shops - Not wiping down every grocery item - Being able to smile at a stranger when they walk by. You don't even realize how much you miss the little things until you no longer have them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXCYMwLHoTBe7PP1ICaZyBlU_r4U3SN3mVvWP4Srvr2YW6oFCGtBS0FBvl2RQAYkcrLliI5eZjLHRyWnYtFY5VghAkJFliQQDnL1l9WyROVKarF9TaUXStau5G3MXg1Gc2lpc7pcGrZF4/s1600/work.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="828" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXCYMwLHoTBe7PP1ICaZyBlU_r4U3SN3mVvWP4Srvr2YW6oFCGtBS0FBvl2RQAYkcrLliI5eZjLHRyWnYtFY5VghAkJFliQQDnL1l9WyROVKarF9TaUXStau5G3MXg1Gc2lpc7pcGrZF4/s1600/work.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwfRovJ36fQ3ob7O3nemU07B7NdSkzJybD31MhPv6kGPhafQSR0AMavsNeX6wS-Jn6qBbe7y0Z5nzVbvZPUzpgbEYCg6dTQzh8itqymSzjPba1XGXNFHXylWcRD54ghfR_s85VltFSDY4/s1600/choo+choo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwfRovJ36fQ3ob7O3nemU07B7NdSkzJybD31MhPv6kGPhafQSR0AMavsNeX6wS-Jn6qBbe7y0Z5nzVbvZPUzpgbEYCg6dTQzh8itqymSzjPba1XGXNFHXylWcRD54ghfR_s85VltFSDY4/s1600/choo+choo.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But as important as it is to talk about how hard all of this is, I must also acknowledge that parts of it have been a blessing. We are healthy, number one. Family time together we would have never gotten otherwise. Completed house projects. Utilizing what we have. Realizing we were moving way too fast and seeing the benefits of slowing down. As much as I love to be on the go, I have relished in living life at a slower pace. Not looking at the clock as much which means we all go to sleep at 10pm and wakeup late, a Summer schedule at its best. Daily morning (and evening) walks to spot pinecones, fireflies, cicadas and our neighbors lawn decor (the kitty's eyes light up!). Barefoot in the grass chats with our neighbors, sitting on the porch playing eye spy and eating breakfast on the deck. These are things we might not have thought of pre-quarantine but I have loved watching Ronan experience a more simplified Summer and honestly, I think he's had the time of his life. I know he has loved having both of us around all the time and we've gone above and beyond to make sure he doesn't notice any of the missing things from our normal routine. A children's roller coaster now sits in our basement, a dinosaur pool in the backyard and popsicles are had at 9am, all of which we have justified by the quarantine and big smiles like this one.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgryydVi5u9lbNhBAT1H81Ux_JfAq74sYLQ0BFIWmnOOIgo3pqkQ08T6ljSG-ADLWV5PgK9xIEAp_0xEPaykXHGms-RfJSOI6TYIfVzXXui12mWha4EbHPnC0CJ0j_R0ioYERWSpleGzas/s1600/popsicle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgryydVi5u9lbNhBAT1H81Ux_JfAq74sYLQ0BFIWmnOOIgo3pqkQ08T6ljSG-ADLWV5PgK9xIEAp_0xEPaykXHGms-RfJSOI6TYIfVzXXui12mWha4EbHPnC0CJ0j_R0ioYERWSpleGzas/s1600/popsicle.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our Families have been amazing support systems and we are lucky to have each other. We've kept them close for our mental health and sanity and roughed this storm together. We've done our best to stay safe and optimistic, despite wading through a never-ending sea of unknown and we will continue to put on brave faces for our two littlest faces, who I hope only learn anything about Covid-19 from an article they may read many years from now, while sitting at a restaurant, sharing a meal with their friends and making plans to head to the movies.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
- - - </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>"Sometimes life throws us a curveball, for no reason that we can fathom. But we do not despair - We are not alone. We can persevere. This, too, shall pass, like the heat of Summer."</i></div>
<br />
<br />Kait Latelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114810592677193260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4677723925354302369.post-59760369579724259992019-10-17T06:30:00.000-05:002019-10-17T06:30:06.334-05:00New Western Suburbs Coffee Roaster<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; text-align: -webkit-center;">If you know me well, you probably know a few of my quirky food and beverage preferences including sandwiches as my favorite food and the fact that I drink iced coffee year round. Leaves or snow, hell or high water, it's just my feel-good pick-me-up. I'm no stranger Starbucks (mainly because there's a super convenient drive-thru right next to my office), but given the choice, I would prefer a non-chain/mom & pop coffee establishment. </span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: transparent; text-align: -webkit-center;">It's one of my favorite parts of visiting new places...whether it's a surrounding suburb or a different state, I always insist we try a local coffee spot for breakfast so I was pretty thrilled to find out there's an up-and-coming coffee roaster not too far from my office. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://mapleleafroasters.com/" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">Maple Leaf Coffee Roasters</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is an artisan coffee roaster based in Roselle, IL who aims to serve both the casual coffee drinker and coffee obsessive by offering a variety of roasts, origins and carefully crafted options for individuals and businesses. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">F</span><span style="background-color: white;">ounded in 2018 by husband and wife team Alex Behrens and Lynn Greetis, the MLCR duo has a mission to share their favorite coffees with friends and neighbors, as well as a way to honor their love of Canada. They strive to offer flavor choices for every palette imaginable – from the casual coffee drinker to the aficionado.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNtdSODXtYqfCFLDRCOjl8eHWCoKIHjSmPz5Pyc1DvFJ-KGaLUIRUS7L3U3De0LDSS2V4Gh2fNyoo6fy_hxpaHM2rVXOsIB67TUKAXGte0nJbRKibERZ8igb58QMR_Zac2LOYPz2MHVXg/s1600/maple+leaf2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNtdSODXtYqfCFLDRCOjl8eHWCoKIHjSmPz5Pyc1DvFJ-KGaLUIRUS7L3U3De0LDSS2V4Gh2fNyoo6fy_hxpaHM2rVXOsIB67TUKAXGte0nJbRKibERZ8igb58QMR_Zac2LOYPz2MHVXg/s1600/maple+leaf2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">
I have always had interest in opening my own coffee shop, so I asked the Maple Leaf Team questions like, "how did you get into this" (3oz at a time in the kitchen) and "when will you get to opening a cafe that I can come sit in all day?" (<a href="https://mapleleafroasters.com/growth" style="background: transparent; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;">read all about their answer here</a>). I also found out more about the brand and what makes them special. Find out a little more about MLCR...</div>
<div style="background-color: white; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="377">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hashtag"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Unresolved Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Link"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Link Error"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:swiss;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536859905 -1073732485 9 0 511 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
span.EmailStyle15
{mso-style-type:personal;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-ansi-font-size:11.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
color:windowtext;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">THEY ARE CREATORS
OF SMALL BATCH SPECIALITY COFFEE</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: black;">They research, source and roast coffee in small batches and
tell you on every bag when they did it (roasted on date). They are dedicated to
putting quality into everything they offer and carefully crafting each and every
batch to be a truly stellar cup of coffee!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">THEY ARE HERE
TO FIND THE BEST COFFEE FOR YOU</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">No matter what you drink or how you drink it, they are going to have
something that fit your taste. It doesn’t matter if you are a Starbucks, Dunkin
or McDonald’s coffee drinker or patronize one of their friends in the artisan
roaster community — they have something for you. Most times, they feature over 10
different roasts from light to dark. Some of their coffee is available year round
and some change from time to time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">THEY ARE A
PART OF THE COMMUNITY</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Maple Leaf Coffee Roasters is proud to be part of the Roselle
business community and give back to the place they live. They partner with Roselle
businesses like Little Red Ribbon, Pollyanna, Chocolate Inspirations and Orange
Theory. They support local charities and organizations like the PTO, Girl Scouts,
5k’s and Trunk or Treat events.</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPcbQtqxyvxGKAV7USR9xfk8huFAyhH9vuBGFDNMtgupazYxkdJ-I3aW5B5rSgN_aA6hMoNixYxZoUh7Sx9cepSxbZ6kd0B7Ejs7tdrjfq0e5FZ7nRFurm2oja2gamAmjIMCxttpfdO0c/s1600/Coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPcbQtqxyvxGKAV7USR9xfk8huFAyhH9vuBGFDNMtgupazYxkdJ-I3aW5B5rSgN_aA6hMoNixYxZoUh7Sx9cepSxbZ6kd0B7Ejs7tdrjfq0e5FZ7nRFurm2oja2gamAmjIMCxttpfdO0c/s1600/Coffee.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s not often that those of us who live in the Midwest can walk in to a small, specialty coffee roaster and see the process in action but that's one of the best parts about this new spot. You can </span><a href="https://mapleleafroasters.com/tour" style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">sign up for a tour</a><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to learn a description of the roasting process, see a live demonstration, and learn how the purchasing of beans is done. I look forward to taking a tour myself but in the meantime, I was lucky enough to try a batch of their cold brew which was<i> fantastic! </i>I found it to be pretty strong (which certainly helps when running after a toddler all day) and I added a little bit of almond milk to make the perfect latte at home. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you live in or near Dupage County, make sure to stop by and support this new local business who is working so hard to become a part of the community. You can see where to find them, the hours, current roasts, tour schedules and more on their <a href="https://mapleleafroasters.com/">website</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cheers!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQNr53aDg0i__6Xhmi7P1tK3vPl77NcbN7Am-KZoF2Na4JNGcS1dM85a89j-sk-EcxMOYStHboDj4R8wdApQ2DbWXfBT24x1HJcR6Bi3WsUV2vU5YqHdZ7WxCB-5Jm4hbqNWUzgkAeJM/s1600/Kait+Lately.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="141" data-original-width="345" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQNr53aDg0i__6Xhmi7P1tK3vPl77NcbN7Am-KZoF2Na4JNGcS1dM85a89j-sk-EcxMOYStHboDj4R8wdApQ2DbWXfBT24x1HJcR6Bi3WsUV2vU5YqHdZ7WxCB-5Jm4hbqNWUzgkAeJM/s320/Kait+Lately.png" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
Kait Latelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114810592677193260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4677723925354302369.post-77060889377182901922019-08-06T05:30:00.000-05:002019-08-06T09:37:28.924-05:00A Few Reasons Why We Love Meez Meals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">For the first 4 years that we were married (which was pre-kids), I would spend time researching new recipes on Pinterest, order the ingredients on Peapod and then make the meal, many of which were not quick and easy, because I wanted to make "nice" meals for us. I didn't really understand portions so we never really had enough for leftovers which meant making a new meal every day and not to mention, I was wasting money on oils or spices that we would use for one dinner and then never again so they would take up room in our pantry until they eventually expired. This cycle wasn't efficient but it worked alright for us -- <i>until we had our son</i>. During his first year and even now that he has just turned two, researching recipes is the last priority on my long list of a million "to-do's." We no longer have time to dedicate to making elaborate meals from scratch but we also don't want to succumb to chicken nuggets and mac&cheese every night either so being in this "limbo" phase led us to try a few different meal services and by FAR, the winner is <a href="https://www.meezmeals.com/">Meez Meals</a>. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">I shared a little bit about them in <a href="http://kait-lately.blogspot.com/2018/12/easy-weeknight-dinners-with-meez-meals.html">this post </a>when we just started using them but I wanted to circle back with an update now that it's 9 months later to share that we are still using the service and love it more than ever. The recipes are super easy to follow (more than any other meal service we tried) and take anywhere from 20-40 minutes from start to table which is KEY for us. My husband is a teacher so he's home during the Summer and semi-early on weekdays so we take turns making these meals during the week which is great because even though he doesn't have a "passion" for cooking, these recipes are easy enough for him to follow and I think he enjoys having a hand in making a healthy dinner for the Family. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcGBMBUgoPAGz3HoYTgyhByoAZM4RL66fWZ07AWhlcJJvrj9-TjO9M_oq68jfJlDNgis3EBIrRSfaynKKGekqlGSlIFdafBiET-3eYtEJ-SW1L1S8hxvwQvgboR3cZssj-7CORsgXTv8/s1600/Meez+Meals2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcGBMBUgoPAGz3HoYTgyhByoAZM4RL66fWZ07AWhlcJJvrj9-TjO9M_oq68jfJlDNgis3EBIrRSfaynKKGekqlGSlIFdafBiET-3eYtEJ-SW1L1S8hxvwQvgboR3cZssj-7CORsgXTv8/s1600/Meez+Meals2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>We have ordered this Chicken Satay Noodle Bowl 3 times now because it's THAT good! I like that they repeat the menu offerings now and then because you will definitely develop favorites.</i></div>
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Most of all, I love that you can just place an order whenever you want because there's no crazy subscriptions or need to freeze your ordering if you plan on being out of town. The email and text reminders make it easy to place your order (get them in by Fridays at noon!) and I think the prices are fair. Plus, we love the selection of meals...we usually order two meals (for 3 servings each) so we have enough for 2 dinners and 2 leftovers for lunches. We budget for this each week so we still have more than enough to grab some other easy foods from the store for non-Meez dinners like pasta, brats, Italian beef, etc. I post it about it all the time, not for any other reason than we're just huge fans and I have turned a few of my friends and Family members onto it as well - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lakehouselynda/">My Mom</a> orders every week now too and has gotten my Dad to eat some veggies which is a win in itself!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Want to up your dinner game? </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">Use code Kait50p<b> </b>at checkout</span></i><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><i> for 50% off your first order!</i></span><br />
<i style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">If you aren't convinced yet, here's 6 of our favorite Meez Meals:</span></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Pasta with Spinach Pesto</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ANPW4ADjS5zQtMe8ZVEUetUCDx-VVn1BHkpAAJlSUJuKnzTovshsB6HP-h57nxCWS_7ga4wBhq3Np_THBQRM2ld3z2FwCnDJBRXRX4ZFYNZpmCH4s7E9k7hlSUn8RKQc6c6xhJE0SYg/s1600/Meez+Meals1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ANPW4ADjS5zQtMe8ZVEUetUCDx-VVn1BHkpAAJlSUJuKnzTovshsB6HP-h57nxCWS_7ga4wBhq3Np_THBQRM2ld3z2FwCnDJBRXRX4ZFYNZpmCH4s7E9k7hlSUn8RKQc6c6xhJE0SYg/s1600/Meez+Meals1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-size: x-large;">Toasted Gnocchi with Asparagus and Edamame </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvISYD1yqyKWYVWx5v8bCANaytRAR_bmC2jQNZYs1DCYlaPFRS1NTw3RiMEz8AU1_AWKr94lmI028lw5wmKZMk2efWbBC9Wylk_Ar6COdPL898oEixUjfOkwKeHAbhIR3_iCZLOPjtWao/s1600/Meez+Meals3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvISYD1yqyKWYVWx5v8bCANaytRAR_bmC2jQNZYs1DCYlaPFRS1NTw3RiMEz8AU1_AWKr94lmI028lw5wmKZMk2efWbBC9Wylk_Ar6COdPL898oEixUjfOkwKeHAbhIR3_iCZLOPjtWao/s1600/Meez+Meals3.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Hawaiian Paella</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dfFMinF8lFmOcTcL4WLSHYha986xyzQBhUyFwbrhHGQ25ns2xwbFBagmqNFXQSJFZoGjwzxPA0Vo7q9xhv9AFJ1afsHEoTxrqXd9AR9rK26t0NRel9Xlnwj_e8zoYVroMYGyRAIt_i8/s1600/Meez+Meals4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dfFMinF8lFmOcTcL4WLSHYha986xyzQBhUyFwbrhHGQ25ns2xwbFBagmqNFXQSJFZoGjwzxPA0Vo7q9xhv9AFJ1afsHEoTxrqXd9AR9rK26t0NRel9Xlnwj_e8zoYVroMYGyRAIt_i8/s1600/Meez+Meals4.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"> Roasted Red Pepper Gnocchi with Smoked Sausage and Pesto</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1mmuun9ShP4NMq4QlqvUZiDTQFvq8YHrvfdSsV5dLggoVeCp_HGI0EbLqyXkVVcbtnGqHv8a9yikXcykMKKELPi4_im_BANjhKkd8sMOGCZDn-9oYkayIMeroUooDRsQC17CK2bBSKw/s1600/Meez+Meals5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1mmuun9ShP4NMq4QlqvUZiDTQFvq8YHrvfdSsV5dLggoVeCp_HGI0EbLqyXkVVcbtnGqHv8a9yikXcykMKKELPi4_im_BANjhKkd8sMOGCZDn-9oYkayIMeroUooDRsQC17CK2bBSKw/s1600/Meez+Meals5.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Cauliflower "Friend Rice" with Chicken and Pea Pods</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBfjAOVJqdd4T_z8kERQnpSHR2di9aUYzhqM10J6ChwbW7ZXIKifQjRuZe9k2NLAT0Q2H9uP_S1Y2howPF964iNHIiGqwQv4Xc3EY4iKisCMTayYO0thhxDcBzSA48caNi9EJ_TjNTGw/s1600/Meez+Meals6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBfjAOVJqdd4T_z8kERQnpSHR2di9aUYzhqM10J6ChwbW7ZXIKifQjRuZe9k2NLAT0Q2H9uP_S1Y2howPF964iNHIiGqwQv4Xc3EY4iKisCMTayYO0thhxDcBzSA48caNi9EJ_TjNTGw/s1600/Meez+Meals6.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Steak & Quinoa Bowl</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgreLz84GzChFf1vQup20HYxNpJMb39oT-fo2dlVjDj0srzoxFQ6SKwMS3lPkBGqrY8fq90XdbYkMD3V6cL0tZnAvDVjB0x295eBHkdeJNnL2iIuW31EACHgp8aLw75yeMjgNqG-hUPgnU/s1600/Steak+and+Quinoa+Bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgreLz84GzChFf1vQup20HYxNpJMb39oT-fo2dlVjDj0srzoxFQ6SKwMS3lPkBGqrY8fq90XdbYkMD3V6cL0tZnAvDVjB0x295eBHkdeJNnL2iIuW31EACHgp8aLw75yeMjgNqG-hUPgnU/s1600/Steak+and+Quinoa+Bowl.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let me know if you have any questions about Meez! I love talking about it because I want everyone to test it out and become just as obsessed :) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
You can also see more of our Meez Meals on my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kaitlately/">Instagram highlights!</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVM9tTrMrLmXB0SFJJ5f2eBfxO6GWMnv4IFqxYXdneRxKrhapActHtqpg3CJ0TrvwM6UXsi3Pi1RwxGnYc4KpclDm-umo-rj1ewVgFSdfCABMPqCcexfx4ekxDGHKDgjcDUgyUcKG0Zo/s1600/Kait+Lately.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="131" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVM9tTrMrLmXB0SFJJ5f2eBfxO6GWMnv4IFqxYXdneRxKrhapActHtqpg3CJ0TrvwM6UXsi3Pi1RwxGnYc4KpclDm-umo-rj1ewVgFSdfCABMPqCcexfx4ekxDGHKDgjcDUgyUcKG0Zo/s1600/Kait+Lately.png" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Kait Latelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114810592677193260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4677723925354302369.post-53551420212706512392019-08-02T05:30:00.000-05:002019-08-02T05:30:09.649-05:00A Letter to my Son on his 2nd Birthday<br />
My sweet Ro,<br />
<br />
For the first few months after we brought you home from the hospital, I had this reoccurring dream: I would wake up in a PANIC in the middle of the night, thinking I had fallen asleep while nursing you and that you had ended up in our bed somewhere. I swear I saw the outline of your tiny newborn face, laying right next to me and would freak out that I hadn't put you back in your bassinet. This happened regularly and was just one of many parenting worries to come. Maybe it's because I was so nervous in our new phase of life and worried that we were doing something wrong along the way...<br />
<br />
But now, as we approach your 2nd birthday, I look at you and know, <b><i>we've done so much right.</i></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCB8pbH-n9etNMkTdXYe416mDeHIyuA9fn4cycItF5lZqSlktwviCw0RogokTITyUVn8nZhK4JvvXZJr1uZxFx3jcfthayRSXIt732SNtjaOihsiloG0wjktj0P1cFBn0Flx3pRtQdJ6w/s1600/Ronan+1+year-2+years.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCB8pbH-n9etNMkTdXYe416mDeHIyuA9fn4cycItF5lZqSlktwviCw0RogokTITyUVn8nZhK4JvvXZJr1uZxFx3jcfthayRSXIt732SNtjaOihsiloG0wjktj0P1cFBn0Flx3pRtQdJ6w/s1600/Ronan+1+year-2+years.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Ronan, 1 years // 2 years</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This past year with you has surely been the best yet. Selfishly, I think that's partly because you could never want me around more than you do right now. Just recently, you started saying, "I luh ewe, Mama," and I never knew I could feel so much joy from one sentence. We are best friends who do everything together and even though I know you will create your own circle of friends one day, I hope I'll always be your definition of home. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyt0wX8CRGn1NkQXaLipFa_gV4osNAbF1cUSC1VXJtkF6iL_OBz6uDs6sn8ljfgV5gXJwenlAelzopSaOlGejBuItkiLExAN4YBD_21VfQDTYu6XBZmT3rHDZoiPi2RjdZg8zfExIuAFM/s1600/19_Ronan_BD-66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyt0wX8CRGn1NkQXaLipFa_gV4osNAbF1cUSC1VXJtkF6iL_OBz6uDs6sn8ljfgV5gXJwenlAelzopSaOlGejBuItkiLExAN4YBD_21VfQDTYu6XBZmT3rHDZoiPi2RjdZg8zfExIuAFM/s1600/19_Ronan_BD-66.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I feel so lucky you are mine: You are the most loving, curious, exuberant, stubborn, strong-willed and sweet boy who is growing up beautifully and I am more proud of you than you can ever understand. It doesn't matter how long or difficult the day, every time you fall asleep in my arms and I stare at your still-baby face, I melt all over. My heart explodes just by watching you experience life and do the most mundane things... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When you wake in the morning, I hear "Mama" on the monitor almost immediately and we begin our day, which is filled with no less than 2,874 "Mama's," over the next 12 hours which tests my patience at times but more often than not, makes me feel loved. You follow me into every room, look for my approval and get excited to show me all of your accomplishments. Lately, those include learning new words every single day, filling up your own cup of water at the fridge, scooping dog food for Fitz (and inevitably spilling half on the floor) and talking about every animal and the noises they make (with lions and ducks being the frontrunners).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtRgLtPEoeptGsizzuTzWEGSW6lQHBPBv-egJHQe_lXXbVHUiIgkyFq7-Ons0EWyj-aY2feM3tpkJ_Lobjrw3WDnU1vdUkQBxZX7NhvFyUi8J6_mYCew9LJ3b9i5wuHA6CYvY3BhqMtI/s1600/19_Ronan_BD-59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtRgLtPEoeptGsizzuTzWEGSW6lQHBPBv-egJHQe_lXXbVHUiIgkyFq7-Ons0EWyj-aY2feM3tpkJ_Lobjrw3WDnU1vdUkQBxZX7NhvFyUi8J6_mYCew9LJ3b9i5wuHA6CYvY3BhqMtI/s1600/19_Ronan_BD-59.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: center;">You offer greetings to every living <i>and non-living</i> object: The birds ("b's"), our neighbors lion made of stone ("bye line!"), the ceramic bunny in our front yard ("hi bun!") and my new favorite, our dog Fitzgerald ("hi puppy gerald!"). You never sit down. You ask to watch Peppa Pig first thing in the morning and promptly tell us "NO!" if we try to put on any other show. You cherish your Peppa figurines, taking them out of your basket and lining them up on the shelf, calling each one by name. You say "Ohhh noooo" when you are concerned (especially if the oven timer beeps or your band-aid falls off). You recently discovered how much you enjoy the pool and I think our swim lessons have been a huge help with that. You are very much your own person who does things his own way. Every "first" with you continues to be magical for Dad and I, including your first trick or treating this past Halloween, your first visit to Santa at Christmas (no tears = victory!), easter egg hunting, your first carnival ride and watching you learn how to have conversations with us -- like most things you do, you handled all of these new endeavors fearlessly. </span></div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSd46ejgxFy67FLUNwocDkKT-P7DkAI0uzuaWGbMDMSqTsphGAJfRs-xcGw1lD-l9ZAwCEUZn8M9DYUs55Y9l-ltTQsgCxgxI1LPgKlO7okibRHM5om7zq5sA6GFfJv4goo2BTDtU1UA/s1600/19_Ronan_BD-106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSd46ejgxFy67FLUNwocDkKT-P7DkAI0uzuaWGbMDMSqTsphGAJfRs-xcGw1lD-l9ZAwCEUZn8M9DYUs55Y9l-ltTQsgCxgxI1LPgKlO7okibRHM5om7zq5sA6GFfJv4goo2BTDtU1UA/s1600/19_Ronan_BD-106.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our hearts hurt when you are disappointed, swell when you are extra sweet and beat just a tad faster every day, as we cautiously watch you navigate life. Your happiness, self-esteem, values and morals matter more to us than anything else and most days, I feel pretty good about what our little Family is doing to make sure we meet all of these goals. You are so smart and we look forward to seeing how you change the world...<br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><b>but in the meantime, we've been a little </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><b>busy since you turned 1... </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><i>August 2018</i></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4i_q_s2BA_V-2VEONlu1jn4UB0a4Yz9Cw-y4jSAnvxC1WNabkImI9KPwBRz9nk1MXW1D_Ue_DrJuqLsbv9U4bT9iMsMx8acB9qbr0Fwah_bySdX-_3ednK0Eaoygr3Zb1WcVkwh22xQ/s1600/August+2018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4i_q_s2BA_V-2VEONlu1jn4UB0a4Yz9Cw-y4jSAnvxC1WNabkImI9KPwBRz9nk1MXW1D_Ue_DrJuqLsbv9U4bT9iMsMx8acB9qbr0Fwah_bySdX-_3ednK0Eaoygr3Zb1WcVkwh22xQ/s1600/August+2018.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i style="font-size: x-large;">September 2018</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv5dVw3mkKT4yR208-Cg7cFsl4_ObdZReK87yxva4Snffjsj-QCxPVQIcJZqjp0ksQeVbrUIca9IRvyxG_q4UPjQ5JWzYoE6dYu01DY5CcTNkQRZeWyO5wSFR59y6Y2CXCXvZfpUY413w/s1600/September.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv5dVw3mkKT4yR208-Cg7cFsl4_ObdZReK87yxva4Snffjsj-QCxPVQIcJZqjp0ksQeVbrUIca9IRvyxG_q4UPjQ5JWzYoE6dYu01DY5CcTNkQRZeWyO5wSFR59y6Y2CXCXvZfpUY413w/s1600/September.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">October 2018</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kEpNKENmMEnR-2o9JE3-gDq7KTnRHZz0034uKP-Ogpoq6bfmcPa9wZxeoWX4VrqKOssme4vmCGCJJ9ndhyphenhyphenpHiAEoKWcegjEh351SIReEt1BJPrI_49TpC1gKKEv9wlNpQbMmkxqF8so/s1600/October.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kEpNKENmMEnR-2o9JE3-gDq7KTnRHZz0034uKP-Ogpoq6bfmcPa9wZxeoWX4VrqKOssme4vmCGCJJ9ndhyphenhyphenpHiAEoKWcegjEh351SIReEt1BJPrI_49TpC1gKKEv9wlNpQbMmkxqF8so/s1600/October.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">November 2018</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwO7zcBOXsA5jrsusGHy5NiXPx_P5T_j6XuVQAkxCDythmcLYldbPtiRVsfueX1wDgUGqBznYPWZlOf17425GmmGnv9N07fiyS5gG-OewbdPNDoOH4V29mbpz5XQneGibRsDzV5d5XOM/s1600/November.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwO7zcBOXsA5jrsusGHy5NiXPx_P5T_j6XuVQAkxCDythmcLYldbPtiRVsfueX1wDgUGqBznYPWZlOf17425GmmGnv9N07fiyS5gG-OewbdPNDoOH4V29mbpz5XQneGibRsDzV5d5XOM/s1600/November.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">December 2018</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzoO9pTR00ajbT1jDUn7-TbEEd2LEJ8ytQuBW5PALdUbf6EPdwwBUCoCta2YgM1Eykmew1jHgnyy-Nnsn6_AUK0-0BJhPAF1UHIVdiEOwSLXN5zd0jCLBwPOVqrZvntc8MsbzFArY5h9w/s1600/December.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzoO9pTR00ajbT1jDUn7-TbEEd2LEJ8ytQuBW5PALdUbf6EPdwwBUCoCta2YgM1Eykmew1jHgnyy-Nnsn6_AUK0-0BJhPAF1UHIVdiEOwSLXN5zd0jCLBwPOVqrZvntc8MsbzFArY5h9w/s1600/December.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>January 2019</i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_hapPkJJbFDyPKZwrrcw-cqkEbG75xSAP_rUEpR0BXEjSjUfvlLm2recEtkIToLW0n8Pv4x125uS5h1nNOgUNZoDMAmjl0i9poyNePzt6RHQSpm6HkhASYiEo0oXEuMjRiPjUmTlHtU/s1600/Wild+and+Free.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_hapPkJJbFDyPKZwrrcw-cqkEbG75xSAP_rUEpR0BXEjSjUfvlLm2recEtkIToLW0n8Pv4x125uS5h1nNOgUNZoDMAmjl0i9poyNePzt6RHQSpm6HkhASYiEo0oXEuMjRiPjUmTlHtU/s1600/Wild+and+Free.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<i style="font-size: x-large;">February 2019</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tclUdRiNEVAxG7u5-rGwL1ZY_LRHCLlpUDvZYQCYv6ejK7xW8b1bzGCHN2C85nIQ8VECNGYlkqEMuwplpg_LSrrIDC9DfbZnF58M0GeO2eSwK3h8vmACme5jGJp9CH929FB5tQCawUo/s1600/February.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tclUdRiNEVAxG7u5-rGwL1ZY_LRHCLlpUDvZYQCYv6ejK7xW8b1bzGCHN2C85nIQ8VECNGYlkqEMuwplpg_LSrrIDC9DfbZnF58M0GeO2eSwK3h8vmACme5jGJp9CH929FB5tQCawUo/s1600/February.HEIC" /></a></div>
<i style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-size: x-large;">March 2019</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYLaaHLSrVGWzTp_cEwPuurPXQAAusHuToUWeHLcn-6B4JFoxvpUmP_FPb18vYGF1wbBRfpVxy4j2TkChicinp1c8s7cWLiW6dF5ygwKXEO7VrGfumWGx8_DdMcbHPcN5cwhSahqhw0I/s1600/March.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYLaaHLSrVGWzTp_cEwPuurPXQAAusHuToUWeHLcn-6B4JFoxvpUmP_FPb18vYGF1wbBRfpVxy4j2TkChicinp1c8s7cWLiW6dF5ygwKXEO7VrGfumWGx8_DdMcbHPcN5cwhSahqhw0I/s1600/March.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<i style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<i style="font-size: x-large;">April 2019</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgUZXHhufg05kg7pl6kRrwFTU0OBM05bik98MM4pRCXounXEyiTyUys5TbFSRWCafpZYn58IFOboYtp-69jnwtreWA3haN2N97ScZkDfHVCN1wynQBAB1rkEZEooitlb8REr_rBB6_0s/s1600/IMG_3764+2.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgUZXHhufg05kg7pl6kRrwFTU0OBM05bik98MM4pRCXounXEyiTyUys5TbFSRWCafpZYn58IFOboYtp-69jnwtreWA3haN2N97ScZkDfHVCN1wynQBAB1rkEZEooitlb8REr_rBB6_0s/s1600/IMG_3764+2.HEIC" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>May 2019</i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictXDY_2q7cmVVHTzoZuPaR0ny6rBBlIc6_B3T-CsYGvjVLwkXTH6jdS__VsP6TRAu7qcl7eNXBBu2EW8KVVCPq4KkBwU3PXfrm0ihe5UCHeD119d15w-DbKb4BBcWSjYIY-KAe_D4b5M/s1600/IMG_1524.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictXDY_2q7cmVVHTzoZuPaR0ny6rBBlIc6_B3T-CsYGvjVLwkXTH6jdS__VsP6TRAu7qcl7eNXBBu2EW8KVVCPq4KkBwU3PXfrm0ihe5UCHeD119d15w-DbKb4BBcWSjYIY-KAe_D4b5M/s1600/IMG_1524.HEIC" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>June 2019</i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOATBZToyWFPEjoigPAXCV-p0OlNNatWgQQpSgr8XO3ve3llf9CSl6ErfD532tK4sVDfGrNA6KwWxQxQ6FeE8UkE_CekGqEEqDwCaHh2gquN6TWmsknKXYgZ-eGEMnjzTAFMMVFVZXFeU/s1600/June.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOATBZToyWFPEjoigPAXCV-p0OlNNatWgQQpSgr8XO3ve3llf9CSl6ErfD532tK4sVDfGrNA6KwWxQxQ6FeE8UkE_CekGqEEqDwCaHh2gquN6TWmsknKXYgZ-eGEMnjzTAFMMVFVZXFeU/s1600/June.HEIC" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>July 2019</i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_KIl3MBLG3YM3Z91aiEhA1Cq_l3zlF7DeM9wx2DaujR5ruotXT-iY4S1GLHuaxe9_Bn0RagbErcgWDiVrfrxZ3uU9bPEGmwEOcNEMXQI5PUXqsVxNQdvdAc6o619hx8m-KrMH2fCIvM/s1600/July.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_KIl3MBLG3YM3Z91aiEhA1Cq_l3zlF7DeM9wx2DaujR5ruotXT-iY4S1GLHuaxe9_Bn0RagbErcgWDiVrfrxZ3uU9bPEGmwEOcNEMXQI5PUXqsVxNQdvdAc6o619hx8m-KrMH2fCIvM/s1600/July.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>August 2019</i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSW6IYsQbpv9QTQkxmd4zfYok9pUX0nnlIoFkISZ4Ekr4qfp1Ql7WKH9mQE2lejsdkKI4f4ZNn-w5_m0_Use6bQGugcOohKruvmTRsRr2euIKahce8eu0oFZIhbBYAYaYNXyXVG_aWlY/s1600/August2.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSW6IYsQbpv9QTQkxmd4zfYok9pUX0nnlIoFkISZ4Ekr4qfp1Ql7WKH9mQE2lejsdkKI4f4ZNn-w5_m0_Use6bQGugcOohKruvmTRsRr2euIKahce8eu0oFZIhbBYAYaYNXyXVG_aWlY/s1600/August2.HEIC" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I wish so many things for you but in this moment, I wish you could stay this little, innocent and protected from harm longer than time allows. Right now, you don't know any real sadness or heartache and I would do anything to protect that security forever. When you were born, it was hard to imagine loving you anymore than we did on August 3rd but oh my, nothing to compares to our feelings for you now.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxhAjxWmaHSoq6F-Yz-Ot07HylC-Zd9gVose4jTemAAC5kzC5Gf67SChbPSWEb6sOyopoCbDPKeG6I3QjMeeaC65b2-CD7oozIUNdLwwxFMTv1hcGtHEcOrrzTrvlt0Dmp2t5Q8jfbi0/s1600/19_Ronan_BD-117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxhAjxWmaHSoq6F-Yz-Ot07HylC-Zd9gVose4jTemAAC5kzC5Gf67SChbPSWEb6sOyopoCbDPKeG6I3QjMeeaC65b2-CD7oozIUNdLwwxFMTv1hcGtHEcOrrzTrvlt0Dmp2t5Q8jfbi0/s1600/19_Ronan_BD-117.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Thank you for making me a Mama and giving me the best two years of my life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">I look forward to all of our adventures yet to come. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i>Happy 2nd birthday, my love.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Your Mama.</span></span></div>
Kait Latelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114810592677193260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4677723925354302369.post-13303771709806881802019-04-08T06:00:00.000-05:002019-04-08T06:00:05.332-05:00Making "Mom Friends" If you're lucky like me, you have one of those friend circles that's been together since the early days (and very late nights) of pool parties and poker nights. Beer pong and bar hopping. The same group of people who will be gathering in someone's Family room 20 years from now, with wine and the same but not tired inside jokes. These people are loyal and a second Family in many ways. We've endured break-ups, witnessed get-togethers, danced at each other's weddings, become homeowners and begun parenthood together. Our roots began many years ago and seemingly, everyone has these relationships that they've been building since they were little. This can make it hard to forge new friendships as an adult and find a way to fit other people into your life.<br />
<br />
<b>...<i>Until you become a Mom, I think. </i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjOsnKChfd8e-Yq4bmmsW0XFWhbcl49PwPMllloxX_by8BHmogapKa3HnTY543nRulCopOH8Y9NuZ_gtFpAM9e6IBlZQD6yOH9BBV5jva08mNQoMzrVbncPBzxWb5WbB4uxCO9XAaNT0/s1600/girlfriends1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjOsnKChfd8e-Yq4bmmsW0XFWhbcl49PwPMllloxX_by8BHmogapKa3HnTY543nRulCopOH8Y9NuZ_gtFpAM9e6IBlZQD6yOH9BBV5jva08mNQoMzrVbncPBzxWb5WbB4uxCO9XAaNT0/s1600/girlfriends1.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Then all of a sudden, you have this little human by your side who is a magnet for conversation starters.<i> <b>How old is he? He's so cute! What's his name? Is he talking yet? </b></i>Before I had a baby, there would have been no catalyst to facilitate such an in-depth convo with a stranger in the TJ's line. But now that I'm always out in the world as a duo, it happens constantly and it's a strange concept, really. Sparking discussion with a stranger, trading "me too" and "I know the feeling"(s), feeling suddenly connected and hoping you have more in common than your children. It feels similar to the beginning of a blind date and so far, I've been been really lucky with "swiping left," to put it in modern dating context.<br />
<br />
Together, Ronan and I visit <a href="http://kait-lately.blogspot.com/2019/02/baby-lately-17-months.html"><b><i>a lot </i></b>of play spaces</a> - Every single one in Dupage County to be specific ;), including our local library on a weekly basis. Because we are there so often, I have begun to recognize many of the familiar Mom faces who are also on a mission to simply get out of the house. Last September, I was chasing him around the children's area and noticed (an admittedly trendy looking Mom with cute style I was eyeing) doing the same with her toddler. I asked how old her son was and minutes later, we were deep into a conversation about how our beloved dogs have now become pests and nap schedules. We went to breakfast a few days later which felt totally normal, as if we had known each other for years. Without a second thought, we launched into a conversation about our lives: Our backgrounds, kids, aspirations, Mom wins/losses, working from home challenges, etc. I found it so easy to connect with her and found myself texting her almost every day after. It's now 7 months later and she has become one of those girlfriends I feel I can trust with anything. She moved here last year not knowing anyone and sometimes, it feels like we were supposed to meet that day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_VO1_M7byvF-wszc5uf80-f6B8tc1xYqEsjCTpjGV6Y6LH_NrtkFD4lykx557VtlWVofeM72sXXtzvvaUEWf_2y9qxS2LvUbitsy0rF5j2DHpnTnZIE0-Pnu3MaGDByIA6Ca76aslDsE/s1600/girlfriends.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_VO1_M7byvF-wszc5uf80-f6B8tc1xYqEsjCTpjGV6Y6LH_NrtkFD4lykx557VtlWVofeM72sXXtzvvaUEWf_2y9qxS2LvUbitsy0rF5j2DHpnTnZIE0-Pnu3MaGDByIA6Ca76aslDsE/s1600/girlfriends.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
As another recent example, I met a Mom through Ronan's music class. If we're being honest, he isn't always the most compliant child, especially in a structured group setting because he's very much an explorer who has no interest in sitting or following the leader. This was very obvious to the rest of the class, as I spent most every week chasing him and pulling him back to my lap, with one specific class being harder than the others in terms of testing my patience. That day, this Mom reached out and said something that made all the difference: <b>"<i>Trust me, you're not alone</i>."</b> Sometimes, that's all we need to hear, isn't it? The next class, I mentioned grabbing lunch sometime, we exchanged numbers and met up for a playdate a week later.<br />
<br />
These kind of interactions do take a little bit of "going out on a limb" to reach out and extend an invitation. Who knows if the other person is going to think it's strange or be a total mismatch when you actually get to know their personality? But I think more often than not, we are open to solidarity in Motherhood and womanhood in general. We welcome connections with others who make us feel good and those we can call on when we need something. Those who can empathize, making us feel less alone in all of life's challenges.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXiHTSRA7Pq30_A6GmtKNv2eI_yJqZS11Aqps8Z1REuEvuesorvAJFWN0ZwEE4W9u5-6-kClP2s8spd4Zl3VX8EdMoqV951-oIGrmnyC31x90pgSMqcB9sYZqeZ6Wvl5Qd3RosOLOUXb4/s1600/girlfriends2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXiHTSRA7Pq30_A6GmtKNv2eI_yJqZS11Aqps8Z1REuEvuesorvAJFWN0ZwEE4W9u5-6-kClP2s8spd4Zl3VX8EdMoqV951-oIGrmnyC31x90pgSMqcB9sYZqeZ6Wvl5Qd3RosOLOUXb4/s1600/girlfriends2.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Ronan has definitely allowed me to become more extroverted and candid with new people and if you're willing to expand your social circle, I think children offer so many opportunities to meet a lot of amazing women who may end up being in our lives forever in one way or another. He has also allowed me to become closer with many of my longtime girlfriends, by making me more vulnerable and strengthening our bonds. Outside of my husband and immediate Family, it is my girlfriends who have been the biggest support system during these first few years of Motherhood. I have relied on them for so much, whether it was their shoulders to cry on, breast feeding how-to sessions, text threads with free advice that's worth so much, a million playdates at each others houses and a few moments we have spent childless together, relishing in our (cocktail-fueled) temporary freedom that was previously under appreciated.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx9TzDq44yFAnrawZ4ZLqvLnZAgQucXinNji7FSVHrRkmPUnMRJrG14qeKk4jw0Ntv0dpQnDCZv820WV_0PuCreztyxaSPldaBiHcfBD-3YtLJk4_P2a7hLAkHX7E896YeUz1H-Ac5KpQ/s1600/baby+friends.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx9TzDq44yFAnrawZ4ZLqvLnZAgQucXinNji7FSVHrRkmPUnMRJrG14qeKk4jw0Ntv0dpQnDCZv820WV_0PuCreztyxaSPldaBiHcfBD-3YtLJk4_P2a7hLAkHX7E896YeUz1H-Ac5KpQ/s1600/baby+friends.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But even if you're not a Mother, the moral of the story is the same: <b>Girlfriends simply make our lives better. </b>Instead of being close-minded about opening up your circle, try finding a little extra room. Compliment another woman's shoes in line at Starbucks. Tell her you also read that book and how it became a fast favorite. Schedule a yoga meet-up. Say hello. Smile. You never know who you will meet and how a little extra kindness and shared connections can make the difference.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>How do you make friends as an adult? </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>If you ARE a Mama, do you find children have made it easier?</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqreaj8L3kHYHAck0MGHoV0PIboTwlMnATGb-G2gg7IFLIvkTiBcm2ZaqN8ziO5uGAON67xENk0MTBYUXPBS3N5IzsPT5OpdUdUibrUeBOKdqJbcPcwn8E_BitGBxZYi14YZoveF5sYag/s1600/Kait+Lately.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="141" data-original-width="345" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqreaj8L3kHYHAck0MGHoV0PIboTwlMnATGb-G2gg7IFLIvkTiBcm2ZaqN8ziO5uGAON67xENk0MTBYUXPBS3N5IzsPT5OpdUdUibrUeBOKdqJbcPcwn8E_BitGBxZYi14YZoveF5sYag/s320/Kait+Lately.png" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Kait Latelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114810592677193260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4677723925354302369.post-39897233145647957792019-02-01T06:30:00.000-06:002019-02-01T06:30:01.146-06:00Baby Lately: 17 Months<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's been awhile since I wrote a baby (toddler 😂) update and more than anything, I just like to document things here now and then because it's an online diary of sorts and I enjoy coming back to see what we were doing together. Ro was 10 months in the last post of this series and needless to say, <i>a lot </i>has happened and changed in that time. As he's grown, I have claimed many stages to be "my favorite," but here I am, saying it again. He's just shy of 18 months (which seems like one of those WHOA milestones) and continuing to morph into the sweetest little man with a big heart and <i>lots of opinions</i>. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When I ask him to give me a kiss, he plants a big slobbery wet one on my lips. He walks over to give me hugs all day long and waits for me at the bottom of the stairs, yelling until I come back. He certainly doesn't like when I leave the room and follows me every time I do, often times gnawing on the bottom of my shirt or scratching at my pants. He's definitely in a strong Mama phase, though if we're being honest, I secretly hope this is one he never grows out of. Here's hoping he still loves me this much at 18 years old...minus the shirt eating ;) He's becoming much more independent, acting upset when I try to feed him because he can do it himself (or so he tries) and is also very proud of his nightly teeth brushing routine, pushing his stool to the sink and brushing up and down, just like Mom. It's fair to say we spend almost every waking minute together and yes, there are some inevitable moments where I'm grinding my teeth, counting down the seconds until I get a break (especially after cabin fever builds up during the polar vortex)!. But, then the break comes, and I just end up looking at pictures of him or blogging about him ;) He's growing up beautifully and is the love of my life.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrc2Z9ccjQe2Ztv2q4w_TpKOUgwoLW-8KaAeS2JwLPXPI1_HQ-WZTPcy3SpzUzNNmKYcLlcNGQgEzaO4NnFUUS6zWXxjAJf_5Io3iXnQtniUyIAe3NpS6ZMv3OUjufuudiaplR3eMzCs/s1600/ipad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrc2Z9ccjQe2Ztv2q4w_TpKOUgwoLW-8KaAeS2JwLPXPI1_HQ-WZTPcy3SpzUzNNmKYcLlcNGQgEzaO4NnFUUS6zWXxjAJf_5Io3iXnQtniUyIAe3NpS6ZMv3OUjufuudiaplR3eMzCs/s1600/ipad.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>What He's Up To...</i></b></span></span></div>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>Eating:</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></b>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Fruit: </b>Even when he's going through a food freeze and refusing to eat, he'll still chow down on fruit. He almost never refuses it, especially its blackberries (obsessed), strawberries, blueberries, grapes and most recently, cherries. We've started going to Costco for our weekly fruit haul because he goes through it so fast and we can't keep up. Also, I don't remember the last time I had a damn strawberry because there's none left by the time I get to them. Just sayin!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Mac & Cheese:</b> The bane of every parents existence. I try pretty hard to diversify his eating habits and choices but when it comes down to it, his taste is pretty simple and he just wants to devour Annie's mac which I've come to love as well because let's be honest, I usually scarf his cold leftovers for lunch. Gotta rotate between the white cheddar shells and the classic blue box to keep things fresh and interesting over here.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Meatballs: </b>Loves 'em. The ones from Buona Beef are his jam but he doesn't discriminate. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Pizza: </b>Makes sense, because we've been participating in "Pizza Friday" with Mike's parents for as long as I've been in the Family (and his whole life before me!) so it's basically in Ro's blood/DNA/all that jazz. On new years eve, he ate an entire mini pizza and still had room for appetizers and dessert. When he wants to, he can certainly pack it away!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Dino Chicken Tenders:</b> Because who wants to eat them in a normal shape?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>French Toast Sticks: </b>I won't lie - These have become a Family favorite. Frozen box from Aldi, pop them in the micro (but better in the oven) and enjoy. Holy cow, are those good! Remember when I used to eat healthy for breakfast? Me either.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Playing:</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<b><i>Overall: </i></b>Ro is slowly getting better at independent play. Though, because I am home with him 3x a week, he is used to me being around him alllll day long so he still prefers me to be close, if not, directly interacting with him in whatever he is doing. I have noticed recently, his attention span has improved and he will play with one toy for longer periods of time instead of moving from thing to thing every 2 minutes. He is MOST interested in whatever I am doing at the time - If it's dishes, he tries to take them out/put them in...If it's baking, he HAS to stand at the counter with me, so I pull up his <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Little-Partners-Learning-Adjustable-Original-x/dp/B001ECHXVC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1548615633&sr=8-3&keywords=toddler+kitchen+stool+helper">helper stool</a> and he helps me add ingredients in and watches the mixer...If I'm drying my hair, he follows me into the bathroom and flushes the toilet <b>incessantly. </b>As frustrating as some of these things can be in the moment (because everything takes 10x longer), I also think it's adorable how he wants to imitate us and very sweet watching him try and often, clapping because he's so proud of himself .<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hcvW_WPYodCaZUC2kh3ajvkRCRrMjcmmba16y6N4t3M8KCmPAS9y49hLNOHiOysptzNMLUzvNIW33m5JJ8MwIC3mxNo4cJdRBGoGdA7ym9J9EBpVwJH0Yn4xCxXkT-4ifP42tGLtW-M/s1600/baking.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hcvW_WPYodCaZUC2kh3ajvkRCRrMjcmmba16y6N4t3M8KCmPAS9y49hLNOHiOysptzNMLUzvNIW33m5JJ8MwIC3mxNo4cJdRBGoGdA7ym9J9EBpVwJH0Yn4xCxXkT-4ifP42tGLtW-M/s1600/baking.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Hape Toys: </b>If there was a "Mom's favorite children's toy" category, this brand would definitely win mine. I am a HUGE fan of their products and if I had to start over with our toy collection, I would probably buy exclusively from them. Hape Toys is one of the world’s largest producers of toys made from sustainable materials. The products are creatively designed, eco-friendly and so good at fostering imagination and age-appropriate learning basics; social, sensory, physical and emotional skills. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ronan currently loves playing with the <a href="https://www.hape.com/us/en/toy/toy/E3148">pop up toaster set</a> and to be honest, so do I. We spend a lot of time in the kitchen together, baking and him, just watching me make breakfast/lunch/dinner/clean so he's very interested in everything that goes on in there. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That's why he also enjoys the</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="https://www.hape.com/us/en/toy/my-coffee-machine/E3146" style="font-family: inherit;">coffee maker</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> which they have at our library and the</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="https://www.hape.com/us/en/toy/gourmet-grill-with-food/E3127" style="font-family: inherit;">grill</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, which we recently played with at Waterlemon. These kid-size version of adult accessories and appliances are some of the cutest and most inventive products and they definitely didn't make them like this when I was little. On our Hape wish list? The</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="https://www.hape.com/us/en/toy/smoothie-blender/E3158" style="font-family: inherit;">Smoothie Blender</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">,</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="https://www.hape.com/us/en/toy/checkout-register/E3121" style="font-family: inherit;">Cash Register</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="https://www.hape.com/us/en/toy/my-first-waffle-maker/E3149" style="font-family: inherit;">Waffle Maker</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. Ok, I'm starting to wonder if these things are higher on my wish list than his but they're SO DAMN CUTE. </span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>Visiting: </i></span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Our Library(ies): </b>We are very fortunate to be surrounded by some of the BEST libraries in the area. <a href="https://www.dglibrary.org/">Our town's library</a> is amazing and before kids, I never knew how much I would end up utilizing it. We are here on a weekly basis, enjoying the play area, attending a story time or checking out books (which I've started to do for myself as well. Why was I buying so many for my Kindle?!). In addition to this one, we have 2-3 others in neighboring towns that we love going to and since our library card works at all of them, it makes it really convenient to check out and return no matter where we are. The <a href="https://www.ippl.info/">Darien Library</a> is another one of our favorites because Ro loves the kitchen setup and different baskets of activities they have to offer. The library is great when you just want to get out for a few hours and save money...you know, the opposite going to Target just to "walk around" and end up spending $100 in their dollar section. Whoops! We've also visited Woodridge, Elmhurst (mostly because there's a <a href="https://brewpointcoffee.com/">Brew Point</a> inside!) and next on our list is Hinsdale. I love seeing how different they all are.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtz8YKEvqYzMhkDhqzD12O87PnLU_hSgo_InDA-7l5Tp9Qiv2uRtDgGDo0FfbZ-iRrINH7GFxiPoMDthjP-1Kq48TTPUCNOkGnCExYkjiMhk8ZuB_7vfbTbQU6o3CkAMX0nnMy5Fwcsw/s1600/magnatiles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtz8YKEvqYzMhkDhqzD12O87PnLU_hSgo_InDA-7l5Tp9Qiv2uRtDgGDo0FfbZ-iRrINH7GFxiPoMDthjP-1Kq48TTPUCNOkGnCExYkjiMhk8ZuB_7vfbTbQU6o3CkAMX0nnMy5Fwcsw/s1600/magnatiles.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIAAszSz9IwKggF-kNKwxh0m5M_W-_BY5P4s0SWXKa-Mk2UGHeSKz-1MzzsMhhu6ffaKPVyAF7dyBJL5-mctcvWNQiLNgdNiy48qRJOngZyoRAVQK4XQU0VNkeWscxMZIsnzMiUNBIaw/s1600/library.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIAAszSz9IwKggF-kNKwxh0m5M_W-_BY5P4s0SWXKa-Mk2UGHeSKz-1MzzsMhhu6ffaKPVyAF7dyBJL5-mctcvWNQiLNgdNiy48qRJOngZyoRAVQK4XQU0VNkeWscxMZIsnzMiUNBIaw/s1600/library.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<b><a href="https://www.kidstreetplaycenter.org/">Kidstreet:</a> </b>This little gem is one of my favorite places to take him because there's a wide variety of things for him to do there so he's always engaged and big PLUS, the <a href="https://www.groundsforhopecafe.org/">Grounds for Hope Cafe</a> that's attached is super convenient, not to mention delicious. I typically let him play for an hour or so, meandering to each of the different rooms and then we break for a snack (and an iced coffee for Mom), before playing a little more and heading home for a nap. <span style="font-family: inherit;">The rooms are huge and organized by age group so that kids can get social interaction with their own age groups, but they have the opportunity to go wherever they please. It's always clean, safe and well tended to so I feel good about bringing him here.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUM2qQnWEVKaYG2TiSYg-SQrHzmYfgGm1e1sXrVuaA0zrnZW0e7WFoiT551FeGKM5la8m85IsuLVUpkp1z-CxUdBrYIwlKrts4CL7NGB7c09UOZaZo6PkBOlvKIZ0TYCAvuKvnk3Q59Hg/s1600/kidstreet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUM2qQnWEVKaYG2TiSYg-SQrHzmYfgGm1e1sXrVuaA0zrnZW0e7WFoiT551FeGKM5la8m85IsuLVUpkp1z-CxUdBrYIwlKrts4CL7NGB7c09UOZaZo6PkBOlvKIZ0TYCAvuKvnk3Q59Hg/s1600/kidstreet.JPG" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><a href="https://waterlemonkids.com/">Waterlemon:</a> </b>This adorable play space is new to downtown La Grange and we're already big fans! <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This place is definitely a one-of-a-kind concept because it includes a boutique featuring unique children’s clothes, toys, party décor and gifts. There is also a café which serves coffee and snacks and the play place, suited for children 0-5. The decor is basically a Mom's Pinterest board dream come to life, carefully curated in trendy and stylish way, appealing to both children AND parents. Seriously, I wish our house looked like this and I'm not just talking about Ronan's play areas. Everything is clean, modern and the space is filled with every cool toy you wish your child had at home. We could spend all day here and next time we come, I fully intend to. Plus, I love that it's a Family owned operation and you can tell they are really pouring their heart and soul into it.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KaE3MNTtSt8o3pv9ZDAcDJxdsmj8HpNXsdIkYtZ1nPSCSRBFO2E0WVkX8GsBpwnNbAqngXJxTfDNxyakjw6_eum3FAia6hZFxxCHpbys_kQxPxbYin5YGJpnYypZg_4NFNtEgVCjuMs/s1600/waterlemon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KaE3MNTtSt8o3pv9ZDAcDJxdsmj8HpNXsdIkYtZ1nPSCSRBFO2E0WVkX8GsBpwnNbAqngXJxTfDNxyakjw6_eum3FAia6hZFxxCHpbys_kQxPxbYin5YGJpnYypZg_4NFNtEgVCjuMs/s1600/waterlemon.JPG" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><a href="http://www.funzonechicago.com/">Funzone:</a> </b>This is place you go when you have cabin fever and have been stuck inside for 5 days because it's -6 degrees out and you're losing your mind (aka us recently). It's pretty close to us and is by far the cheapest of our outings at just $5 for the whole day. It has an arcade, playground for bigger kids (though Ro loves this part the most, giggling as we chase him throughout it), toddler area, bumper cars, laser tag and a decent-ish restaurant and bar inside. We recently wanted to hang out with some our friends (half who have kids and half who don't) so we all met up here for dinner because it allowed all of us to talk and have a few beers and those of us who are parents didn't have to find any babysitters. Plus, some of my guy friends got pretty into the arcade games- seriously, there really is something for everyone.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSkeWBd6OqxGWdjI28mXwwQOHCw06c1MO-SHy5lVlPEVPmLG_u7K3urh9-w6RcWt3MIofJEjLBWz0coKNTGSR3CTF0TmuwprIUgGm6E_TYUvrbnvLgdVJC62OW2Yw73RlCvJ4DXJeCLA/s1600/funzone.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSkeWBd6OqxGWdjI28mXwwQOHCw06c1MO-SHy5lVlPEVPmLG_u7K3urh9-w6RcWt3MIofJEjLBWz0coKNTGSR3CTF0TmuwprIUgGm6E_TYUvrbnvLgdVJC62OW2Yw73RlCvJ4DXJeCLA/s1600/funzone.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><a href="https://dupagechildrens.org/">Dupage Children's Museum</a>: </b>This place is also in our top 5 but I feel like it requires a solid commitment because it's a bit of a hike for us to get there and there's so much to see so we just don't get there as often as I'd like. We are members because it's a great option to have in the Wintertime and they have so much to offer in addition to the museum staples. For example, we're doing "Breakfast with Daniel Tiger" soon and I look forward to trying other things like Family Night Out or <a href="https://dupagechildrens.org/family-fun/family-playshop/">Playshop</a>. I feel so lucky to have so many amazing kind resources so close by!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5tbtLp5A9LcHmrVO_WqNMjUSlEKn6HjZSHsZxqT-OgO1mpbSdXEx81LwipDCwP0TWlNiMHlC9yMbOOeCBd-Liisi-UvKriuTUe9LzmA3VvMTSfn4sU2HxNoZSWlWnSYgk2RszCubfUw/s1600/museum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5tbtLp5A9LcHmrVO_WqNMjUSlEKn6HjZSHsZxqT-OgO1mpbSdXEx81LwipDCwP0TWlNiMHlC9yMbOOeCBd-Liisi-UvKriuTUe9LzmA3VvMTSfn4sU2HxNoZSWlWnSYgk2RszCubfUw/s1600/museum.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Working On:</i></span></b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b><i>Transitioning off the bottle: </i></b>I know Mom's opinions are all over the place on this topic but for us PERSONALLY, I am not in a huge rush. Our pediatrician suggested we continue with it until at least 18 months and then see how's he doing so I've bought a few different kinds of sippy cups and try to offer milk in there sometimes. I can't say there's been a lot of (or any!) success with that so far because this kid is obsessed with his "ba ba" and my soft Mama heart just isn't ready to go through the process yet. Much like everything else we've done together, I feel he will let me know when he is more ready. That or, his 2nd birthday will come around and I'll have to put my foot down 😂</li>
<li><i style="font-weight: bold;">Talking: </i>Ro's always been more mobile than vocal and from what I've seen from friends kids and stories from our parents, it seems that one usually develops more heavily than the other first. He understands everything we say and impresses me every day with how smart he is, yet is still slow on saying a lot of actual words. There's a lot of new sounds these days and I can tell how hard he is trying and that he sometimes gets frustrated he can't accurately convey his feelings but 99% of the time, I know exactly what he wants and give it him within seconds so really, how hard does he have to try? Mike and I are being more conscious of making him say the word before doing what he wants though nothing is cuter than seeing him make the sign for "please" before everything :) </li>
<li><i style="font-weight: bold;">Staying in the crib! </i>He has climbed out the pack and play at my parents house and has figured out how to climb in and out of almost everything else so we're just praying this doesn't happen for AWHILE. If he lays in there too long in the morning before we get him, he will try to lift his leg over but he's not nearly tall enough...yet. Oh, the anxiety! </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - - </div>
<br />
When people ask me lately how I'm doing, I feel like my answer is always, "busy." Every time. But, I would be lying if I said anything else. We're truly in that phase of life where everything seems chaotic and nonstop all the time but I am trying to embrace it for everything it is and p.s. if I feel this way with only one kid (and a very needy albeit loving, dog). I can only imagine how much more we will be able to charge for our circus whenever we decide to add to the Family. Ah, another post for another (future) day. For now, we are happy, healthy, exhausted and blessed.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Mama's with babies/toddlers at home: What are they currently loving/hating/getting into? </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Should we add any places, foods or toys to our list? Tips and tricks? I want to hear it all!</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLZZnpVeoRxY_oISOU9C47iKo1Npemle9ONXdwIEGOOdLWARK9Fzb08vv4TV6xLQDZjO8TEt6zZ-4jJNTmk1cJqo7_R-jBhlCCtg8_KTERE_E5midt7dOaG85lh7AMtseTvvPkZy5Aqg/s1600/Kait+Lately.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="141" data-original-width="345" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLZZnpVeoRxY_oISOU9C47iKo1Npemle9ONXdwIEGOOdLWARK9Fzb08vv4TV6xLQDZjO8TEt6zZ-4jJNTmk1cJqo7_R-jBhlCCtg8_KTERE_E5midt7dOaG85lh7AMtseTvvPkZy5Aqg/s320/Kait+Lately.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Kait Latelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114810592677193260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4677723925354302369.post-42515838820025614872019-01-03T06:00:00.000-06:002019-01-03T06:00:07.929-06:00New Year, Semi-ResolutionI usually believe in resolutions. I enjoy the feeling of a clean slate and the opportunity to right your wrongs. Feng your shui. Purge your closet, your basement, your life. In fact, I still have the "draft" saved in my gmail account that I started last January where I started to document 3 goals I wanted to accomplish each month because I thought that was more attainable than setting goals for the whole year. January read, "transition Ronan to his crib, make it to yoga at least once a week, find 20-30 minutes for myself every day and finish a book." All of these are highlighted in yellow because I had a good momentum in the beginning, as most do. However, there is only one goal highlighted in yellow during February and I can tell you it WASN'T "launch my blog and post once a week." Launched, yes - Posted once a week, no. Not even close. As I type this, I notice I haven't posted since December 11th and as disappointing as it can feel, it's just my reality right now and that realization of where I am in this moment is the driving force behind my semi resolution for 2019.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0AJcoSqD6jJ4qrUREVC5UqTGhVNUfESMAFISvf0Gj7CPkyGFbpuuhhdh9TgIHzPq4GqoZOJ376eUIRMCXEEdN4KI6prBlUoxDRhUJPoxGCYpFpakDrjaLthJNZ1FS9PDkilrFPBa0q0/s1600/New+Years+Eve+2018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0AJcoSqD6jJ4qrUREVC5UqTGhVNUfESMAFISvf0Gj7CPkyGFbpuuhhdh9TgIHzPq4GqoZOJ376eUIRMCXEEdN4KI6prBlUoxDRhUJPoxGCYpFpakDrjaLthJNZ1FS9PDkilrFPBa0q0/s1600/New+Years+Eve+2018.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Instead of picking a bunch of areas to improve on, I really have more of a broad goal that applies to so many facets of my life. <b>I would just like to try and appreciate each day for exactly what it is. </b>I've always been a person who thrives on looking forward to things, anticipating the future and imagining what could be. Plus, as parents, I feel like we get stuck in the calendar. We're always looking so far forward to find our next moment of happiness (<i>a glass of wine when they finally sleep</i>), relief from life (<i>our next vacation</i>) or anticipation of the next big milestone (<i>in our current case, fear of climbing out of the crib</i>). But this year, I hope to think smaller. Focus on this very day, this hour, this minute, this second. Find optimism and joy in the routine and the mundane. Since becoming a Mother, I find that I am wound very tightly all the time. I lash out at my husband when I'm stressed, rub my temples, curse under my breath and feel short on patience, all more than I should. I lose my cool when I trip over a toy on the floor (why are there ALWAYS things on the floor? Just sayin') and get anxious over the the inevitable mess. I raise my voice when he gives his food to the dog or tries to scale the gates. I don't like even typing these things out but I'd be lying if I said they didn't happen and I think most Mom's can identify. But as trying as it can be to balance it all, I know that <i>this is it </i>and there's no time to waste on negativity.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPvHKTCdCnAO6HI9D2z2F9l9fV1-erMJNQl8fPQW63xeDPxHPuehyphenhyphen-X7NBssUclsdFzdlzEYsYyhqApd1JSl_Q-c5ZYnKCbFrbCkrpgIKr_ElQntc83f9p0AjnaloSNGdF2ZijJ46tGU/s1600/motherhood.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPvHKTCdCnAO6HI9D2z2F9l9fV1-erMJNQl8fPQW63xeDPxHPuehyphenhyphen-X7NBssUclsdFzdlzEYsYyhqApd1JSl_Q-c5ZYnKCbFrbCkrpgIKr_ElQntc83f9p0AjnaloSNGdF2ZijJ46tGU/s1600/motherhood.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYC6wCbByC7qKPiZ2QNK6iqAlVPxucjAvf641cmhqWgQPbtlOjjPPxkt1urKOncePzLYh8TSMwjZBOADeS7a6v_6BswL4MVIF-z4jugKIReOLCCY2tn6yep2gX-VUmpaRBayVEq4kCEa0/s1600/bath+time.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYC6wCbByC7qKPiZ2QNK6iqAlVPxucjAvf641cmhqWgQPbtlOjjPPxkt1urKOncePzLYh8TSMwjZBOADeS7a6v_6BswL4MVIF-z4jugKIReOLCCY2tn6yep2gX-VUmpaRBayVEq4kCEa0/s1600/bath+time.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
It may feel like nothing is changing every time you turn down the covers at night but it is, however slow it may be. My son is now 17 months old in what feels like the blink of an eye and he is flourishing. He will be in school before I know it and I will look back on the best days when we were home together, him eating breakfast in his pajamas and me, eating his cold leftovers an hour later. It may not be glamorous and it certainly isn't easy. I may not create blog content as often as I'd like or make it to the yoga studio as much as I used to. But I am where I should be RIGHT NOW and <b>it's perfect for exactly what it is.</b> It's exhausting to dwell on the missed shots so I would like to find gratitude in all of the plays in between - the assists, the passes down court and the occasional slam dunk. Our life is beautiful on the good, bad and in-between days so here's a semi-resolution to simply just remember that, all year long.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzDTkUNuJi8C5nxjBee-HjZDPOMdi8ntmsdSeloda76is_GWkeqeYYAKEeEMltjs1iweejqS8mpWa-spTnwKrltsi17CcFQnT8P-kUqDMf-pw6KB9cA040euGCXixUrNJtv-dx8JdzZc/s1600/fontana.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzDTkUNuJi8C5nxjBee-HjZDPOMdi8ntmsdSeloda76is_GWkeqeYYAKEeEMltjs1iweejqS8mpWa-spTnwKrltsi17CcFQnT8P-kUqDMf-pw6KB9cA040euGCXixUrNJtv-dx8JdzZc/s1600/fontana.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
How do you feel about resolutions this year? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do you set goals and intentions? I'd love to hear :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEyQRXVbXGoo1_lcWOGCFjrH3c83pXZjDwPm7zUZTyoHFvOcn1fZqsw4AKHZhk0-Z_98MqGmNttaTOSKjAqP46Qrg0NeHsuMH_CqNg215SKyqHo8aO0r-Y6hRn3yWJHUqcfps8ZBSkrh8/s1600/Kait+Lately.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="141" data-original-width="345" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEyQRXVbXGoo1_lcWOGCFjrH3c83pXZjDwPm7zUZTyoHFvOcn1fZqsw4AKHZhk0-Z_98MqGmNttaTOSKjAqP46Qrg0NeHsuMH_CqNg215SKyqHo8aO0r-Y6hRn3yWJHUqcfps8ZBSkrh8/s320/Kait+Lately.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Kait Latelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114810592677193260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4677723925354302369.post-75463973235727861472018-12-11T06:00:00.000-06:002018-12-11T06:00:06.158-06:00Easy Weeknight Dinners with Meez Meals<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So many things have changed since we became parents - Almost all of them for the better but let's be honest, your normal routine kind of falls by the wayside once a baby arrives and this includes any semblance of healthy eating. Before becoming a Mom, I considered myself a pretty healthy eater - I regularly ate salads, quinoa, breakfast smoothies, protein, heart-healthy fats, you name it. I have a sweet tooth but I exercised regularly and did a decent job of staying on track.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">But, NOW - Now, everything has changed. It's the typical Mom situation, where I basically finish my son's leftovers at home (typically chicken tender bites or mac and cheese - so cliche, right?!) and end up snacking on anything that's quick because if I'm lacking in anything, it's time. Unfortunately, dinners usually aren't that much better. By the time my husband and/or I get home, it's a rush to make dinner for all of us, play with Ronan and get his bedtime routine done on time. I've come to enjoy cooking from scratch but i</span>t takes <i>time</i> to find the recipe we want to make, make a trip to the s<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">tore and then stand in the kitchen chopping veggies - this is NOT reality, guys...especially with a 16 month old running around and full time job. </span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br /></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">So, w</span><span style="background-color: white;">e keep the fridge and freezer stocked with things that are easy to make: Pasta with sausage, burgers, chicken tenders, sweet potato fries, etc. These things aren't necessarily "unhealthy" but our dinners certainly aren't as nice as it used to be when we had the time to spend cooking an extensive, homemade meal and furthermore, actually sit down to enjoy it. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><i>This is precisely why I was SUPER excited to partner up with Meez Meals!</i></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLJNVmtPEy02IG7ZyKtGJGvKG-X3Sj60QEsi5NkBDqjqoQfliE0xP9FS94FTD4S9HwlSTEkUe-2wzPf_U8sdwt3dLUv_SDpuCix5VXCrMT1oUl_XbBn5hykHD4Vm0gTDb6jE64d63cpI/s1600/IMG_7906.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLJNVmtPEy02IG7ZyKtGJGvKG-X3Sj60QEsi5NkBDqjqoQfliE0xP9FS94FTD4S9HwlSTEkUe-2wzPf_U8sdwt3dLUv_SDpuCix5VXCrMT1oUl_XbBn5hykHD4Vm0gTDb6jE64d63cpI/s1600/IMG_7906.HEIC" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you guys know about them? I know there are so many different meal services, it can be hard to keep track but this one is nice because it's a little smaller than the others (they deliver to 9 different states), has awesome weekly menus and really DOES make it that quick and easy to cook. It is definitely my favorite service BY FAR because <a href="https://www.meezmeals.com/">Meez Meals</a> delivers everything you need to make delicious dinners from scratch which means the onions are diced, the spices are measured and all you have to do is put it all together, which is the fun part.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><i>Here's a few reasons why I love it so far:</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Personal delivery: A messenger brings an eco-friendly cooler to your door at the time you choose</li>
<li>There's NO subscriptions! You just get the meals you choose, whenever you want them!</li>
<li>You can set your ingredient preferences: Gluten-free, vegan, allergies - They will cater to it all.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">No Surprises: You can check out the cooking instructions and nutritional information before you order, so you get meals just right for your family. They even include tips to lighten up recipes and rate the meals from easy to more complicated.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Low cost per serving: </span>The larger the meals, the lower the cost per serving. It's value that’s family-and-entertaining-friendly.</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjcUYSmxzPGM6X44J763enZ3UusgS9QFH8ff0_eks3rHdp2DPozMAFJfTmg_py8a7oM6Nu-izSe1kkzdA_vXGvKia-c5OvobpgIPwP5OXfiot0TskWi170MI55vZ68BUUkwbzsKdfmWHw/s1600/IMG_7911.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjcUYSmxzPGM6X44J763enZ3UusgS9QFH8ff0_eks3rHdp2DPozMAFJfTmg_py8a7oM6Nu-izSe1kkzdA_vXGvKia-c5OvobpgIPwP5OXfiot0TskWi170MI55vZ68BUUkwbzsKdfmWHw/s1600/IMG_7911.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So far, we have tried two meals and LOVED them both! Both of them were full of flavor and each unique which was nice because we got to experience tastes and combinations we wouldn't have otherwise. To give you an idea of what the recipe and instructions are like, here's what came with both of our meals:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Sweet Potato, Kale & Rice Bowl with Peanut Sauce</span></i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This was probably my favorite out of the two because I love all types of "bowls." Any rice/noodle/veggie/meat/sauce combo is great in my book and the ingredients in this one are perfect for cozy Winter nights, plus it's jam packed of healthy ingredients. I could've eaten the peanut butter sauce with a spoon and this was my first time trying tofu. I don't think it had much of a taste but it added nice texture to the bowl. Plus, I enjoy sweet potato everything (hello waffle fries!) And P.S. It even got my picky toddler to try a vegetable - I'll take it! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTYRaeZukhK3ws4u7jXtYcHTkuJHtTpzzPltaKLxjdlweLgrE8mlQGIDg3YC8qL6jwZsLm85q7UK2P5v7LFIlO5cWkzxE6Elj_4hdYVlcJ-Etf7f1-Ruy3m_tO7Qvn3f3HhZ7jsw8HnI/s1600/IMG_0118.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTYRaeZukhK3ws4u7jXtYcHTkuJHtTpzzPltaKLxjdlweLgrE8mlQGIDg3YC8qL6jwZsLm85q7UK2P5v7LFIlO5cWkzxE6Elj_4hdYVlcJ-Etf7f1-Ruy3m_tO7Qvn3f3HhZ7jsw8HnI/s1600/IMG_0118.HEIC" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VmHDDj5Cnp9yKyWF7lH07t_YRLpu0zT-e-Oybg1DifxRvwORTgdPhSIdPLA_7zE0WuyuXCr10SdiiO74z2SAn0fcSWBo-b1EEwV1ufgrlTFk4OcNZkO191wqPJvLYM81ND5_jnzQsOE/s1600/IMG_0122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VmHDDj5Cnp9yKyWF7lH07t_YRLpu0zT-e-Oybg1DifxRvwORTgdPhSIdPLA_7zE0WuyuXCr10SdiiO74z2SAn0fcSWBo-b1EEwV1ufgrlTFk4OcNZkO191wqPJvLYM81ND5_jnzQsOE/s1600/IMG_0122.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATHi3WcpvXcykcYFMu_4b74e0KfaL5uR0cHDlODrPwA5VjB5QXi763StYZ_fUifL3x2UEYX60kVtDxe_cMDnFlWNUUN79AAoEjZZ8Hzo-dmdX34ww3j8UjNlP5qrxjeoogjCKkK1OTrc/s1600/meez+meals2.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATHi3WcpvXcykcYFMu_4b74e0KfaL5uR0cHDlODrPwA5VjB5QXi763StYZ_fUifL3x2UEYX60kVtDxe_cMDnFlWNUUN79AAoEjZZ8Hzo-dmdX34ww3j8UjNlP5qrxjeoogjCKkK1OTrc/s1600/meez+meals2.HEIC" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4RJFQK0FK5-V2u0qF5gCTSmOcTm50k-hRGLYLsB_BzdxjYnW5hb3hOXpJsfDYBfhI4rZhPTxfe3-f4xM8fK5WXNJKAgkEy3x78bayp_AImbherVkSF-Z4hkJuNUWT2-xrjYEnji8Qjg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-12-09+at+9.07.38+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="797" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4RJFQK0FK5-V2u0qF5gCTSmOcTm50k-hRGLYLsB_BzdxjYnW5hb3hOXpJsfDYBfhI4rZhPTxfe3-f4xM8fK5WXNJKAgkEy3x78bayp_AImbherVkSF-Z4hkJuNUWT2-xrjYEnji8Qjg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-12-09+at+9.07.38+PM.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Pto399ac8UnCEMTCUZB44WaAhnw2wx2BNCFHOmDyq1_rPMDmcZaHPyX4pG3SMuJnfEFE-2pzUvSlnCzhk3AgKm3gYWyhpGJ-X0UpIBFdeExB8WC9kcyfqU-B0nWVL9B9BV7SOOa9s44/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-12-09+at+9.07.48+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="793" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Pto399ac8UnCEMTCUZB44WaAhnw2wx2BNCFHOmDyq1_rPMDmcZaHPyX4pG3SMuJnfEFE-2pzUvSlnCzhk3AgKm3gYWyhpGJ-X0UpIBFdeExB8WC9kcyfqU-B0nWVL9B9BV7SOOa9s44/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-12-09+at+9.07.48+PM.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Pecan Maple Salmon</i></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This meal was EQUALLY delicious! If you asked my husband, he would confirm how many times I brought up the maple flavor and pecan topping while we were eating. I've never eaten salmon with such a rich flavor and now I feel like I never want to have it any other way, Plus, it had been a while since we roasted brussel sprouts, and MAN, I forgot how good they are. It was SO nice that the brussels were already cut up and ready to be seasoned/cooked. This meal took LESS than 20 minutes to get on the table and we felt really good when we were done - Nothing processed, just simple, healthy and homemade. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5xyjh5-RWN7zNr9hOw8FrMSVPfIZ0hyQ7KFlHOtV3PcAPCFC8kYhbpQLmWPf4kQCQiwHA-9sBlvAsue_1dz-QEVhtDw9uOkXJZxNHGXg7yZ33ji8ZOvoyyecxa3agKHpmFtanDVYn-k/s1600/IMG_7914.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5xyjh5-RWN7zNr9hOw8FrMSVPfIZ0hyQ7KFlHOtV3PcAPCFC8kYhbpQLmWPf4kQCQiwHA-9sBlvAsue_1dz-QEVhtDw9uOkXJZxNHGXg7yZ33ji8ZOvoyyecxa3agKHpmFtanDVYn-k/s1600/IMG_7914.HEIC" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1pr4Kx8LscD6ugVpfGPMeg0a0Gy7ePzcwszFvNiOhuWfIVg1JwMNSuHfm-h8K0LVOFL3nXcqtUi3BK6r54fUSSIZ5gb9ufa9s7V0B8Tl_TOlR0TxB_-6K5hGHdP7b48X4gzWR3Lk13jQ/s1600/meez+meals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1pr4Kx8LscD6ugVpfGPMeg0a0Gy7ePzcwszFvNiOhuWfIVg1JwMNSuHfm-h8K0LVOFL3nXcqtUi3BK6r54fUSSIZ5gb9ufa9s7V0B8Tl_TOlR0TxB_-6K5hGHdP7b48X4gzWR3Lk13jQ/s1600/meez+meals.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAu5fRCOOWRo3XzpyrydNBnhp7q9PSBIOO8sQb5ELmMxFfxnIdX9fCnQ_hTjdVTdAAz7fmoziNPYCDme2OQmCvryhuIl8Z19UD3MFjU-ZjaOw9OtoS1srVyEwAjnYRlbNDdz5iYmgB3Ss/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-12-09+at+9.19.26+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="779" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAu5fRCOOWRo3XzpyrydNBnhp7q9PSBIOO8sQb5ELmMxFfxnIdX9fCnQ_hTjdVTdAAz7fmoziNPYCDme2OQmCvryhuIl8Z19UD3MFjU-ZjaOw9OtoS1srVyEwAjnYRlbNDdz5iYmgB3Ss/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-12-09+at+9.19.26+PM.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eQb8J3YOQxk9D2OmY9-SjNG9B20LulCB8Sd17JwCOSddUcx4rLkDKL7sdHt5pOWSyzcGkzVtG14Nx36BfRCmtOC-lhXGYKevE_m7qgRJdiWUHEWPylcgsDWNOcSoLevxGpl86gAN_6g/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-12-09+at+9.18.59+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="791" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eQb8J3YOQxk9D2OmY9-SjNG9B20LulCB8Sd17JwCOSddUcx4rLkDKL7sdHt5pOWSyzcGkzVtG14Nx36BfRCmtOC-lhXGYKevE_m7qgRJdiWUHEWPylcgsDWNOcSoLevxGpl86gAN_6g/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-12-09+at+9.18.59+PM.png" /></a><span style="text-align: left;">We have two more months of meals coming up and I'm already getting antsy to try them! I always look at the weekly menu and I want to try EVERYTHING! Oh, and I've saved the best part for last...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="text-align: left;"><i>50% off YOUR first order: Use code Kait50p at checkout</i></b><span style="text-align: left;">. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hope you will try it and love it as much as I do. I think the best part is you don't feel any pressure if you want to try it - You don't have to remember to cancel the next week and you won't get any annoying emails about your subscription. You can just order as often (or not) as you want to. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I will continue to share our meals on Instagram so make sure to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kaitlately/">follow me there</a>! If you try it, let me know what you think!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggt3WRifxVSW1JvW9QjRo_9OBtdMWRF7jBhFfKba3j-ExZD5kziRvVsmHnHvffwcVtqV0BAls22AZfMLV5d3okEuoN7169qTs6ynpWDtwUk481xlR927MeIkXDzqayWLTVZPy4CGrH1BY/s1600/Kait+Lately.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="141" data-original-width="345" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggt3WRifxVSW1JvW9QjRo_9OBtdMWRF7jBhFfKba3j-ExZD5kziRvVsmHnHvffwcVtqV0BAls22AZfMLV5d3okEuoN7169qTs6ynpWDtwUk481xlR927MeIkXDzqayWLTVZPy4CGrH1BY/s320/Kait+Lately.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Kait Latelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114810592677193260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4677723925354302369.post-51029985445111618322018-11-13T06:00:00.000-06:002018-11-13T09:45:03.024-06:0024 hours in San Fran<span style="font-family: inherit;">One morning in May when my husband and I woke up, the first words out of his mouth were: "I booked us flights to San Francisco last night. I got a really good deal so we're just going for 1 night in September." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">- - -</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i>
<i>First reaction) </i>Thrilled. <i>Second Reaction) </i>Wait, what?! <i>Third Reaction) </i>Small detail...What about our son?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My husband has done this multiple times before. Let it be known, he does NOT spend money on frivolous items, basically ever, but when he comes across a cheap flight or vacation, he does not hesitate. In years past, we've gone to New York for the day around Christmastime (doing every touristy thing imagine in under 12 hours!) and he also booked our trip to Ireland without much discussion, deciding the price was too good to pass up and it was a don't miss opportunity. We both share a passion for traveling so when he decides to book a trip on a whim, there are no complaints.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Luckily, in this case, my amazing parents were willing to take Ro from Sat-Sun so we could enjoy a quick weekend getaway in wine country and by the bay. In addition to his last minute booking skills, Mike is also an expert trip planner with the great ability to narrow down the most important things to see, no matter how short a visit and in doing so, the teacher in him definitely comes out. He made a google doc of all the things we could do both days, down to the minute and plan b's in case something didn't work out.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Wine Tasting in Napa Valley</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Quick background story: We were planning to catch the bus for our Napa Valley tour almost immediately after arriving in San Fran but our flight from Chicago was delayed about an hour and a half Saturday morning so we missed the shuttle that takes you to the wineries. We debated just skipping it and falling back on our plan b for the day but decided it was worth it to get there since we would make it for most of the tour, so we raced to jump in an Uber. A 4 hour plane ride, hour and a half car ride (and 100 something dollars later), we were finally at the <span id="goog_346882965"></span><a href="https://www.robertmondaviwinery.com/">Robert Mondavi<span id="goog_346882966"></span> Winery</a> - Guess new-ish parents will do anything for a kid-free day filled with wine. P.S., we hadn't eaten anything (or had any water) since 8am and it was now 2:00 when we arrived, with wine being handed to us left and right, so I was sure we were going to be down for the count, but surprisingly, we handled it like champs and it felt so good to finally be there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
Robert Mondavi was a great experience and the perfect introduction to Napa because it felt very classic. The winery was established in 1966 with a vision to create Napa Valley wines that would stand in the company in the company of the world's finest. The vineyard (actually located in Oakville, CA) is known for production of some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon wines in the world which we can vouch for being completely accurate. I'm more of a Pinot Noir gal but we both loved their cab and enjoyed learning about their vineyards, the (very long and intense!) fermentation process and feeling like wine snobs for a day instead of just sticking to our usual Trader Joes/Aldi purchases ;) There are so many details you don't think about, like how long the wine ages in wood barrels (years!) and how a REALLY good wine has a REALLY good cork (not the synthetic kind that breaks when you use a corkscrew - too often that's the kind we end up with at home, lol). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">One of my favorite things that we learned that day? Once all of the juice has been squeezed from the grapes in their vats, the skins are still left over and it is literally someones job to get in a wet suit, dive into the tank and flush out all of the skins. Why didn't someone tell me it was ACTUALLY possible to swim in a vat of wine?! 🍷 Mental note: Switch careers.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmoxag96WHCdrPvywhbe_uE0CgaoWfuYa9Fass29RMwdm2EUbVHtKbw4jzVmPM3qZfsO9D2ZbSqcF5dYP5OpoLe5elTRhB-Md43ChizPJGGOBGcoMVrHGfqZaVancHE_vOVOGAi-e1gA/s1600/Robert+Mondavi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmoxag96WHCdrPvywhbe_uE0CgaoWfuYa9Fass29RMwdm2EUbVHtKbw4jzVmPM3qZfsO9D2ZbSqcF5dYP5OpoLe5elTRhB-Md43ChizPJGGOBGcoMVrHGfqZaVancHE_vOVOGAi-e1gA/s1600/Robert+Mondavi.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQM32qd2hEX-nMhtoqcM2JVgM_YC6YpDL6zAQwNjPauroZMekmID7Or_kWf3l293JVitC1ZP9DLP1VtizN4Qyz_NXxpB9e_wS20VxyAXQ6inVrcwqcqdhpXxedLLAcGfVQ8jlOWcg3fs/s1600/Robert+Mondavi+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQM32qd2hEX-nMhtoqcM2JVgM_YC6YpDL6zAQwNjPauroZMekmID7Or_kWf3l293JVitC1ZP9DLP1VtizN4Qyz_NXxpB9e_wS20VxyAXQ6inVrcwqcqdhpXxedLLAcGfVQ8jlOWcg3fs/s1600/Robert+Mondavi+2.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>After our Mondavi tour, we finally got to jump on the shuttle with the rest of our tour to head to what was actually my favorite stop of the day, the <a href="https://www.oakvillegrocery.com/">Oakville Grocery</a>. The store was founded in 1881 and is the oldest continually operating grocery store in California and not only was it the absolute CUTEST shop but I ordered one of the best sandwiches of my life, true story. That's saying a lot because I've eaten more sandwiches in my life than anyone you probably know but it was a turkey pesto combo on rosemary focaccia and not to mention, I hadn't eaten in 8-ish hours so it tasted particularly amazing. We loved walking around the store, looking at all of their delicious goodies and products from local artisans and foodies including everything from cookies to jams and specialty cheeses. I could have sat there all day, ordering coffee and munching on their tasty snacks. I love tiny places like this with history and I will definitely have to bring <a href="http://lakehouselyn.blogspot.com/">my Mom</a> back one day!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQuiqFCEC0RHp1VGT-je-VOtJtpi4shPr0c3WQg2WDmn6Np4c59p9yGUTCYuvogxPCwJT0ISAfQPaNKL8tBvGTK2kI1_qEnxywyz76I_fLdVwdMrKz6ChV2aG2JafvVspOdnw52vwglk/s1600/Oakville+Grocery.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQuiqFCEC0RHp1VGT-je-VOtJtpi4shPr0c3WQg2WDmn6Np4c59p9yGUTCYuvogxPCwJT0ISAfQPaNKL8tBvGTK2kI1_qEnxywyz76I_fLdVwdMrKz6ChV2aG2JafvVspOdnw52vwglk/s1600/Oakville+Grocery.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNtl3m810CNnNFUHKXwnns69u01T17hPTNxcLJKz_HIZidn_yPueZq5WOyiNW31v0Km4FX_kgbfsu5At9zdOLVvmnvdL6VoiZwW8k_K69lrqLLGp8DdCIdyDb41fTX8BuO-o8vCzgXLU/s1600/Oakville+Grocery2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNtl3m810CNnNFUHKXwnns69u01T17hPTNxcLJKz_HIZidn_yPueZq5WOyiNW31v0Km4FX_kgbfsu5At9zdOLVvmnvdL6VoiZwW8k_K69lrqLLGp8DdCIdyDb41fTX8BuO-o8vCzgXLU/s1600/Oakville+Grocery2.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Once we had something to eat, we got our second wind and we felt ready to take on the second winery, <a href="https://www.lewines.net/">Liana Estates</a>. This place was the complete opposite of Mondavi, as it was established in 2016 so it was fairly new, off the beaten path and much trendier with a rustic wood finishes, a bocce pit out front and cupcake pairings on the menu. They specialize in different white varieties and even though I much prefer reds, I enjoyed quite a few of the white tastings because they were unique. we did the <a href="https://www.lewines.net/visit/tasting/">"Bay Breeze"</a> tasting and I fell in love with their sparkling brut - I would've gladly taken that pour on repeat and also enjoyed the Orange Muscat. Our tasting host was so engaging and knowledgeable, giving us the rundown on how the winery started and what made each wine so different. She was a pleasure to talk to and really rounded out the experience for us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCWufqmjMI9lfyGLgdqrdaYZxVsqctRmL1nPEAv8AZ-KHOzPl5ablDGc559fWw2qiWSFCdPDQVEcVimPx9NlJhcCP48XRfqi3fvVwk2-28spY55rynFHxjwlLJ_2HQPudxcbbPdJu4kLs/s1600/LE+Winery.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCWufqmjMI9lfyGLgdqrdaYZxVsqctRmL1nPEAv8AZ-KHOzPl5ablDGc559fWw2qiWSFCdPDQVEcVimPx9NlJhcCP48XRfqi3fvVwk2-28spY55rynFHxjwlLJ_2HQPudxcbbPdJu4kLs/s1600/LE+Winery.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTlmxr1TuVQB797sFGoVeigcQCbtL4ndFz2S585gjENUbyIpTDHRjyQch3X6tqxN9DPLIJ0n1XNU753Aukuj04F7IWpy1a0RpnZ7xiOJeQuxrSX5ZArbRGoPrv7IKaaGkheSxPKe1fuSk/s1600/LE+Winery2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTlmxr1TuVQB797sFGoVeigcQCbtL4ndFz2S585gjENUbyIpTDHRjyQch3X6tqxN9DPLIJ0n1XNU753Aukuj04F7IWpy1a0RpnZ7xiOJeQuxrSX5ZArbRGoPrv7IKaaGkheSxPKe1fuSk/s1600/LE+Winery2.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgIl0sgRlOzXnyjmqLWGLMSxyDTBFeF5mOBHy1do5iiTE0n06h1N4Pdg4TLXRRD_LgFflMOp1gelqN76nO0KqytUJ4JF0U7Jk8o_NeoYk6hcDt3k_sQb7gN7vTiIUJk3Hk2UIHZPxP1Ho/s1600/LE+Winery4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgIl0sgRlOzXnyjmqLWGLMSxyDTBFeF5mOBHy1do5iiTE0n06h1N4Pdg4TLXRRD_LgFflMOp1gelqN76nO0KqytUJ4JF0U7Jk8o_NeoYk6hcDt3k_sQb7gN7vTiIUJk3Hk2UIHZPxP1Ho/s1600/LE+Winery4.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
The tour overall was so much fun and we owe part of that to the <a href="https://greatpacifictour.com/">tour company</a> themselves, as our driver and guide for the day was <i>exceptional</i>. She's actually from the suburbs of Chicago and spent many Summers in Lake Geneva so we had a lot to talk about which made the long drive back to San Francisco fly by. She also went out of her way to drive us up to a lookout point so we could get out and take pictures of the sun setting over the Golden Gate Bridge. She kept commenting on how it was extraordinarily beautiful that afternoon and how lucky we were to be seeing everything lit up in this way. It really was the perfect storm of everything coming together at just the right time. There's really nowhere to park up there since it's so packed with tourists so we literally ran along the coast while she was circling, snapped our photos and ran alongside the tour bus to meet up with her and hop back on. Wine + photo taking, this was my ideal day, guys!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfPyxtxfezU3peC9q7c_oF2q_lnZaJnJY2sopQ9EjyfxVLbQaGSHkZerS3LavBzVkEjr8DrM0REgXbSgA8zO8r0Vfqsy5cwH-tPcb0O0XAAtyVBucwIP__szTRKTFpGh7J-EOqFenaZY/s1600/Golden+Gate+Bridge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfPyxtxfezU3peC9q7c_oF2q_lnZaJnJY2sopQ9EjyfxVLbQaGSHkZerS3LavBzVkEjr8DrM0REgXbSgA8zO8r0Vfqsy5cwH-tPcb0O0XAAtyVBucwIP__szTRKTFpGh7J-EOqFenaZY/s1600/Golden+Gate+Bridge.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Muir Woods Tour</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Sunday, we got up early, enjoyed multiple rounds of our hotel's continental breakfast (literally the reason we CHOSE the place...who doesn't love a free meal?) and headed out for Muir Woods. I was very excited about this part of our weekend because I had visited the redwoods with the Family during our California trip when I was 9-ish years old so it was great to be able to come back and appreciate it in a mature way this time around. Before we started our main journey, the tour drove through downtown San Fran and then dropped us off at another perfect photo taking spot near the Golden Gate Bridge. The sun was shining and the waves were crashing and it was all just right.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8N9wMF7hn0c9AXySvJFrHeACceX5T6JHqlTkA4jXET2Ffgzbs1QjNPTSudfSbrn4nzxZSqTd1BAhuwk9nSrPqtJjpjL7mTiWHnR3PMCWlcmZ2oH8bGcf1Ne2RzTe4l9MtYy6TKp743Zg/s1600/Golden+Gate.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8N9wMF7hn0c9AXySvJFrHeACceX5T6JHqlTkA4jXET2Ffgzbs1QjNPTSudfSbrn4nzxZSqTd1BAhuwk9nSrPqtJjpjL7mTiWHnR3PMCWlcmZ2oH8bGcf1Ne2RzTe4l9MtYy6TKp743Zg/s1600/Golden+Gate.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">After a few snapshots near the Full House bridge (you're all thinking it, right?) we were on our way to the woods. The main attraction of </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Muir Woods</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"> are the coastal redwood (Sequoia) trees which are known for their height, and are related to the giant sequoia of the Sierra Nevada. While redwoods can grow to nearly 380 feet, the tallest tree in the </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Muir Woods</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> is 258 feet and they are SO SO beautiful, especially when you are standing directly underneath the towering trunks, looking up at their seemingly never ending branches. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdb4B5Wc61FaNrZt5vvmp2EPxFbnqvvl_YFY6wf3CgSxbuADqZYcCYzBlh4Xg_1iGYXDaRksas3-5sqA1gyhUxIIAxKLU-TGKreaZ4y6tuTJhdHBvLEAad6G_BGF6sm3t3xGvYxIt63es/s1600/Muir+Woods4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdb4B5Wc61FaNrZt5vvmp2EPxFbnqvvl_YFY6wf3CgSxbuADqZYcCYzBlh4Xg_1iGYXDaRksas3-5sqA1gyhUxIIAxKLU-TGKreaZ4y6tuTJhdHBvLEAad6G_BGF6sm3t3xGvYxIt63es/s1600/Muir+Woods4.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our tour guide dropped us off at the entrance to the monument and from there, we had 2 hours to explore on our own. We ended up choosing the longest path because we wanted to see everything we could and every step was more gorgeous and better smelling than the last. That's the thing about the outdoors - You couldn't bottle up the smell if you tried and there's nothing like it. We were in awe of the sequoia's, especially knowing how long most of them had been planted there and unchanged, despite mother nature's storms.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;">We learned a lot of background about the monument which was really interesting. In the early 20th century, </span></span></span>William Kent<span style="background-color: white;">, a rising California politician his wife</span><span style="background-color: white;"> purchased 611 acres of land from the </span>Tamalpais Land and Water Company <span style="background-color: white;">for $45,000 with the goal of protecting the redwoods and the mountain above them. </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"> 1908, </span>Theodore Roosevelt<span style="background-color: white;"> declared this land a </span>National Monument<span style="background-color: white;">, the first to be created from land donated by a private individual. The original suggested name of the monument was the Kent Monument but Kent insisted the monument be named after naturalist </span>John Muir<span style="background-color: white;">, whose environmental campaigns helped to establish the </span>National Park system<span style="background-color: white;">. </span><span style="background-color: white;">In 1937, the </span>Golden Gate Bridge<span style="background-color: white;"> was completed and park attendance tripled, reaching over 180,000. <i>Today, the park sees up to 6,000 visitors PER! DAY!</i></span></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAq0vfkYJqvdiV2HD29wrU723G73DBtOW9OVE-EwdoGBRBwAMUH989XWyWYroGI-iGzuS66bQEYlJwQEiswsYvLMpG6xkjuWP0Q5716czEUoxbc4Yalvdngq7GPPAnwMml-ecn1u-xYk/s1600/Muir+Woods2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAq0vfkYJqvdiV2HD29wrU723G73DBtOW9OVE-EwdoGBRBwAMUH989XWyWYroGI-iGzuS66bQEYlJwQEiswsYvLMpG6xkjuWP0Q5716czEUoxbc4Yalvdngq7GPPAnwMml-ecn1u-xYk/s1600/Muir+Woods2.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5mMqyZAkJWT8BrbGxAlgLSJ7PHgBvxQLj2gRBBvUZ_Et0yXx1qsGy8vEXPYsCBGWwmYZ6_iVNgYBlo4dAJoPTJxe0kFP68Lbm7XCC48AuYaHjAyAGqMQKDqiGPlaFxeya57J0dQbVD4/s1600/Muir+Woods3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5mMqyZAkJWT8BrbGxAlgLSJ7PHgBvxQLj2gRBBvUZ_Et0yXx1qsGy8vEXPYsCBGWwmYZ6_iVNgYBlo4dAJoPTJxe0kFP68Lbm7XCC48AuYaHjAyAGqMQKDqiGPlaFxeya57J0dQbVD4/s1600/Muir+Woods3.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
After Muir Woods, our tour guide dropped us off in Sausalito for lunch and exploring. Unfortunately, we had an early evening flight to catch so we couldn't spend as much time here as we wanted but we made the most of it by grabbing lunch at an adorable deli and eating by the water before taking the ferry back to San Francisco. I loved looking at all the houseboats - Can you imagine? Such a different way of living from those of us in the Midwest. We also passed by SO MANY places to eat, shop and grab coffee in Sausalito which gave me a bit of FOMO but we will have to come back and just dedicate an entire day or weekend to sight seeing in this area. The ferry back to town was just as beautiful as every other minute of the day. We rode right by Alcatraz and had a great view of the skyline the whole way. It was the perfect ending to a spontaneous, San Fran weekend.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39MeNUt5za2UqgAhoeNe_8gAcy_oWyn6vvbspfL0kVsBh6W0XDzmWNsTjbmAVtMg-RZiENkwH2r9iz_cS1mxz6mkddbp_V-qBy5Fz5VYCpioc5BbJ6CVsI24ELv2iGu-SY8whlb71ZyQ/s1600/Sausalito.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39MeNUt5za2UqgAhoeNe_8gAcy_oWyn6vvbspfL0kVsBh6W0XDzmWNsTjbmAVtMg-RZiENkwH2r9iz_cS1mxz6mkddbp_V-qBy5Fz5VYCpioc5BbJ6CVsI24ELv2iGu-SY8whlb71ZyQ/s1600/Sausalito.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Quick Link Guide of a few things we loved on our visit!</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Napa Valley Tour: <a href="https://greatpacifictour.com/">Great Pacific Tour Company</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Redwood Tour: <a href="https://www.extranomical.com/">Extranomical Tours</a></span><br />
Saturday Dinner: <a href="http://www.54mint.com/">54 Mint </a> - This place was so cute and located right behind our hotel! We were EXHAUSTED by dinner time on Saturday so this was the perfect place because it was a quiet little Italian joint and we just sat at the bar and enjoyed some delicious pasta and sparkling water.<br />
Hotel:<br />
Sunday Lunch: <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.venicegourmet.com/">Venice Gourmet Delicatessen & Pizzeria</a><span style="color: rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.870588235294118);">: </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Family-</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">owned and operated Mediterranean-style marketplace established in 1969. Great for a quick bite and again, one of the most delicious sandwiches I've ever had (I went with the Sausalito Turkey).</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;">- - -</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;">How do you feel about quick weekend trips? As parents of a toddler, I think it's the easiest way to fit in some time by yourselves because it's long enough that we feel refreshed but short enough that we don't miss him too much (and he doesn't drive the Grandparents completely insane!) I look forward to our next one, whatever it may be...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Have any recommendations? Let me know!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn_KoBegkyzNCj9e0qnCa-vwfg26ZgaFCmGt8lP-gcQ4FlBBnmZmFsEE59uq0t5UD-USu4G_soqjTyD2PO8vd77pCdY-OVRM_IruWjv4QZxJpRwD2EMQWdNRTdk3oOcqWtGLo0RwDub0I/s1600/Kait+Lately.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="141" data-original-width="345" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn_KoBegkyzNCj9e0qnCa-vwfg26ZgaFCmGt8lP-gcQ4FlBBnmZmFsEE59uq0t5UD-USu4G_soqjTyD2PO8vd77pCdY-OVRM_IruWjv4QZxJpRwD2EMQWdNRTdk3oOcqWtGLo0RwDub0I/s320/Kait+Lately.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Kait Latelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114810592677193260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4677723925354302369.post-34273976007813117742018-10-19T06:00:00.000-05:002018-10-19T07:35:54.731-05:00How I (Try to) Balance Work and Motherhood<div>
<div style="color: #363636; text-align: center;">
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;">"I would say the hardest part about being a mother who works from home is that you are expected and feel the pressure to fulfill two roles to the fullest: a full-time employee and a mother (thinking of a SAHM). Finding the balance is hard and j</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #414141;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>ust because you have the option to do both things from the same place doesn’t magically help you create more hours in the day.</i></span></span><span style="color: black; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>" </i></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">- </span></span><a href="https://www.mamafishsaves.com/real-mom-advice-working-home-babies-toddlers/" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; text-align: start;">Source</a><br />
<div style="background-color: white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I remember going to classes in college that were a part of my "Gender & Women's Studies" minor, discussing and writing about feminism and thinking ahead to when I would eventually become a Mom. I always knew I would battle an internal struggle, feeling torn between having my job (or at least some sort of work I was passionate about), and being fully dedicated to raising children at home because that's what my Mom did and I loved every second of her being with me.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #363636; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #363636; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The thing is, I've always wanted to "have it all" in many different respects: See the world but be a homebody. Practice a healthy lifestyle but indulge in ice cream. Have close access to a downtown area yet live a small town lifestyle. Live near my Family but move to the mountains one day. For me, it just seems like there's a constant push and pull to try everything and BE everything. Now that I have been a Mom for a year and then some, I still struggle with these things but over time I think we've found a healthy balance of it "all."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAr6f2XIjOx4c2E0DwgRaW15j9EAdzcEG5YYD9aqxnShKH7Q8xRa4VJ3oUr5pyzK_UHV-Di15IZmhl1qE4cNyoTHe_4VPMzZ5F5QR3E7uj5vef3R3jGBpa5NvQX26fRNQbrSSGIGV_hg/s1600/baby+boy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAr6f2XIjOx4c2E0DwgRaW15j9EAdzcEG5YYD9aqxnShKH7Q8xRa4VJ3oUr5pyzK_UHV-Di15IZmhl1qE4cNyoTHe_4VPMzZ5F5QR3E7uj5vef3R3jGBpa5NvQX26fRNQbrSSGIGV_hg/s1600/baby+boy.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<b style="color: #363636; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="color: #363636; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Little Bit of Background...</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #363636; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #363636; font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #363636; text-align: center;">I've never shared much about my job much on the blog (<a href="http://sistersmarie.blogspot.com/">Sisters Marie</a> OR here) because I've always felt they were separate entities but I have worked there for 9 years now so it really is a significant part of my life and a big reason I'm allowed to lead both of the "lives" I want. I am the Director of Marketing at <a href="https://www.katherinefrank.com/">Katherine Frank Creative</a>, a Family-owned boutique design agency who specializes in custom trade show displays, temporary and permanent </span><span style="color: #363636; text-align: center;">installs and signage/graphics. We are a team of just under 20 so it's a small (but mighty) force and over the years, my co-workers have become a second Family to me. It sounds strange to say but the owners moonlight as a third set of parents in a way and they are two of the people I most admire. I have also made some lifelong best friends, one in particular who is my "call at 3am with anything" person and I know will grow old alongside me, while we quote OC episodes well into our 70's 😂</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #363636; font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #363636; text-align: center;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCz_wflzZGdpe8bAd6jIgLmERLwP45fIACsLwuIibabRS0wsJsfH7C5c9A8rCSRZ8x15aGLHbxeosRm9Bis5Inggf0BP9BngKdcAmgHEj3kIMISSpSMX-JtB415QMkaK4kIsrA_YkemCM/s1600/kfci+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1349" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCz_wflzZGdpe8bAd6jIgLmERLwP45fIACsLwuIibabRS0wsJsfH7C5c9A8rCSRZ8x15aGLHbxeosRm9Bis5Inggf0BP9BngKdcAmgHEj3kIMISSpSMX-JtB415QMkaK4kIsrA_YkemCM/s1600/kfci+2.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i style="color: #363636; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">2 of my longtime co-workers and our babies, all born within a year of each other</i></div>
</div>
<br />
<span style="color: #363636; font-family: inherit;">When I started here as an intern, I never expected to be here almost 10 years later but I'm of the mindset that a lot of things happen for a reason. The company is very supportive of a work-life balance and generously agreed to letting me work from home a few days a week after Ro was born. As my maternity leave came to an end, I was having a very hard time with the thought of leaving him and missing all of the milestone moments as he grew up so I am very thankful they trusted and respected me enough to create a new schedule that would benefit us both.</span><br />
<span style="color: #363636; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #363636; font-size: large;"><b>Our Weekly Routine</b></span></div>
<span style="color: #363636; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #363636; font-family: inherit;">I work two full days in the office and three part-time days at home. While there are days where it would </span><i style="color: #363636; font-family: inherit;">definitely</i><span style="color: #363636; font-family: inherit;"> be easier to be one place over the other, this is working for us right now in this stage of our lives. My parents take care of Ro when I'm in the office and we are endlessly appreciative of everything they do for us. He feels so comfortable at their house and I feel equally safe knowing he is in the best hands. Daycare was never a consideration for us - It's a personal decision and it was mostly based on the fact that I wanted Ro to be taken care of by someone close to us. He is making memories with his Grandparents, which is a blessing and a privilege.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #363636; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Be2ecMM9fk8-NOJ_6-s_l23_AW7Vyk6uvCfjnBPh1Yr3Fg-e05c3MdNyXf8nS3G-MmJh6diufw-aQYqVQF20aGPoeXFa-KXRsc7ZulnVRTilxZkfjHRwp_IqaPYbbBCNY1gzuD2Ee18/s1600/grandparents.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Be2ecMM9fk8-NOJ_6-s_l23_AW7Vyk6uvCfjnBPh1Yr3Fg-e05c3MdNyXf8nS3G-MmJh6diufw-aQYqVQF20aGPoeXFa-KXRsc7ZulnVRTilxZkfjHRwp_IqaPYbbBCNY1gzuD2Ee18/s1600/grandparents.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #363636; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #363636;">My 3 work from home days are a luxury but certainly are not </span><span style="color: #363636;">easy. Even though I'm working half-days, there are a lot of moments where deadlines come into play so I am juggling graphic design files and keeping Ronan from climbing on our toilet at the same time. When he was a newborn, it was much easier to schedule conference calls and work on our loft computer because he wasn't mobile and slept - </span><i style="color: #363636;">a lot</i><span style="color: #363636;">. Now, these things require some extra prep, whether it's loading up a few Daniel Tiger's from our DVR (this is survival, my friends), or crossing fingers that he's either napping or eating lunch in his high chair at this time, which is basically the only 2 ways he is contained and quiet. </span><br />
<span style="color: #363636;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRenpPKkJhExkxuJJuNlkAs1ToINKTIIPiFANdFG7sqVlUIQxEZ54HvTnNoc5omJvJcKuZ8v9unOACT892xSYBph2zl0zOcFTcD9xrvy0h1nn1eaVPDUHMyztapkKjts-jGeXDMySedlE/s1600/toddler.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRenpPKkJhExkxuJJuNlkAs1ToINKTIIPiFANdFG7sqVlUIQxEZ54HvTnNoc5omJvJcKuZ8v9unOACT892xSYBph2zl0zOcFTcD9xrvy0h1nn1eaVPDUHMyztapkKjts-jGeXDMySedlE/s1600/toddler.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #363636;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #363636;">It can be very stressful - some days, I just count the minutes he goes to bed and I can turn my brain off for a little while. He is <b><i>extremely</i></b> inquisitive and busy, more-so than I expected him to be at this age so a lot of my energy goes towards trying to keep him out of trouble (aka from opening the gate to the basement, pulling things down from the counter, trying to climb in the oven --> Yes, SERIOUSLY!) all while answering emails, finishing up marketing blast designs and trying to find a moment to eat/breathe.</span><br />
<span style="color: #363636;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI61yfkxV9-ofmpzSRPyxoIbsMFTMZtYtmZMPDjziXhNtXwwf84I7GMe6UwGbBgLA9WKCRDU2vd7vLnRVaqWWapbuPnM-XCAane3_XIDXJKOL8wZ_IYSeiThDvpPkODVU6FfKmvcEkCGs/s1600/Mac+Computer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI61yfkxV9-ofmpzSRPyxoIbsMFTMZtYtmZMPDjziXhNtXwwf84I7GMe6UwGbBgLA9WKCRDU2vd7vLnRVaqWWapbuPnM-XCAane3_XIDXJKOL8wZ_IYSeiThDvpPkODVU6FfKmvcEkCGs/s1600/Mac+Computer.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #363636;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #363636;">On the OTHER hand, I am very grateful of the part-time schedule at home because it still allows us to have some special time together which we make the most of. This Summer, we were at the park almost every day and on extra warm days, we enjoyed the water table on our deck or hit up a local splash pad. Now that it's getting cooler, we spend a lot of time at the library (checking out/returning books) and playing in their kids area, as well as enjoying morning music class with </span><a href="https://www.tinytoesmusic.com/">Tiny Toes</a><span style="color: #363636;"> and becoming official members of the </span><a href="https://dupagechildrens.org/">Dupage Children's Museum</a> which by the way,<span style="color: #363636;"> is going to be super helpful on freezing Winter days when going outside isn't an option and we're feeling cooped up in the house.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="color: #363636; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-EoQs1mf6wGW8WM9K_M_f7BQz4tahyphenhyphenHuNynl24oiY2ykhFM6hlmN5HGDk0fOKuOvRa8bGdPvJRbTYipGfKSqBuYhS-XvCK0SCxLXcsDi841gzH2bV8KQyvKNcD8uBpE9kr1ivqbPQ9k/s1600/dupage+childrens+museum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-EoQs1mf6wGW8WM9K_M_f7BQz4tahyphenhyphenHuNynl24oiY2ykhFM6hlmN5HGDk0fOKuOvRa8bGdPvJRbTYipGfKSqBuYhS-XvCK0SCxLXcsDi841gzH2bV8KQyvKNcD8uBpE9kr1ivqbPQ9k/s1600/dupage+childrens+museum.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="background-color: white;">
Now that you know a bit more about our weekly schedule, I wanted to share a few tips that I find helpful when it comes to balancing working from home and watching a baby/toddler:</div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Wake Up Earlier</b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I know, I know, we're already beyond tired so the thought of getting up early can seem repulsive but sometimes, it makes all the difference. If I w</span></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;">ake up an hour or two before Ro gets up, I'm amazed at h</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;">ow much work I can get done in so little time without interruptions. Sometimes, I will have sent an entire morning's worth of emails before my co-workers even get in the office and it makes me feel ahead of the game. Not to mention, some quiet time to yourself in the morning isn't bad at all, especially because you can sip your coffee and eat something in peace! </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Make the MOST of Nap Time</span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
</div>
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Naps are a work from home Mom's dream! Ro is still napping twice a day (usually) and both of them happen on a pretty regular schedule so I know exactly when they will happen and can plan out the most important things on my to-do list around these moments of quiet. Whether you have a kid who sleeps
for 40 minutes (like mine sometimes does!) or 3 hours, learn how to utilize every minute of this time to finish assignments that require your
complete focus and concentration. Most days, I don't even shower until 8:30 or 9pm, when I've gotten my work done and my son is asleep and I have time to breathe. It's not ideal (after all, pillow air dried hair isn't always pretty) but it just comes down to a matter of prioritizing. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3 class="secondaryStoryHeading" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.95); letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 32px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; text-align: left;">
<b style="color: black; font-size: medium; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Expect Chaos</span></b></h3>
<span style="text-align: justify;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: justify;">It's just inevitable that you will run into unexpected interruptions or sh*t show moments while trying to work and take care of a tiny human being at the same time. For example, there have been a few conference calls scheduled when Ro has a sudden diaper blowout or decides now is the perfect time to learn to crawl on top of our toilet and try to touch the light switches. These moments my friends are what the mute button is for! I try to spare my co-workers and/or clients as much background noise as possible so by muting until it's my turn to speak. This way, I can be actively listening and keep it professional at the same time. I just try to be prepared for anything to happen and have solutions for said situations that can be useful in a pinch.</span></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3u-H1IB1ckDRimYaNY-i7-Bj_NuLSbby54ro-JlUK6LYPolE7ecwG9018NKM8tDlQPEaJ91dVhr5j7TX2fBOifeo8LlOg9m4dgT5SG0fwZt0ZznhAEGhY_JndP6op8rRkctvAe1ChrBA/s1600/mom+and+me.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3u-H1IB1ckDRimYaNY-i7-Bj_NuLSbby54ro-JlUK6LYPolE7ecwG9018NKM8tDlQPEaJ91dVhr5j7TX2fBOifeo8LlOg9m4dgT5SG0fwZt0ZznhAEGhY_JndP6op8rRkctvAe1ChrBA/s1600/mom+and+me.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Keep the Kid(s) Entertained </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-family: inherit;"></b></b></b><br />
<ul style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: inherit;"></b></b></b><ul style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"></b></b><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-family: inherit;"></b></b></b></b></b><br />
<ul style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: inherit;"><ul style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: left;">
<div style="display: inline !important;">
<b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
</div>
</b></ul>
</b></b></b></b></b></b></b></ul>
<b style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: inherit;">
</b></b></div>
<b style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: left;">
<div style="display: inline !important;">
<b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;">Easier said than done, right? I know. Ro is only 14 months old so he isn't quite ready to entertain himself just yet but I have found that if I dedicate a little time to getting him started with something, he may continue playing after I walk away, even if it's for 10 or 15 minutes. I consider those blocks of time to be good progress in his independent play and sometimes, it's just the amount of time I need to answer emails. In addition to his bin of toys in our Family room (which is where I'm often stationed with my laptop), we keep a box of books readily available, which I rotate regularly, a few Montessori activities (shape sorters, stackers) and as much as it pains my pre-parent self, we have a lot of his favorite shows DVR'd because he really enjoys them and they can often buy us an extra few minutes. </span></span></b></div>
</div>
</b></ul>
</ul>
</div>
</span><br />
<ul>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0NJ49ahk9SYdUfedCPddgX8Kj816b4gH2AYEZR6N-bpHXWADM1oA5mX8waLoJmEmjCmz7mRJLsJvGN2sidjwAftJPm1X1ZbdHxoZObR2BmLbnw2OWZPdldT2c4RX41Hsz_Qjii2KBRsY/s1600/mama+and+me.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0NJ49ahk9SYdUfedCPddgX8Kj816b4gH2AYEZR6N-bpHXWADM1oA5mX8waLoJmEmjCmz7mRJLsJvGN2sidjwAftJPm1X1ZbdHxoZObR2BmLbnw2OWZPdldT2c4RX41Hsz_Qjii2KBRsY/s1600/mama+and+me.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-parent:"";
color:blue;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
color:purple;
mso-themecolor:followedhyperlink;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style><style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style><style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style><style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-alt:"Times Roman";
mso-font-charset:77;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-parent:"";
color:blue;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
color:purple;
mso-themecolor:followedhyperlink;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style><style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-alt:"Times Roman";
mso-font-charset:77;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:inherit;
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-alt:"Times New Roman";
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:auto;
mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
/* List Definitions */
@list l0
{mso-list-id:841243929;
mso-list-template-ids:-1761204240;}
ol
{margin-bottom:0in;}
ul
{margin-bottom:0in;}
-->
</style>Even though most days I'm exhausted and falling asleep with a book on my face in bed, I consider myself one of the lucky ones. My son is only going to be little for so long and I love that we get to spend this time together. It's also nice to have something that is my own, a job where the work is interesting, the people are great and the balance is respected. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Mom's: What is your Family/Work balance like? </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Whether you are a full-time SAHM, career woman or both, how do you manage each role? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'd love to hear from you guys!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilSOoZgWpVKrHvywoRt92IPzcPANsjD_fWMcOLzNpli1ZvvsWkedK32BAIVyuUO2BfsFQ5Tr3lQu6A0n_XV5TZo7wXKrPEwgMSuBqQUFbNCyjrH0aAOR1MCNbh9KUxbvCGHxYlKWa-ZDc/s1600/Kait+Lately.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="141" data-original-width="345" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilSOoZgWpVKrHvywoRt92IPzcPANsjD_fWMcOLzNpli1ZvvsWkedK32BAIVyuUO2BfsFQ5Tr3lQu6A0n_XV5TZo7wXKrPEwgMSuBqQUFbNCyjrH0aAOR1MCNbh9KUxbvCGHxYlKWa-ZDc/s320/Kait+Lately.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Courier New";
panose-1:2 7 3 9 2 2 5 2 4 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-alt:"Times Roman";
mso-font-charset:77;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Wingdings;
panose-1:5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:2;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:0 268435456 0 0 -2147483648 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
/* List Definitions */
@list l0
{mso-list-id:395515086;
mso-list-template-ids:-1569789074;}
@list l0:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:1.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l0:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:1.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l0:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:2.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l0:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:2.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l0:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:3.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l0:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:3.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l0:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:4.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l0:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:4.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
ol
{margin-bottom:0in;}
ul
{margin-bottom:0in;}
-->
</style>Kait Latelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114810592677193260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4677723925354302369.post-90387580753837438992018-09-25T06:00:00.000-05:002018-09-25T06:00:04.214-05:00Life Lately: Easing into Fall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRwDTEHqUMEZFT3iXMaE1BJs7tXSY8cxsHKA2mIx9ObJw7rGhdF9qn3R4Bv3xF0RWMeRumEwnbIgXySrZRv-4vLgVxHwNdzlngWqYj-3SPn82spNN4iT2Cc1cOttohwi9f_PZps4GNR8/s1600/Old+Navy+J+Jill+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRwDTEHqUMEZFT3iXMaE1BJs7tXSY8cxsHKA2mIx9ObJw7rGhdF9qn3R4Bv3xF0RWMeRumEwnbIgXySrZRv-4vLgVxHwNdzlngWqYj-3SPn82spNN4iT2Cc1cOttohwi9f_PZps4GNR8/s1600/Old+Navy+J+Jill+2.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The first days of Fall are hard to beat. The air feels crisp but it's warm in the sun and everything smells so fresh, especially up north. Summer in Lake Geneva will always be the time when I feel most alive but there's a sense of calm when the leaves start to change and you can smell the wood burning of a neighbor's fire. Our recent Family weekend at the lake was the perfect kick off to the new season...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We ordered breakfast from the tiny convenience store down the street and ate it outside on the patio in sweatshirts and blankets. We walked around the neighborhood under the most amazing blue sky with not a single cloud. My parents hosted our first ever "Fall Fest," (in place of our usual 4th of July event), complete with cherry & apple brats, Oktoberfest beers, golf cart rides and pumpkin decorating. We put on our pajamas at 6 o'clock one night and snacked on leftovers and poured champagne. Ro and I spent a warm afternoon at the park followed by a snack at my favorite <a href="http://coffeemillfontana.com/">coffee shop</a>. Mike and I checked out an open house down the street and fell in love, as we do almost every time we look. FYI - we're not <i>actually</i> hoping to move, it's just something we've come to love doing on weekends - It's great for gathering ideas and it's fun to imagine different scenarios that could play out in the future. We ate until our pants no longer fit...everything from <a href="http://lakehouselyn.blogspot.com/">my Mom's</a> DIY nacho bar to the taffy apple salad was quintessential Fall and we didn't want to miss any part of it. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikR2KQjzmYSj82hUDxp43wBDG0Dy5DqrhbWPIMOMSFYs1hpmFuXujBt8IDJZTCFgdPwsBV0Wz26MDsbkcTPKJgJZ59Ou1P14TH-tSqejGipFeXjgIlQaDeUuQpYAqlkKDEDIHOqNop5l0/s1600/Old+Navy+J+Jill+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikR2KQjzmYSj82hUDxp43wBDG0Dy5DqrhbWPIMOMSFYs1hpmFuXujBt8IDJZTCFgdPwsBV0Wz26MDsbkcTPKJgJZ59Ou1P14TH-tSqejGipFeXjgIlQaDeUuQpYAqlkKDEDIHOqNop5l0/s1600/Old+Navy+J+Jill+3.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>SHOP THE LOOK:</b></span></div>
<!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE START --> <br />
<div class="shopsense-widget" data-mobile-optimize="true" data-options="%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%225ba90cc68be45c3a42c41405%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid6784-40818972-74%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.com%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A354%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A660%7D" style="text-align: center;">
<script> !function(doc,s,id){ var e, p, cb; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; cb = new Date().getTime().toString(); p = '//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js?cb=1537804697595?cb=' + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === 'object'){ if(doc.readyState === 'complete'){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, 'script', 'shopsensewidget-script'); </script> <iframe frameborder="0" height="354px" seamless="" src="//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%225ba90cc68be45c3a42c41405%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid6784-40818972-74%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.com%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A354%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A660%7D" style="border: 0;" width="660px">
</iframe>If we're being totally honest, I spent most of this weekend in sweatshirts, overalls and leggings but I did manage to spend one day looking like a real human by putting on a swipe of bright lipstick and taking this <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/SDpT">new denim skirt</a> for a ride, which btw, I now want to wear on a daily basis. I usually have trouble finding skirts that are just the right length - Either they're too short for going out in public or too long for being 31 years old but <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/SDpT">this one</a> is high-rise and still fits just right. It's got frayed edges and I love pairing it with long sleeves or sweaters & booties so I will be doing that as much as possible in the next few weeks while I can still get away with bare legs. On another note, I'm not into all of the Fall trends (not too keen on the wide leg denim just yet), but I AM happy that belt bags (aka, fanny packs!) are having a moment because they're actually so much fun. I love <a href="https://www.jjill.com/product/envelope-belt-bag-142161-1">this leather one </a>from J. Jill - like, it might be the cutest one I've seen but I own the iPhone 8+ which is massive and unfortunately, doesn't fit in the bag so if I'm wearing this, I usually stick my phone in my back pocket or the diaper bag. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplHOnPLb6_FuX6zYlxeUbqzt38ScCiIgn4LRC1x9XQmmxdGAN7He4YpFracxAxrtPDy9M6Eyod1ONVKueRvL4YCbuTFKU-CtsDs3m1E4jP_vrMJaS0KPJH7zAdddXLYKJI8ovPE3q_Jc/s1600/Old+Navy+J+Jill+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplHOnPLb6_FuX6zYlxeUbqzt38ScCiIgn4LRC1x9XQmmxdGAN7He4YpFracxAxrtPDy9M6Eyod1ONVKueRvL4YCbuTFKU-CtsDs3m1E4jP_vrMJaS0KPJH7zAdddXLYKJI8ovPE3q_Jc/s1600/Old+Navy+J+Jill+5.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZM9XAJezx2YKfO2tHaXBG-Iyfi4Az7f0lSSJAMUP04gSP4wYOAT0NgdC3w2D-sipPnsai4_7tDHOKIegMqmRVNenAf-kax_RUQlPd0oqeCGnzm-aJJWKfSApsNH9nleDS-Y_x-GQr3bY/s1600/Old+Navy+J+Jill+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZM9XAJezx2YKfO2tHaXBG-Iyfi4Az7f0lSSJAMUP04gSP4wYOAT0NgdC3w2D-sipPnsai4_7tDHOKIegMqmRVNenAf-kax_RUQlPd0oqeCGnzm-aJJWKfSApsNH9nleDS-Y_x-GQr3bY/s1600/Old+Navy+J+Jill+8.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCgmdCFOjvGVtG3QV_wGQiyuUez5qEg3bfxmDdpRRZecrlV7grnr_X5XXeOI67ryw7nosJl3C1bTUNPEUOcyvCv0qi9aPXhRgc0FcEiW1zO87t7rkEVV0d6cZaibtoP29uMbYsAMFErY/s1600/Old+Navy+J+Jill+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCgmdCFOjvGVtG3QV_wGQiyuUez5qEg3bfxmDdpRRZecrlV7grnr_X5XXeOI67ryw7nosJl3C1bTUNPEUOcyvCv0qi9aPXhRgc0FcEiW1zO87t7rkEVV0d6cZaibtoP29uMbYsAMFErY/s1600/Old+Navy+J+Jill+7.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Since my style was this weekend was mostly cozy chic, I reached for this <a href="https://www.jjill.com/product/tweed-open-front-cardi?color=13O">open front cardi</a> quite a bit. It's textured and runs fairly long so it's awesome for pairing with leggings on cold mornings and I've been wearing it daily for early walks with Ro and the dog but it was also a nice addition to this skirt/blouse combo.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsxXshJEzNI4lQmfSAcWyD1JoUzfqK2WeiOcVDHxLreWWKQm0EZ0RbWMS8kU0q6aPv9e96u4LjiNTY9BFRSL6thVdO6pbmbVWVQ2d4Ch9s1-2KwO-mi27DW2uCCnzfTx85hVgItLjwEM/s1600/Old+Navy+J+Jill+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsxXshJEzNI4lQmfSAcWyD1JoUzfqK2WeiOcVDHxLreWWKQm0EZ0RbWMS8kU0q6aPv9e96u4LjiNTY9BFRSL6thVdO6pbmbVWVQ2d4Ch9s1-2KwO-mi27DW2uCCnzfTx85hVgItLjwEM/s1600/Old+Navy+J+Jill+1.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmRu2A1bRAyv45acaqu2int6oH9kimlVQEkLMjWe-7ep56iMGuFFfBLxgkcB1xyBHhmiGP0HdijA-gHeWeYcLBZisYSGILNF7vKxPJDUUlB9sRkuW6m1fIqHLID4M1vt2p7xAR2vA5FA/s1600/Old+Navy+J+Jill+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmRu2A1bRAyv45acaqu2int6oH9kimlVQEkLMjWe-7ep56iMGuFFfBLxgkcB1xyBHhmiGP0HdijA-gHeWeYcLBZisYSGILNF7vKxPJDUUlB9sRkuW6m1fIqHLID4M1vt2p7xAR2vA5FA/s1600/Old+Navy+J+Jill+4.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLT8jJH7pFfla55IBpuEiIWhazbAd7WkGSakFUP1gPkhWV42XeJCz_jhzpv935kZ8b4srxGISIoNQpfLKGFpmztA2Z1lTp_xP374KmS8bLG094SxhIxrzI3kJYt9OSCaiznXZP-wcKx2k/s1600/old+navy+j+jill.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLT8jJH7pFfla55IBpuEiIWhazbAd7WkGSakFUP1gPkhWV42XeJCz_jhzpv935kZ8b4srxGISIoNQpfLKGFpmztA2Z1lTp_xP374KmS8bLG094SxhIxrzI3kJYt9OSCaiznXZP-wcKx2k/s1600/old+navy+j+jill.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We have so many fun things coming up, I can't wait to recap it all including a mini trip to San Fran (baby free!), the pumpkin farm, dinner with good friends and planning Ro's first trick or treat outing!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How are you enjoying the first week(s) of Fall? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9B34HMN65oSzPqs3XJnRuhfVwMqspWmUYDUhNAItJGxkcBe1SoieAbp0ZVNgBul2SnG8F3iQvkQaY7_Y1Lse0Br8qqJjW84-7wwowG-pRDtVK5M1vOCyfB2egcnLCHsZ-xTkioq-XIrk/s1600/Kait+Lately.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="141" data-original-width="345" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9B34HMN65oSzPqs3XJnRuhfVwMqspWmUYDUhNAItJGxkcBe1SoieAbp0ZVNgBul2SnG8F3iQvkQaY7_Y1Lse0Br8qqJjW84-7wwowG-pRDtVK5M1vOCyfB2egcnLCHsZ-xTkioq-XIrk/s320/Kait+Lately.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Kait Latelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114810592677193260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4677723925354302369.post-1126427036950069432018-09-07T06:00:00.000-05:002018-09-07T09:49:43.053-05:00A Coloradical Weekend <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We recently got home from a long weekend in Colorado and to say we’re still thinking about it often would be an understatement. We may or may not
be over here researching home prices on Zillow (far fetched, but fun nevertheless)
and reminiscing about our favorite parts via our shared photo albums. The
reason for the trip revolved around my cousin getting married in Golden but CO
has always been on our visit list so we were excited to extend the trip a bit,
especially since my immediate (and extended) Family was coming with. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My Family
(8 of us) stayed in an <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/24330633">adorable Air B&B</a> which was one of the MOST fun parts
of the trip. The house was a perfect setup because we all had our own rooms and there were multiple common areas where we would gather throughout the day including a sitting area with a fireplace, the kitchen island, downstairs game area and outdoor patio, which was my personal favorite. The white lights turned on at dusk so we would make a frozen pizza and enjoy a late night snack while discussing/recapping the days. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhniNSLk1qAE9MvCzcNZOc6ga07fJmO1xfY4xcM5dGjjUvqjabI9kyxypOJ3mJZUSIrDmBppSgJm_qK2f27dwNQAlZ45SYdVINli_wK-3I1pTA3UYM4l_kp5_gq1N-osHtS0G4fKQscXRw/s1600/air+b%2526b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhniNSLk1qAE9MvCzcNZOc6ga07fJmO1xfY4xcM5dGjjUvqjabI9kyxypOJ3mJZUSIrDmBppSgJm_qK2f27dwNQAlZ45SYdVINli_wK-3I1pTA3UYM4l_kp5_gq1N-osHtS0G4fKQscXRw/s1600/air+b%2526b.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhka5gmLs_PZUfGQ5WJ2rzqTCS3GSS26AcQiu0ZvuRgaVCYGa4ztrjhawJ9-Hqt1MZjYaaIEpzOfld72kNSnQDRBPuotgHNF13Px6COUe3heBmxgkJ4YtpVE63y34cH-xZBgA64H-z21Qs/s1600/air+b%2526b+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1478" data-original-width="1109" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhka5gmLs_PZUfGQ5WJ2rzqTCS3GSS26AcQiu0ZvuRgaVCYGa4ztrjhawJ9-Hqt1MZjYaaIEpzOfld72kNSnQDRBPuotgHNF13Px6COUe3heBmxgkJ4YtpVE63y34cH-xZBgA64H-z21Qs/s1600/air+b%2526b+2.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was the first time we left Ro for any extended length of time and because of this, the months leading up to our trip definitely stressed me out. I changed my mind 100x about this, debating whether he should come with or not but as hard was it was to leave him, there were so many reasons why it was better for <i>him </i>to stay home in the loving care of his Grandparents, because there were so many parts of this trip that weren't toddler friendly. I missed him terribly but I MUST admit, after the first FaceTime where I got to see how much fun he was having, I was able to relax a little and from there, the rest of our r<span style="background-color: white;">esponsibility-free time felt very rewarding. It was a great</span><span style="background-color: white;"> reminder of how important it is have time together, not spent discussing sleep schedules or diaper changes and just acting like ships passing in the night. For a few days, we weren’t Mom and Dad...just best friends on an adventure, hiking in the mountains and dancing at the wedding and it felt good...it felt deserved.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Speaking of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm4JD6RAx5b/?taken-by=kaitlately">those mountains</a>, our Friday spent at Rocky Mountain National Park was one of the best days we have ever spent together and just happens to be #1 on the list of my favorite things we did on our trip...</span></span></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="375">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hashtag"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Unresolved Mention"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:swiss;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536859905 -1073732485 9 0 511 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Helvetica Light";
panose-1:2 11 4 3 2 2 2 2 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:swiss;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-2147483473 1073750090 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Times New Roman \(Body CS\)";
panose-1:2 2 6 3 5 4 5 2 3 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536859921 -1073711039 9 0 511 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;}
p.xmsonormal, li.xmsonormal, div.xmsonormal
{mso-style-name:x_msonormal;
mso-style-unhide:no;
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;}
span.EmailStyle16
{mso-style-type:personal;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Helvetica Light",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:"Helvetica Light";
mso-hansi-font-family:"Helvetica Light";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman \(Body CS\)";
color:windowtext;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-size:10.0pt;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="xmsonormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Hiking the Rocky Mountains</b></span></li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf06VrKk1T6xE57t33BBGYZHoNy90IQWKImok7DWaVngO79Bt4ortIFUMxapQOLX3vDgWsTPOz9yNnbbF9M-KsWiAlpJKAj7D7A72eHOkh1Ipx9zrjZCQBZEjxi69En4nso-qPrmh8_5o/s1600/bear+lake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf06VrKk1T6xE57t33BBGYZHoNy90IQWKImok7DWaVngO79Bt4ortIFUMxapQOLX3vDgWsTPOz9yNnbbF9M-KsWiAlpJKAj7D7A72eHOkh1Ipx9zrjZCQBZEjxi69En4nso-qPrmh8_5o/s1600/bear+lake.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>bear lake</i></span></div>
<br />
My husband did a lot of research and narrowed down the best things to see in the limited amount of time we had. He planned a down-to-the minute- itinerary for the weekend and first on the list was hiking Rocky Mountain National Park, which was one of our bucket list items. Since we were staying in Golden, I was a little discouraged by the fact that we would be in the car for a total of 3 hours this day (getting there and back) but there wasn't going to be another opportunity to do this for a while so even though we were tired from getting in late the night before, we woke early, made pb sandwiches for the car and hit the road.<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The drive from Golden to Estes Park was beautiful, making the distance seem so short. We parked at the visitors center and from there, took a shuttle to the trail head at the park, at which time you have multiple different options for trails, depending on what you're hoping to see. We were debating between Emerald Lake and Mills like, seeming like we couldn't go wrong with either one, but we were running on a time clock due to evening activities so we chose the shorter path to <a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/emerald-lake.htm">Emerald Lake</a>. But don't let that fool you - shorter does NOT mean it feels short because so much of it was up and down, nor does it seem less difficult because even though we consider ourselves to be semi-in shape, it was a challenge and required multiple granola/water/sit breaks. The altitude was hard to adjust to but stopping along the way helped us catch our breath. One of the best parts of this path is <span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">that on the way to your final destination, you get to pass three other GORGEOUS alpine lakes including Bear Lake, Nymph Lake and Dream Lake, all which offer great views of the rocky peaks including Flattop Mountain, Hallett Peak and Glacier Gorge. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fQOEydTxUeqaW4ROQhKU-pCBYDLPc0Pfi180fEixRudJ0X0SUDJiXXsz6Kt0f0gamggj3M1PUWHSgCVd3taxGlBWsj8FtsCFi_2joeYcq-iioctxj6bV_LzjLPbAQGWRvwcpwKioye8/s1600/nymph+lake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fQOEydTxUeqaW4ROQhKU-pCBYDLPc0Pfi180fEixRudJ0X0SUDJiXXsz6Kt0f0gamggj3M1PUWHSgCVd3taxGlBWsj8FtsCFi_2joeYcq-iioctxj6bV_LzjLPbAQGWRvwcpwKioye8/s1600/nymph+lake.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>nymph lake</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am not exaggerating when I say that about approx. 7 minutes into our hike, my husband turned to me and said, <i>"I think this is one the best things I've ever done." </i>We were both completely taken aback by the unspoiled beauty surrounding us, each step and view being better than the last. I couldn't get over how wonderful the trees looked, stacked to the sky in the mountains, making for a gorgeous green and blue backdrop. The air smelled and FELT so clean and there were few clouds in the sky. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdTsN9WTSJg_nzLFzJ1VUckssf6ZpP2rxbLym4eya3aiDFHaIy6ACaevOzBUtS9QrVM3Jm4kohys06C8b6a5kmfv4Y0Wo5R71a3m0n2cJZiHXcd6OiAwq4lKD360iKfZH-26TXJ1UiDY/s1600/rocky+mountains.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdTsN9WTSJg_nzLFzJ1VUckssf6ZpP2rxbLym4eya3aiDFHaIy6ACaevOzBUtS9QrVM3Jm4kohys06C8b6a5kmfv4Y0Wo5R71a3m0n2cJZiHXcd6OiAwq4lKD360iKfZH-26TXJ1UiDY/s1600/rocky+mountains.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFb7up4bzBI5TXmrpqcfeeXN2qlLnpXaqNd7gBSMN1SDTx1MXridDyGdOSE5BimGnPoFugicsCqvES3owzYJG7JjWMVzZuqNIb0hbvo2wuf52llN5zBgj3eJiuYUrIkfW0CAlOCISs-8/s1600/emerald+lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFb7up4bzBI5TXmrpqcfeeXN2qlLnpXaqNd7gBSMN1SDTx1MXridDyGdOSE5BimGnPoFugicsCqvES3owzYJG7JjWMVzZuqNIb0hbvo2wuf52llN5zBgj3eJiuYUrIkfW0CAlOCISs-8/s1600/emerald+lake.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>emerald lake</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpkwaH6-UPpj_wphYGHIFAbwz0F_vNSgY1XaJgSycHTqQ5Zgby4bLHEI8NSf3BZGj-6oAI3LlHqyi2Jjt9rqVnC-7LnhIyfdMuOe7qp1h2X-gvnLrsmzYDqHfhAhUUzYcwPatfOr3iNg/s1600/emerald+lake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpkwaH6-UPpj_wphYGHIFAbwz0F_vNSgY1XaJgSycHTqQ5Zgby4bLHEI8NSf3BZGj-6oAI3LlHqyi2Jjt9rqVnC-7LnhIyfdMuOe7qp1h2X-gvnLrsmzYDqHfhAhUUzYcwPatfOr3iNg/s1600/emerald+lake2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>emerald lake</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">Emerald was absolutely breathtaking and worth every step it took to get there - Once we arrived, we climbed to the highest point of the mountain and sat down for a while in silence, trying to let it sink in. It was a surreal experience, the kind that makes you appreciate everything you have. Though this was an amazing moment, my husband and I both agree that Dream Lake (the one prior to reaching Emerald) was our favorite. We crossed a wooden bridge to reach its clearing and once we came upon it, our mouths were hanging open. I have never seen trees like this - Again with the trees, I know! But I was truly stunned and so happy in this moment. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">Not to mention, it felt so good to spend this time alone with Mike. As parents of a one year old, our time together is dedicated to him 95% of our awake hours, so to be this secluded, in a quiet, serene place with just each other to talk to, was a break we were both in need of...We were able to feel like our pre-baby selves for a bit.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1hzwRpYh7ZFt8TCnXpTM6PO3LW2IIAPXF2QollSavGJYVCHBzUANATDtC1m4UUaxYxxs6UL4JLUUP_V5d1hcpfFOlAKEja1-LQ-P6gnuX3T-Zsg-3zHV7bzYMkvxeYWuEbwm2AUfCqI/s1600/rocky+mountain.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1hzwRpYh7ZFt8TCnXpTM6PO3LW2IIAPXF2QollSavGJYVCHBzUANATDtC1m4UUaxYxxs6UL4JLUUP_V5d1hcpfFOlAKEja1-LQ-P6gnuX3T-Zsg-3zHV7bzYMkvxeYWuEbwm2AUfCqI/s1600/rocky+mountain.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">We can't wait to come back the this park. We actually tried to devise a plan to hike it again on the last day we were in Colorado but there just wasn't enough time, so until we meet again...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnTfIEuilZnNDwKeCfe8PERNOU227hswPTNNQLWRRSNEMegVCAuZ5IcL9eRwKnDGcsyCsUfa-ZnZIfXNuEAdAZFz5rn6QR0JrNUykcQBb0laYlyNg1-EXr6ui0BR0DaXMwgXFs_osi4Q/s1600/dream+lake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnTfIEuilZnNDwKeCfe8PERNOU227hswPTNNQLWRRSNEMegVCAuZ5IcL9eRwKnDGcsyCsUfa-ZnZIfXNuEAdAZFz5rn6QR0JrNUykcQBb0laYlyNg1-EXr6ui0BR0DaXMwgXFs_osi4Q/s1600/dream+lake2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; white-space: pre-wrap;">dream lake</i></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">2. Seeing a Concert at the Red Rocks Amphitheater</span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYDcBuyRuqwzteCX5Js514K57FYPz38uZ_T-2zNHlDDlOaed3oAJm6KLtd0iDR6Ihrk6CAc4-InLXgGlraTdCtO00ioDOPCNAQ5UkgfeUTZBgPuvJks6nbAyOOnlUkwh2khgOkTWBaLo/s1600/red+rocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYDcBuyRuqwzteCX5Js514K57FYPz38uZ_T-2zNHlDDlOaed3oAJm6KLtd0iDR6Ihrk6CAc4-InLXgGlraTdCtO00ioDOPCNAQ5UkgfeUTZBgPuvJks6nbAyOOnlUkwh2khgOkTWBaLo/s1600/red+rocks.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Other than the wedding, this is the Family activity we were all looking most forward to. Luckily there was a fun show happening on the day we were in town (<a href="http://www.1964web.com/">1964 - a Beatles Tribute</a>) which was something we could all enjoy so we bought tickets pretty far in advance. I think I speak for all of us when I say it was even better than we imagined. As soon as Mike and I walked in the door from hiking Friday, it was time to leave for the Amphitheater so we changed faster than I ever have before in my life, I did my makeup in the car and we grabbed sausages and drinks at the venue (both of which were actually pretty good!).<br />
<br />
We wanted to be there a few hours before the show started so we could watch the sun go down, because while the music is a bonus, the best part is the gorgeous red rock formations that line each side, complete with mountain views in the distance. The place gets prettier as the night goes on because the uplighting highlights the rocks and makes the entire space feel like it's glowing. The whole evening was just wonderful - The band sounded SO good and I like that it's not just another tribute band - They actually perform AS the Beatles, offering the experience you would have gotten when the real band performed more than 50 years ago. <i>*Fun fact </i>- The Red Rocks Theater is one of just TWO places left standing in the US where the real Beatles actually performed. Cool, right?<br />
<br />
<b>Side note:</b> Prior to even planning our trip here, I had read about <a href="https://www.redrocksonline.com/yotr/">Red Rocks Yoga</a> and thought, could there possibly be ANY better place to practice? Downward dog on the rocks during sun up? This is a must for future trips and now that I've been there, it has moved even higher up in the ranks so I look forward to crossing that one off someday.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEZCYLRwCLGSsGuI4adWL8l4fO-w1Fv1RBKycYlfTc8kTruDfUhdpqrddpockorY6XY4O261uQ9Sxk8FnSQO2oeUDowRnhfHMwU1q0L5biyLMXN3prXyGugC2JZq0W7ElRlRgDNCs5Rs/s1600/red+rocks2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEZCYLRwCLGSsGuI4adWL8l4fO-w1Fv1RBKycYlfTc8kTruDfUhdpqrddpockorY6XY4O261uQ9Sxk8FnSQO2oeUDowRnhfHMwU1q0L5biyLMXN3prXyGugC2JZq0W7ElRlRgDNCs5Rs/s1600/red+rocks2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>red rocks theater</i></span></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">3. Spending the Day in Breckenridge</span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbt2vQeLNx5MBI1anJS2kn6lBfnslxElOwdVJR8C23VLcFFxWYgQ_04hhJeyyUTp103T93W-5fELXOLu_BoITBWMcCoKXNcKPArO6zLeMmp6C2vDstkTBBnBL369IKz9wXSfVOxMgxAa0/s1600/breckenridge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbt2vQeLNx5MBI1anJS2kn6lBfnslxElOwdVJR8C23VLcFFxWYgQ_04hhJeyyUTp103T93W-5fELXOLu_BoITBWMcCoKXNcKPArO6zLeMmp6C2vDstkTBBnBL369IKz9wXSfVOxMgxAa0/s1600/breckenridge.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Our (very well-thought-out and color coded 😂) itinerary had a few different options for our last day in Colorado and waking up still tired from the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm8eQoJAm3w/?taken-by=kaitlately">AMAZING wedding</a> the night before, we were unsure of what route we wanted to go. Everyone had different things they wanted to see so we decided to split up and half of the Family went to Golden State Park for a Hike (see some of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm9tMNlgojs/?hl=en&taken-by=balancinglisa">Lisa's pictures here</a>, so beautiful!) while the rest of us made the drive to Breckenridge, per the recommendation from some of our Family who lives in the state. I am SO glad we went because it ended up being one of my favorite parts of the trip. Though the town is <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">known for its ski resort and alpine activities, we had such a fun time exploring Main Street, looking at all of the colorfully painted buildings from the 1880's, checking out the shops and eating our way through town. By the way, our drive TO Breckenridge was awesome in and of itself! It is amazing views the entire way from Golden and it made me think how much more I would appreciate road trips if all of them at home were this good. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXdaJ79oq3CMKBMBNqmI437ePhYjTi2o61CblG7U9YTecvOzQ4fbKgSv3pPql3NvfDe55WZYxrTKtS387EhTomGYPpJ8OYmg2qxr8cl7NkgyvjkNt9N6_5kFY8k2tFb64xW0DCfAdFLs/s1600/drive+to+boulder.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXdaJ79oq3CMKBMBNqmI437ePhYjTi2o61CblG7U9YTecvOzQ4fbKgSv3pPql3NvfDe55WZYxrTKtS387EhTomGYPpJ8OYmg2qxr8cl7NkgyvjkNt9N6_5kFY8k2tFb64xW0DCfAdFLs/s1600/drive+to+boulder.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>drive to breckenridge</i></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It was 90 degrees when we left Golden that morning so we all arrived in tank tops and shorts. As soon as we pulled into town, we noticed everyone in long pants, hoodies and some even in winter coats. We had driven about 50 minutes and in that time, the temperature had dropped about 30 degrees! We didn't really think about this possibility ahead of time (Guess we forgot where we were!) but this was the perfect excuse to buy our trip </span>souvenirs<span style="font-family: inherit;">, "Breck" hoodies! By the way, that's actually how everyone refers to the town - At first, we thought it was more of a joke, mocking it in many of our conversations but the more places we went, the more realized that it's a real thing and it made us laugh. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAW_xsT8GAt_GPusb-VkNC73Z_lwwjBCMXG3KG7YA2vGzJ-0NyAOI6Vfll-WSDMsSwQC9zOh448UuwuFJfw112jmekDVlqLhh-TIamQeuv0M5Fln4GV5btf_8maodmUWRakzI39laChKs/s1600/kava.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAW_xsT8GAt_GPusb-VkNC73Z_lwwjBCMXG3KG7YA2vGzJ-0NyAOI6Vfll-WSDMsSwQC9zOh448UuwuFJfw112jmekDVlqLhh-TIamQeuv0M5Fln4GV5btf_8maodmUWRakzI39laChKs/s1600/kava.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Breckenridge is about 10,000 feet above sea level and I would say this is the part of the weekend where I noticed the altitude change the most. All 4 of us experienced difficulties at point or another on this day, even just walking down the street. You don't realize how much it can affect you but it's quite a change of pace from us coming from flat Illinois so we just took sit breaks whenever we needed to. Sit and eat breaks I should say... we had lunch on the patio at the </span><a href="http://kenoshasteakhouse.com/menu/" style="font-family: inherit;">Kenosha Steakhouse</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> which was delicious. It was sunny when we sat down but actually rained multiple times during our lunch, which was a frequent </span>occurrence<span style="font-family: inherit;"> in general throughout the weekend. It's funny how we were questioning running inside while everyone else just continued eating their meals and having their conversation...they are used to it, no doubt. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We all enjoyed being able to try local craft beers everywhere we went (there are SO many choices) and one of my favorite parts about the town was how many coffee shops there were...MY PERSONAL HEAVEN! Every 5 feet or so, there was another opportunity for a coffee, pastry, ice cream or lunch. Yes, I can definitely see myself here ;) </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15VdoiBVAjZ2TMBzDjabi2qm3mUYY0nbQE0JKcpgc2r-d_NKs6wLLjB2WzWbVnwpAlJoIynXTKaJSTsCw7_DGpuoScV1_y2BnUkjjsmvnhwW5CTNHgystpxxRF9rIGZu_mC6btrRu5DI/s1600/clints2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15VdoiBVAjZ2TMBzDjabi2qm3mUYY0nbQE0JKcpgc2r-d_NKs6wLLjB2WzWbVnwpAlJoIynXTKaJSTsCw7_DGpuoScV1_y2BnUkjjsmvnhwW5CTNHgystpxxRF9rIGZu_mC6btrRu5DI/s1600/clints2.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i>we LOVED <a href="http://www.clintsbakery.com/">clint's bakery & deli</a>!</i></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNoDR16q61q7Ep0jEXa0e-pUch0yRavMw2g50OglnEMVxCkRcq9nII_FGJECk4MvJqUKoRJIOaQL5fh1jrqpjNC7Dxo2ICftcDUQTJnjdZX2z0Z0zthJZXoF14FZyCfxR6GYJO_zQwmJo/s1600/breckenridge2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNoDR16q61q7Ep0jEXa0e-pUch0yRavMw2g50OglnEMVxCkRcq9nII_FGJECk4MvJqUKoRJIOaQL5fh1jrqpjNC7Dxo2ICftcDUQTJnjdZX2z0Z0zthJZXoF14FZyCfxR6GYJO_zQwmJo/s1600/breckenridge2.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Other Details:</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">My cousin's wedding was held at <a href="https://www.mountvernoncc.com/">Mount Vernon Canyon Club</a> in Golden which was one of the coolest venues I've ever seen. The ceremony was held on the outdoor terrace which was covered in white lights and overlooked the mountains, so when it was time for the sun to go down, it felt pretty magical. Mike and I made sure to steal a few beers (and kisses!) out there during the night. They served <a href="https://www.voodoodoughnut.com/">Voodoo Donuts</a> which are some of the best we've ever tasted and kept the party going all night thanks to the guests and wedding party members who traveled all the way from Germany - Those guys know how to rage for sure. Congrats again Amy & Tobi! 💓</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbj9cuA5LjJuo9FraAVI5qOevPK5klkvuMaarhe2iG8C1axcJgkTijRDD98PjqxSpMjnCWc5leyd88WH7_l4iC9DqCrACdCft6fGOcrIJaRKvCrrX0pz8ulGQWzacwsTHQpgFH3P03LE/s1600/mount+vernon+canyon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbj9cuA5LjJuo9FraAVI5qOevPK5klkvuMaarhe2iG8C1axcJgkTijRDD98PjqxSpMjnCWc5leyd88WH7_l4iC9DqCrACdCft6fGOcrIJaRKvCrrX0pz8ulGQWzacwsTHQpgFH3P03LE/s1600/mount+vernon+canyon.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiatXEQe5gFdwVAgqdXVRcUuq6tQWJfiHfdBlNe12HuSO3x-dWvIqihkGXY1Xr4zQRHz8jx0oulwlp6rMlTnC1sXbX2AXoDEJAiX8xkg1SVpxPRnXuXa1HuSGp5gVDiY8Op_68cHv0gNOg/s1600/voodoo+donuts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiatXEQe5gFdwVAgqdXVRcUuq6tQWJfiHfdBlNe12HuSO3x-dWvIqihkGXY1Xr4zQRHz8jx0oulwlp6rMlTnC1sXbX2AXoDEJAiX8xkg1SVpxPRnXuXa1HuSGp5gVDiY8Op_68cHv0gNOg/s1600/voodoo+donuts.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>voodoo donuts</i></span></div>
<ul>
<li>Mike, my Dad and I ventured to Boulder on Saturday morning for lunch and a little exploring. We checked out <a href="https://bouldercolorado.gov/parks-rec/chautauqua-park">Chautauqua Park</a> first which seemed like the ideal way to start a weekend morning - There were so many young 20 and 30-somethings (many presumably hailing from CU Boulder) getting ready to hike with their friends/dogs which I would do every Saturday if I lived there. Imagine that and then heading into the downtown area where there is literally an opportunity to drink, eat and shop at the cutest places every 2 feet - That is everything I live for in a weekend. We <a href="http://www.mountainsunpub.com/">grabbed lunch here</a> and sampled some of the delicious local brews, walked up and down the promenade area and grabbed iced lattes for the road home.</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIta99P7ertxstWnPYcx0fgv9FAH3xs-gd6sEfhjr9MlCp6Iw9Di3huJBxZXUAuAmyKAqoyw2XqPQWgyHlMziwrnu8oMHOqItsiuCWEFhXJZegO1KXwsZQj1P00llQ-a_NOL9nZdz6hx4/s1600/boulder+coffee.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIta99P7ertxstWnPYcx0fgv9FAH3xs-gd6sEfhjr9MlCp6Iw9Di3huJBxZXUAuAmyKAqoyw2XqPQWgyHlMziwrnu8oMHOqItsiuCWEFhXJZegO1KXwsZQj1P00llQ-a_NOL9nZdz6hx4/s1600/boulder+coffee.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> our coffee stop!</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyY1ToaOho84IEgyQDYWfIJdmrm6wqWb53KBQM52vea7_blYU67HE4kajtj9bEatE0RQOVajN4rc7kF3-v8x1EaGW1eqyJWwm-Fi0fmDx-nQlpk25w3syKH5KyxuU8_m1lXMBnHQ4UBzI/s1600/Chautauqua+Park+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyY1ToaOho84IEgyQDYWfIJdmrm6wqWb53KBQM52vea7_blYU67HE4kajtj9bEatE0RQOVajN4rc7kF3-v8x1EaGW1eqyJWwm-Fi0fmDx-nQlpk25w3syKH5KyxuU8_m1lXMBnHQ4UBzI/s1600/Chautauqua+Park+.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>chautauqua park trails</i></span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">And just ONE last shoutout to our house because I think I miss that the most. I'm sure any house would have provided us with great memories, it was just being able to wake up and have breakfast together, go on our adventures and meet up in the evening to tell stories until it got late and we realized we had to get up and do it all over again the next day. Doesn't get better than that!</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglujcUIgp5Bqt7H9F_KzF09YoLxXnehtEcnyIxg8cB0I8IJIwlUFgiQTmVo3Ckx627qWOxWdyhuhGl4199a373ZfC9FfK4CfBdj3OGR9wps6vwfB01z8HGgllxxF-gSWCwgVWOFCEUgcs/s1600/air+b%2526b+patio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglujcUIgp5Bqt7H9F_KzF09YoLxXnehtEcnyIxg8cB0I8IJIwlUFgiQTmVo3Ckx627qWOxWdyhuhGl4199a373ZfC9FfK4CfBdj3OGR9wps6vwfB01z8HGgllxxF-gSWCwgVWOFCEUgcs/s1600/air+b%2526b+patio.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank you for checking out my recap!<br />
We are counting the days until we can return.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVHiaIWPgLO1duhOriH9l7yxOKvO2yGnOehN0lsgEyGQd_UDO3_QyuHa7yn4pK-T4Ckn20HDkYD9LBBYlVo_UnDpNOFC3WYMTQF-GrUWwF5VFrbVaJOAnGl3sqG0Q0E2WpI1SzxICRh4/s1600/family.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVHiaIWPgLO1duhOriH9l7yxOKvO2yGnOehN0lsgEyGQd_UDO3_QyuHa7yn4pK-T4Ckn20HDkYD9LBBYlVo_UnDpNOFC3WYMTQF-GrUWwF5VFrbVaJOAnGl3sqG0Q0E2WpI1SzxICRh4/s1600/family.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Have you been to Colorado? What were your favorite spots to visit? </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I will add them to our list for next time!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbpr3MEshb30O11b1gVTKwqNOVgJofU82TloXpvr_Is-IGhW4IzCYpwVrbwyB_WFI6CavZL2bI6ALK89Jdf_6G5LdBI0xdEnWFCcHHtf9hK-g0wlWwLHLubC8dhlfPcymDCduOJ4ILLFM/s1600/Kait+Lately.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="141" data-original-width="345" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbpr3MEshb30O11b1gVTKwqNOVgJofU82TloXpvr_Is-IGhW4IzCYpwVrbwyB_WFI6CavZL2bI6ALK89Jdf_6G5LdBI0xdEnWFCcHHtf9hK-g0wlWwLHLubC8dhlfPcymDCduOJ4ILLFM/s320/Kait+Lately.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kait Latelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114810592677193260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4677723925354302369.post-40090629048733894092018-08-31T05:30:00.000-05:002018-08-31T05:30:02.951-05:006 Products from Our Baby Registry We Still Use Every Day <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">It's kind of amazing how much stuff such a small human requires. When Ro was a newborn, we had 3 different contraptions for him to sleep in (travel bassinet, pack n play, rock n play - oh, and don't forget his crib) because we didn't have any idea what we were doing and we wanted to be prepared. Now that we're 12+ months in, we feel a little more knowledgable when it comes to buying for baby and what has long lasting quality/purpose and there are a few items I consider to be CRUCIAL because we have used them almost on a daily basis since he was born. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span>
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><b><i>Here are 6 of my favorite baby products with everlasting life:</i></b></span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Hushh Noise Machine</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="375">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hashtag"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Unresolved Mention"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:swiss;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536859905 -1073732485 9 0 511 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;}
span.EmailStyle15
{mso-style-type:personal;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-ansi-font-size:11.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
color:windowtext;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-size:10.0pt;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026"/>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1"/>
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">I am not
exaggerating when I say <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/RiaP">this tiny noise machine</a> our number one favorite item from our registry
that still gets as much use today, as it did 12 months ago. I remember the day
we got it – Ro had been in the world just a few days and my aunt came over to meet him slash give
us a welcome home gift. We unwrapped the noise machine and thanked her, not
knowing it would become as important in our daily routine as our hair brush or
house keys. That afternoon, we put Ro on his <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/RicE">Boppy Lounger</a> for a nap (another early favorite of ours) and urned the white noise on. He slept so soundly and we loved that it
blocked out the rest of the sound in the house, some of which we can’t always control
(aka Fitz barking at the neighbor’s dog). Since that day over a year ago, Ro
has not taken a single nap or nighttime sleep without this glorious machine which actually has 3 different sounds but we routinely use the standard white
noise function. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i>Fun fact: </i>I think we actually own 3 of them at this point
because we broke a few in the early days of stumbling around in the middle of the night and then decided we always wanted to have a backup in
the house - This is serious stuff, guys. We rarely leave the house without it
and have a charger in our car so we can use it for Ro’s naps on the way to
Wisconsin. Now...You can say what you want about creating bad sleep habits and
you may be right – Maybe he will always have to sleep with some sort of noise
(like his Mother – I bring a travel fan on trips with me!), but I consider that
to be small potatoes in the world of getting your kid to sleep well through the
night. Earlier this week we had crazy storms including hail that pelted our
windows and guess who slept through it? RO. Thank you, Hushh 😉</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRoNXJp76D6hTwxLYY_ij9t3WxZ9sBZyQhC9cAZY6A6T5bzvE_H7N_ahXQHMAn8bwqb7b6JDjMAw12oSt7Qp3y5tD5zAudCDpPg9tKiXUSWs3nmd7neyHQLfipLmhEmxnkEYKaz00ue8/s1600/hushh+noise+machine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRoNXJp76D6hTwxLYY_ij9t3WxZ9sBZyQhC9cAZY6A6T5bzvE_H7N_ahXQHMAn8bwqb7b6JDjMAw12oSt7Qp3y5tD5zAudCDpPg9tKiXUSWs3nmd7neyHQLfipLmhEmxnkEYKaz00ue8/s1600/hushh+noise+machine.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Graco FastAction Fold Jogger</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="375">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hashtag"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Unresolved Mention"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:swiss;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536859905 -1073732485 9 0 511 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;}
span.EmailStyle15
{mso-style-type:personal;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-ansi-font-size:11.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
color:windowtext;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-size:10.0pt;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family: inherit;">I knew I wanted a jogging stroller before I had
a baby – Before I got pregnant, actually or was even in the realm of being Mom
ready. When I would be out running in my early 20’s, I always saw young Mom’s
running behind a stroller with 3 wheels, pushing their baby, voluminous ponytail
bouncing along and I thought they made it look so easy. Maybe it WAS possible
to have a baby and still keep my workout routine in tact. Turns out, it IS
possible, though I’d like to go back in time to girl(s) with said ponytail and
tell them I’m sorry for thinking anything about Motherhood was easy 😉 But this stroller DOES help I researched a lot of them before adding this to my registry and ultimately
decided <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/RjcI">on this one</a> because of its consistent rave reviews and because I knew
and trusted the Graco brand. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">There are a LOT of fancy strollers these days, some of them closely resembling the bat mobile and some of them being more fashion than function for the leggings-north face-Starbucks tribe (not that I’m too far from that level of basic), but this one has proven to be a perfect choice for us. It is SO smooth, both in terms of pushing for me and the ride for Ro, whether we’re walking or running. There’s a ton of storage space underneath, plenty of cup holders/space for my phone and even though it’s large, it folds up with one pull of a handle so we can store it in a tiny space in our garage. Before we had Ro, I was so worried about where everything would go, especially the strollers because we own 2 but it becomes super compact which makes our lives much easier. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmiJzx25PbspM1jXHNiqgHiYh6nnA_2jfZwoBbtMp1OTdm1IE-_ofY8huuYNBNHLCYyKvXZ1U7jfvCntDHtoXWFR0qQ5zqjpx_H7ee6e1cGIbU-_acpVIP3aIWzIA2_Ctv7bFJqNGiMw/s1600/graco+stoller2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmiJzx25PbspM1jXHNiqgHiYh6nnA_2jfZwoBbtMp1OTdm1IE-_ofY8huuYNBNHLCYyKvXZ1U7jfvCntDHtoXWFR0qQ5zqjpx_H7ee6e1cGIbU-_acpVIP3aIWzIA2_Ctv7bFJqNGiMw/s1600/graco+stoller2.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b style="font-size: x-large;">Baby Einstein Sea Dreams Soother</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am NOT lying when I say <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/RjcA">this crib soother</a> was <b>KEY</b> in Ro learning how to self-soothe. During the infant months, there were many phases where he would wake up crying and we would run in there to rock him back to sleep. Out of desperation, we had tried so many different<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111;"> sleep aids including several different types and brands of sleep blankets and swaddles, hoping one of them would provide the answer (btw, the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Merlins-Magic-Sleepsuit-Cotton/dp/B00KHZPH74">Magic Merlin </a>was the only one that actually worked and provided a great transition from the <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/Ri76">Rock N Play</a> to the crib).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #111111;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: inherit;">But then, around 4-5 months, we installed this adorable fish tank in his crib and it instantly became one of his favorite things. We would lay him in there during the day just for short breaks and he would watch it with a smile on his face, kicking his legs and making giggling sounds. Now, if he wakes up during the night, he will stand up and turn on the tank, watches the floating sea creatures (we have it set on low with music and movement) and a few minutes later, he </span><span style="color: #111111;">usually</span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> lays back down and goes to sleep. This is AMAZING and such a change of pace from waking up and screaming because he's afraid or unable to get back to sleep on his own. He also turns it on EVERY single </span>morning<span style="font-family: inherit;"> when he first wakes up. We will hear him through the monitor hit the on button and that's how we know he's up and he will stay content in there just watching the fish for at least a half hour which gives us a little time to get up and moving. We LOVE this product and recommend it to all parents when they're ready to put baby in the crib!</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVSqNy9EqlzKOBdLrJTY1y4XlEA2HRZ4QMyHEEuqX2X6yKZ6DJmhZdVY5AtETsQ25Vyyw6wuvygIlZ6NKxN6aKpoup7JxZO3lADNhHfwUjSPpqK-WFQxkbvgBr1oKQGngKsqDcAPWZQZw/s1600/baby+einstein+soother.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVSqNy9EqlzKOBdLrJTY1y4XlEA2HRZ4QMyHEEuqX2X6yKZ6DJmhZdVY5AtETsQ25Vyyw6wuvygIlZ6NKxN6aKpoup7JxZO3lADNhHfwUjSPpqK-WFQxkbvgBr1oKQGngKsqDcAPWZQZw/s1600/baby+einstein+soother.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #111111;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Moonlight & Melodies Elephant</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This item was on our registry but we actually didn't start using it until about 6 months ago. A) I kind of forgot we had it and B) I didn't think we needed to add <i>another</i> thing to Ro's sleep routine but my Mom showed me a soothing hippo she used for his naps that played music and a projection on the ceiling and he seemed to like it which made me remember our <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/RjdN">SkipHop Elephant</a>. Since that day I brought it out, it has been a staple and one of his favorite things in his room. I actually only turn this on before his nighttime sleep (not at nap time) because I like how calming it is and I think it's the perfect thing to signal to him that sleep is near. I give him a bath (every single night - I know, slightly crazy), read him a few of his favorite books, give him his bottle, turn off the lights and turn on the elephant. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It has a star projection for his ceiling and lots of different songs/calming noises to choose from but we usually use the rainforest sounds for bedtime. I</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">t has 3 different time settings which is awesome so I just set it to 15 minutes and it typically turns off by the time he's sleeping. It has also saved us on his hardest nights, like the ones where has threw up all over his crib, followed by 2 hours of inconsolable crying. In order to get him to finally calm down and go back to sleep, I would turn on the elephant softly, rock him in my arms and then put him back in his crib, letting the elephant continue to play while he dozes off. It's calming, comforting and all of the things a baby should experience when they're falling asleep. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbfthgUl4hXUIjCLyLmA7tV60bA3wvpwLLwBPaaJBSmX_5SYnmhoWuyaKR0Y7uhBbNVTecJViBvR-va2TYk-DIQLOSXPZg5PmEsOiSxxiC2j9XFky_LIzjPAdoTYmrjb91V1MrdJyUIE/s1600/skiphop+elephant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbfthgUl4hXUIjCLyLmA7tV60bA3wvpwLLwBPaaJBSmX_5SYnmhoWuyaKR0Y7uhBbNVTecJViBvR-va2TYk-DIQLOSXPZg5PmEsOiSxxiC2j9XFky_LIzjPAdoTYmrjb91V1MrdJyUIE/s1600/skiphop+elephant.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/RjdS">Our crib</a> was one of the only things I didn't waiver on when it came time to register because I loved it's mid-century modern style and clean aesthetic from the moment I saw it. It's made with eco-friendly, non-toxic materials (which is comforting since Ro went through a heavy rail chewing phase!) and when we're ready, it will easily transition into a toddler bed and daybed so it can grow along with him for years. It comes in grey, white and a few two-tone options so there are a lot of choices depending on the style of your nursery. It was very easy to lower the mattress once Ro was mobile and we feel good knowing how comfortable and safe he is in there every night.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98vurIYwTE9PWZQjZybVkRP2sETV6DLbTdfTUjjQJOgwlj3ZtSlMwq1D7I09JWqBa0bscC9xaHEsv-3ZWY6V2NqmKYY54YWESKFpwIKJUdG5JCG8CSoz2S79T-h785jj34goPDRe-MUE/s1600/crib.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98vurIYwTE9PWZQjZybVkRP2sETV6DLbTdfTUjjQJOgwlj3ZtSlMwq1D7I09JWqBa0bscC9xaHEsv-3ZWY6V2NqmKYY54YWESKFpwIKJUdG5JCG8CSoz2S79T-h785jj34goPDRe-MUE/s1600/crib.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="goog_453857773"></span><span id="goog_453857774"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Dr. Browns Bottles</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Though we are working on transitioning off of bottles soon, these were <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/RjfY">our go-to brand</a> by far and we tried a lot of different kinds in the beginning. I breastfed Ro for 10+ months and early on, I was <i>very concerned </i>about finding a bottle that wouldn't deter him from that because I wanted to continue for as long as I could. I knew my Mom was going to be watching him a few days when I went back to work, so I didn't have a choice when it came to introducing a bottle and luckily, these worked out perfectly, allowing him to seamlessly switch from breast to bottle with no issues. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Natural Flow bottles use a patented 2-piece internal vent system which creates positive-pressure flow for vacuum-free feeding that is similar to breastfeeding. The breast milk or formula flows freely without nipple collapse and as the baby feeds, air is channeled from the nipple collar through the vent system to the back of the bottle. Air never mixes with the breast milk or formula so oxidation is prevented, thereby maintaining essential vitamins such as C, A and E. The vent system eliminates air bubbles in the formula or milk, which helps to reduce feeding problems like colic, spit-up, burping and gas. Dr. Brown's bottles are completely BPA, PVC, lead and phthalate free for baby's safety. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><br /></span></span>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxD7DYcD1EgQEYNomkMtJJdk8Ztr6vdysa6CUnx7M8Xnx4mG4Z4u9Km6YyTwhhoGcCOdPFcInecRgQ3dPY0o1JoEJcrAB8pKputfBKRZc31EzIQJiaMw4Y_Yy0NSVO2MJRxiwfAxDxP0/s1600/dr+brown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxD7DYcD1EgQEYNomkMtJJdk8Ztr6vdysa6CUnx7M8Xnx4mG4Z4u9Km6YyTwhhoGcCOdPFcInecRgQ3dPY0o1JoEJcrAB8pKputfBKRZc31EzIQJiaMw4Y_Yy0NSVO2MJRxiwfAxDxP0/s1600/dr+brown.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><br /></span></span>
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">SHOP OUR FAVORITE BABY PRODUCTS:</span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="shopsense-widget" data-mobile-optimize="true" data-options="%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%225b86b2fb86f6b084c31fc472%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid6784-40818972-74%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.com%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A394%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A780%7D" style="text-align: center;">
<script> !function(doc,s,id){ var e, p, cb; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; cb = new Date().getTime().toString(); p = '//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js?cb=1535554149660?cb=' + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === 'object'){ if(doc.readyState === 'complete'){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, 'script', 'shopsensewidget-script'); </script><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> <iframe frameborder="0" height="394px" seamless="" src="//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%225b86b2fb86f6b084c31fc472%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid6784-40818972-74%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.com%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A394%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A780%7D" style="border: 0;" width="780px">
</iframe> </span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> <!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE END -->
</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mama's, what registry/newborn items are you still using a year later? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Let me know your favorites!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38CWhbshdXH7BxKjqSjBV6SbQDOhB_rNz_KsV4jQGb7nwGREVkRBkYwdyRDEZ4vi1lz4hEDnXJLeXK2VUm7isgkvI4OZddGs6dcmcjpFaGc3SQUaLTQAjK2Xsfw3h12cRJrDiZdv6MbA/s1600/Kait+Lately.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="141" data-original-width="345" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38CWhbshdXH7BxKjqSjBV6SbQDOhB_rNz_KsV4jQGb7nwGREVkRBkYwdyRDEZ4vi1lz4hEDnXJLeXK2VUm7isgkvI4OZddGs6dcmcjpFaGc3SQUaLTQAjK2Xsfw3h12cRJrDiZdv6MbA/s320/Kait+Lately.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Kait Latelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114810592677193260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4677723925354302369.post-63004845843239246432018-08-17T06:00:00.000-05:002018-08-28T15:20:47.377-05:00New Jumpsuit, New Idea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sometimes, you just need to mix it up. Step away from the routine and try something fresh, even if it's insignificant: Even if you're unsure. Whether it's a <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=739031910&pid=uid6784-40818972-74&utm_content=textlink%3Ashopstyle.it%2Fl%3AQwKw">wide-leg linen jumpsui</a>t you aren't 100% sure is your style (it is) or your first bottle of Kombucha <i>ever</i> (it was <a href="https://www.amazon.com/KeVita-Master-Kombucha-Pineapple-Probiotics/dp/B00TZFU3RG">this flavor</a> and I loved it), it's good to shake things up every now and then. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For example: A few weeks ago, I was talking with my co-worker about a friend of ours who recently decided to go back to school and pursue a career she is very passionate about. We discussed how proud of her we were and at the same time, slightly envious. Not because we wish we were doing the same thing, but because she was able to pinpoint that ONE thing she feels strongly enough about to spend her time and energy on. We agreed that we both feel that way about 10+ different things in our lives and avenues we'd love to pursue someday but even in our late 20's/early 30's (respectively), it's a challenge to settle on just ONE. We continued to talk about so many ideas we had swirling around in our heads, both business and entrepreneurial related which actually felt really good, just letting all of our ideas flow. It was THIS conversation that led me to "mix it up" at my job...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuPIvd3mhoFz9PX3F0-F0KJtUO4zF5P_KvYxGLLElsR92Jx469Xa_IdEhCtbxW1HkfnFiOknSXJhDgEa1xvimNzG8Eyd8tLwGBOn3s8DBABW2T4bUMkZtgwBI8ptkYe-2xWGfSDO3Np8/s1600/rattan+bag1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuPIvd3mhoFz9PX3F0-F0KJtUO4zF5P_KvYxGLLElsR92Jx469Xa_IdEhCtbxW1HkfnFiOknSXJhDgEa1xvimNzG8Eyd8tLwGBOn3s8DBABW2T4bUMkZtgwBI8ptkYe-2xWGfSDO3Np8/s1600/rattan+bag1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Wearing:</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jumpsuit: <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/QwKw">Target</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bag: c/o <a href="https://darrielandcherry.com/">Darriel & Cherry</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wedges: Old from Just Fab - <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/QwMv">Similar style here</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bandana scarf: c/o J. Jill</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sunnies: Old Navy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lipstick: <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/QwMP">Glo Skin Beauty</a></div>
<!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE START --> <br />
<div class="shopsense-widget" data-mobile-optimize="true" data-options="%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%225b74e6c05d9d7f87be56992e%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid6784-40818972-74%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.com%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D" style="text-align: center;">
<script> !function(doc,s,id){ var e, p, cb; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; cb = new Date().getTime().toString(); p = '//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js?cb=1534387653194?cb=' + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === 'object'){ if(doc.readyState === 'complete'){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, 'script', 'shopsensewidget-script'); </script> <iframe frameborder="0" height="275px" seamless="" src="//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%225b74e6c05d9d7f87be56992e%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid6784-40818972-74%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.com%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D" style="border: 0;" width="705px">
</iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5IaO-TtKG-IgZpLEdg6FlUwjRB8ZHreqqPS4tPWGQ3-O0FY6aWpfzBnHFhJ0HTDFo8YBF_4GZ81hhZCltbKwzycvD3WK_m6wcnrkPH0mMSGgAx-nVVetVUsOgnTlsl8MH5cMMSzAuOHA/s1600/rattan+bag5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5IaO-TtKG-IgZpLEdg6FlUwjRB8ZHreqqPS4tPWGQ3-O0FY6aWpfzBnHFhJ0HTDFo8YBF_4GZ81hhZCltbKwzycvD3WK_m6wcnrkPH0mMSGgAx-nVVetVUsOgnTlsl8MH5cMMSzAuOHA/s1600/rattan+bag5.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I thought: Wouldn't it be cool if we created an open atmosphere in the office for people to share their ideas and collaborate with one another to turn those into plans? Just once a month, something as simple as taking your lunch outside or grabbing a coffee together nearby and letting your mind just explore freely? I wasn't sure about sharing this with the rest of the team because it's a small group of people with very strong opinions but turns out, the idea was well-received so I organized our very first "idea lunch" this afternoon. We ordered a few salads, spread out some picnic blankets in the front of our building and spent an hour talking a loosely assigned topic of brand loyalty and smart customer service.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">T<span style="color: black;">he main <span class="highlight" id="0.5803181632985517" name="searchHitInReadingPane">idea</span> is to encourage <span class="highlight" id="0.34919244191471566" name="searchHitInReadingPane">idea</span> sharing and foster creativity within the office and hopefully further implement an</span><span style="color: #535353;"> </span>atmosphere that encourages collaboration. I hope to build these sessions into our monthly rhythm to create a culture of open engagement and a way to give value to everyone’s <span class="highlight" id="0.8514370960840725" name="searchHitInReadingPane">idea</span>s. Creative <span class="highlight" id="0.33719981154288114" name="searchHitInReadingPane">idea</span>s aren't limited to marketing heads or design teams...we just need to provide the right outlet for everyone's to be shared. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Outside of the concrete ideas that were tossed around, it just felt really nice to get out and split up the day with something </span><span style="background-color: white;">different</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">. I enjoyed getting to break out of the normal workday routine and noticed that the rest of the day was more productive as well. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Mixing it up - 1, comfort zone - 0. </i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "helvetica" , sans-serif , "helvetica" , "emojifont" , "apple color emoji" , "segoe ui emoji" , "notocoloremoji" , "segoe ui symbol" , "android emoji" , "emojisymbols"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGl_kHlDk7WmL7ezvCugJizyuYARmFck9AHE-k1ChnD40KPkC5dm-ySMx4s86ERxWEqVWbcjU4j48XhOu78HPpiVp2fGJ2QVlbEYkC0_Dj_JhW7wJ5Msz8TzQ1EzU3A9pVQbN1xr4hhQ/s1600/rattan+bag2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGl_kHlDk7WmL7ezvCugJizyuYARmFck9AHE-k1ChnD40KPkC5dm-ySMx4s86ERxWEqVWbcjU4j48XhOu78HPpiVp2fGJ2QVlbEYkC0_Dj_JhW7wJ5Msz8TzQ1EzU3A9pVQbN1xr4hhQ/s1600/rattan+bag2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">On that same note of doing something different, but this time, in the world of fashion, this is my first dabble into the world of rattan bags. I know I almost let an entire season fly by before testing the water but it wasn't until I saw <a href="https://darrielandcherry.com/collections/frontpage/products/bobo">THIS bag</a> that I decided it was time. I spotted it at a booth at our local Farmer's Market and couldn't get it out of my head for weeks afterwards so I had to make it happen. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This gorgeous rattan bag is handmade by a new brand named <a href="https://darrielandcherry.com/">Darriel and Cherry</a> and the story behind the brand is as meaningful as the products. This duo was b<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">orn and raised in Kuching on the island of Borneo and they have always had exposure to communities with rich cultural diversity so they're hoping that through their products, </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">not only can these cultures be shared, but they can empower artisans in remote areas to create more job opportunities. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><i>Bag details: </i>100% handwoven, bow closure with a leather button fastener, leather strap and a lining fabric that was selected exclusively by D&C to compliment the bag. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_19qApGD751VmZdTlPxBgf9aJZEiczAwm7Fut8j6643Gaslj3rrUTkg-DLEr2lJ1N2iJJ0zqYoaugEQm7rHbUdAxTw2DfA-J93XFN55JCV_93u8rFWLjSFHuKR-5MTEAPAL18MXDM7AI/s1600/rattan+bag3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_19qApGD751VmZdTlPxBgf9aJZEiczAwm7Fut8j6643Gaslj3rrUTkg-DLEr2lJ1N2iJJ0zqYoaugEQm7rHbUdAxTw2DfA-J93XFN55JCV_93u8rFWLjSFHuKR-5MTEAPAL18MXDM7AI/s1600/rattan+bag3.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2FEUdekJkbKfrXCrUPg7kV740plTjk0Hb4rKOKtUZYdlcyrQweEAF_qwMJpSjnQiIimeXZ15X2ZStV8P1oCV-aoznxOpgrk1NQ1uphFXr06NBNyZ3XkWzsQoo680IMTQ6bEZjRJmSfo/s1600/rattan+bag+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2FEUdekJkbKfrXCrUPg7kV740plTjk0Hb4rKOKtUZYdlcyrQweEAF_qwMJpSjnQiIimeXZ15X2ZStV8P1oCV-aoznxOpgrk1NQ1uphFXr06NBNyZ3XkWzsQoo680IMTQ6bEZjRJmSfo/s1600/rattan+bag+4.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj51gLCPBqNI8ZRxnMkF_izzX4hh6nJE1M1TrQibHPXB__vwb8ToXEh2zf-OV6puvqtBNc1f5uYEi_WP0vgxnzkd4P5ZpWEThLDpZTkEQPDEh2QNNe1xCCA0Cej_Wg1ENWUUvaJ_n7VOF0/s1600/dariel+and+cherry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj51gLCPBqNI8ZRxnMkF_izzX4hh6nJE1M1TrQibHPXB__vwb8ToXEh2zf-OV6puvqtBNc1f5uYEi_WP0vgxnzkd4P5ZpWEThLDpZTkEQPDEh2QNNe1xCCA0Cej_Wg1ENWUUvaJ_n7VOF0/s1600/dariel+and+cherry.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJEC7MM2jGgNBeA7k-5dMPV3xom4BEStBjaUDER_pI2-kbrbPV1S4xm7RCEytY-0pzesfyzyb05RVZ9vgf-FSD33DGXwx0FpXhu5Koel7ZlLQq_bhqHhm6hDzCAgX45CrgTyPt7EX1SQ/s1600/rattan+bag+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJEC7MM2jGgNBeA7k-5dMPV3xom4BEStBjaUDER_pI2-kbrbPV1S4xm7RCEytY-0pzesfyzyb05RVZ9vgf-FSD33DGXwx0FpXhu5Koel7ZlLQq_bhqHhm6hDzCAgX45CrgTyPt7EX1SQ/s1600/rattan+bag+7.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgSeeUFki-lxJHiTja_U2QEVKFkrlfRpYhX3Vztn0gTN4nsNh4G8PTPV-rxaCmA0E5YF-_F0u6B8z5eL7PcNHf7rhgL-cvmEL2NwiKl6rd-WXeF9QseOkubwi333oAmJOV1wUYxcQR2s/s1600/universal+thread+jumpsuit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgSeeUFki-lxJHiTja_U2QEVKFkrlfRpYhX3Vztn0gTN4nsNh4G8PTPV-rxaCmA0E5YF-_F0u6B8z5eL7PcNHf7rhgL-cvmEL2NwiKl6rd-WXeF9QseOkubwi333oAmJOV1wUYxcQR2s/s1600/universal+thread+jumpsuit.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhco09WwEyBNPo6Eul5rIZT-SVBDe2mQ3RnlR4Ljih5B9cnSZKSeyA4Qma3E_WO_kUbL8TBuwkhjUVlJv8r3NQEjz9ou50RRfJkbZvB30iaSo5I0_hPpUXMld6LnM3FhNR7-NkPyOWRb9w/s1600/universal+thread+jumpsuit2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhco09WwEyBNPo6Eul5rIZT-SVBDe2mQ3RnlR4Ljih5B9cnSZKSeyA4Qma3E_WO_kUbL8TBuwkhjUVlJv8r3NQEjz9ou50RRfJkbZvB30iaSo5I0_hPpUXMld6LnM3FhNR7-NkPyOWRb9w/s1600/universal+thread+jumpsuit2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Friday! Don't forget to try something new this weekend</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Have you tried the peach pineapple Kombucha? ;) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyN8n3uTT8RvZPB0vdin6ejRV851WFiHs-AAmwtfsXnJvaWNIQbmb0fscBECf0B7Vw5WGZ9Em4uG16PTlnzvDl_fNSK4AI4wS9sW8XhqZQTRVcD2BtI2EiTL7vc7PTe1ch23XQIhRFdQQ/s1600/Kait+Lately.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="141" data-original-width="345" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyN8n3uTT8RvZPB0vdin6ejRV851WFiHs-AAmwtfsXnJvaWNIQbmb0fscBECf0B7Vw5WGZ9Em4uG16PTlnzvDl_fNSK4AI4wS9sW8XhqZQTRVcD2BtI2EiTL7vc7PTe1ch23XQIhRFdQQ/s320/Kait+Lately.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Kait Latelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114810592677193260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4677723925354302369.post-58462572090046715072018-08-13T06:00:00.000-05:002018-08-29T11:29:47.954-05:00Motherhood: Tips for Baby's First Trip <div style="background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You know how everyone has that Mom friend that just has their shit together? Has all the best tips, tricks and eco-friendly toys/household items? Always seems calm and under control? There's always ONE in the group and as much as I'd love to be her, I actually look to my friend Amy (and Blair!) and her calming/yogi/Mother hen ways. Our husbands have been friends since they were little so we met in our late 20's when our weekend nights still revolved around bars and our mornings were spent at yoga. We've been friends for a while now and have grown closer as our lives have changed, going through pregnancy and Motherhood together, making her one of my best and most reliable friends. She is such an amazing Mom to her little girl Averey (Ro's future wife - No seriously, they are already giving each other kisses!) and whenever I have a question or feel unsure about something baby related, she is one of the first people I turn to. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrdRdpXG-HlO1JNIeRr09V0WgoTaX4lojX_Y-iPK3VDsg8ZQALGmaIgnAlhHgxSvvZNjXVrT8u5Wp6iP7Rgna-jRYr-s14L4Z5KsNVal96E1Ux84I9QfzlPqAM4Ni5am-2vymVX6B5DA/s1600/IMG_0227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrdRdpXG-HlO1JNIeRr09V0WgoTaX4lojX_Y-iPK3VDsg8ZQALGmaIgnAlhHgxSvvZNjXVrT8u5Wp6iP7Rgna-jRYr-s14L4Z5KsNVal96E1Ux84I9QfzlPqAM4Ni5am-2vymVX6B5DA/s1600/IMG_0227.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Her Family recently took their first trip (as a Fam of 3) to Florida, making it a vacation full of many firsts. I know I am a little apprehensive about the first time we will fly and vacation with Ro, as I'm sure many Mom's feel the same way so I asked her to share a few of her tips and it's no surprise that she was SUPER helpful. Here's what she had to say about traveling with a little one...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><b>- - - </b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">One of my favorite things
about planning a vacation is being able to look forward to satisfying a little
wanderlust. I’ve done a fair amount of traveling throughout my life from
childhood road trips and island stays to California yoga retreats and
stay-cations in the beautiful city of Chicago. (You can never go wrong with
being a tourist in your own city!) But, when the idea of bringing our
11-month-old, Averey, on a week-long trip to Florida came up, I couldn’t help but
feel quite uneasy! Luckily, we had some time to dive right into the research,
and here are a few tips and tricks that we found worked best for traveling
with a little one!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">To set the stage, our
vacation consisted of a flight from Chicago to Tampa Bay, Florida, a short
drive to visit family, a drive back to Orlando to visit Disney’s Magic Kingdom,
then another drive over to the Gulf coast to end our time at the beach. It all
took about a week!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;">We chose to purchase </span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Cosco-Scenera-NEXT-Convertible-Car-Seat-Otto/41126739">this</a></span><span style="color: #222222;"> super light-weight (and affordable) car seat for the flight as
well as car rental. It was a nice and snug way for Averey to take her nap on
the plane while Mama and Dada had our hands free to read or listen to music. </span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/VolkGo-DURABLE-Germ-Free-Carriers-Booster/dp/B01M2A4IK1/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1531326665&sr=8-3&keywords=car+seat+bags+for+air+travel&dpID=51ydE-cCMwL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch">This</a></span><span style="color: #222222;"> carrier is a must-have to go along with it. It not only
provided an easy way to carry the seat around, but another form of luggage for
those straggling items that you just don’t have time to place nicely in the
diaper bag. Luckily, Southwest airlines allows you to gate check your stroller
and car seat!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cosco-Scenera-NEXT-Convertible-Seat/dp/B00TZMED20"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1187" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-fSqEXde1lSq_wpX1P7cx-bDorVvwGgledRAqq4ab0ZC1QQLorIU8XN3CWYh9IXA6f1UMxX8ZseywS6N9rGcjZgRXwhZUBb5Iijyvi1K-dpjEQXpVjWLgZZsCqcj2lqnkV7Ev0B7ymDc/s640/car+seat.png" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Although the car seat was
a nice and safe way to transport Averey, my biggest source of worry was keeping
her occupied! We had a bag of toys, snacks, etc, but what was truly going to
keep her distracted? Screen time. Yes, I know, but a 2+ hour flight totally
warranted it, and it worked! We purchased a few accessories like these </span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Kids-Headband-Headphones-Volume-Limited-Childrens-Earphones-Ultra-Thin-Speakers-Home-Travel-Sleep-Comfortable-Boys-Girls-Toddler/210769491?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=7215&adid=22222222227152300392&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=263913386047&wl4=pla-500417664477&wl5=9021617&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=115056135&wl11=online&wl12=210769491&wl13=&veh=sem">baby-friendly
head phones</a></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> and a </span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076DNR58F/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">travel
activity table</a></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">. Don’t forget the
favorite stuffie and you’re ready to go!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFBTLK9HctC_JIzIdkW9uZP3aNswGe1Aqq5t7Cq_bMutExEBnfAD5zKvwNOxSyzvI9LjWrvY3VRllyOhcinrdPka5UrGJGXIyI4Yc0oYHgdQMXa86kCQhDPco8W_4EwkcQatA0kGvyxAo/s1600/Ave.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="1130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFBTLK9HctC_JIzIdkW9uZP3aNswGe1Aqq5t7Cq_bMutExEBnfAD5zKvwNOxSyzvI9LjWrvY3VRllyOhcinrdPka5UrGJGXIyI4Yc0oYHgdQMXa86kCQhDPco8W_4EwkcQatA0kGvyxAo/s1600/Ave.png" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>DISNEY WORLD</b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/baby-care-centers/">Walt
Disney World’s Baby Care Centers</a></span></span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 107%;"> are hidden gems. On a hot day, they provide a chance to cool
off, there are several high chairs, changing pads, nursing rooms, and a kitchen
with a sink and store with every baby-related amenity you can imagine! We
utilized the one in Magic Kingdom a few times, especially with it being a
90-degree day. </span></span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 107%;">Our main goals at the
Magic Kingdom were to: Meet Mickey Mouse, ride on the </span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.orlandovacation.com/disney-world/magic-kingdom/with-children/">infant-friendly
rides</a></span></span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 107%;"> and have an unforgettable time! All totally attainable with a
light-weight </span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.buybuybaby.com/store/product/summer-infant-reg-3d-lite-trade-convenience-stroller-in-greys-for-days/1045955976?skuId=45955976&mcid=PS_googlepla&mrkgcl=611&mrkgadid=3285455401&rkg_id=0&mcid=PS_googlepla_nonbrand_activity_local&product_id=45955976&adtype=pla&product_channel=local&adpos=1o5&creative=263691805895&device=c&matchtype&network=g&gclid=CjwKCAjwhLHaBRAGEiwAHCgG3qA67ku4EMu9FJ6Cd1HI23cGopsBxvWD25OhE5cEir76oyYhONLB-hoCp6UQAvD_BwE">umbrella
stroller</a></span></span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 107%;"> that lays flat for naps, </span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://express.google.com/u/0/product/2246026551711545848_9593647557366727382_8175035?utm_source=google_shopping&utm_medium=tu_cu&utm_content=eid-lsjeuxoeqt,eid-ptgtgfeotu,4186078&utm_campaign=8175035">a
stroller fan</a></span></span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 107%;">, a </span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Summer-Infant-Muslin-Stroller-Blanket-Arrow-Stripe/930891391?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227093656807&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=217450771385&wl4=pla-350030054107&wl5=9021617&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=117019096&wl11=online&wl12=930891391&wl13=&veh=sem">light-weight
stroller cover</a></span></span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 107%;"> and a lot of water to stay hydrated! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 107%;">As far as rides, we went
on It’s a Small World, Little Mermaid, Winnie the Pooh and Peter Pan. Averey
loved them all! She especially loved Mickey Mouse. I’ll admit, I was teary eyed
watching her face light up when Mickey Mouse walked over to her. Such an
amazing moment! We ended the night with Disney’s magical fireworks show and
Averey slept like a log the whole night.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnFJchAr2auV3iaNlcbevBEEA7E0x_hbLG0rBm5-lzJ_sm1rBXqB29BjVO4eRu6pLsY7PcZL1zCKHPSThPbl4LQDQ2vNGbJDUXsW11D8n1le14zsZStybtKdh7ugR8s06cwk88rZRrjs/s1600/IMG_3508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="627" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnFJchAr2auV3iaNlcbevBEEA7E0x_hbLG0rBm5-lzJ_sm1rBXqB29BjVO4eRu6pLsY7PcZL1zCKHPSThPbl4LQDQ2vNGbJDUXsW11D8n1le14zsZStybtKdh7ugR8s06cwk88rZRrjs/s1600/IMG_3508.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="color: #222222; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">THE BEACH</span></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Averey ended up with a small
fever the morning after Disney World (there’s no protection from the thousands
of germs crawling all over every object in that place!), but she was in good
spirits, so we embarked on our drive to St. Petersburg.</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Once there, we headed
right out to the beach. Is there anything better than a baby on the beach?
There’s just something so fun about introducing them to the sand and the water. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">We had a feeling Averey would love the sound of the waves, and she absolutely
enjoyed every second! Spending the second leg of our trip beach bumming it was
the perfect way to end an eventful and enjoyable vacation. It’s the simple
things like stocking up on sun screen, finding a nice beach umbrella to rent
and early morning walks (to stay clear of that super strong sun around noon)
that Now that Averey is 14 months, we
can’t wait to book our next destination!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGZr82VFxDFsSxP2efXkumsA_jz1d57PiH61l-iDT_8ikgAjQy1PCyx8Qq1tjHhsAeQX6EvUoc2MPXeM6aY2jqxfFapaxabs-b5bFvqfcV4BcIHRo027Auba4HN5_tuX-9RZ9WlkV1Do/s1600/beach.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="876" data-original-width="1142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGZr82VFxDFsSxP2efXkumsA_jz1d57PiH61l-iDT_8ikgAjQy1PCyx8Qq1tjHhsAeQX6EvUoc2MPXeM6aY2jqxfFapaxabs-b5bFvqfcV4BcIHRo027Auba4HN5_tuX-9RZ9WlkV1Do/s1600/beach.png" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Where have you traveled with your little ones? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">What worked best for you? I'll take all the tips!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><b>- - -</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><i>Thanks to Amy for sharing her tips and contributing to the Motherhood series!</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_b4PxzL5W3xZtKc_2koDEl3JX1273V2n_ZIsSaGQxpcKq8hVm3g9TTNE6ZoiNl_AR8GySrRDH4MeU5ZHD_Lxi8zgdAJmVCX_SLVA_81sO8N2IO50UTZDlEVz56eQ_XDT2WK_dHE1a3ac/s1600/Kait+Lately.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="131" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_b4PxzL5W3xZtKc_2koDEl3JX1273V2n_ZIsSaGQxpcKq8hVm3g9TTNE6ZoiNl_AR8GySrRDH4MeU5ZHD_Lxi8zgdAJmVCX_SLVA_81sO8N2IO50UTZDlEVz56eQ_XDT2WK_dHE1a3ac/s1600/Kait+Lately.png" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
Kait Latelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114810592677193260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4677723925354302369.post-15151060618985614382018-08-03T06:00:00.000-05:002018-08-03T11:15:03.311-05:00A Letter to my Son on His 1st Birthday<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">My
sweet little boo,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Today,
you turn 1. You have been on this earth for 365 days and even though I have 30
years on you, no other moment in my life was as special as the day you became
my son. I remember it so well: The smells, the anticipation, the unknown. You
were due on July 26</span><sup style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">th</sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"> but then the first week of August rolled
around and you were still nice and cozy so we made the decision to evict you
because we were ready…Ready to meet you and show you how much love was waiting
for you on the outside. I was induced at midnight on August 2</span><sup style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">nd</sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">, so
around 8pm that night, Dad and I went to the last dinner we would ever eat as a
Family of two. We sat underneath white lights and watched other people go about
their evening with such monotony and routine which was a strange feeling, because
it felt like we were just counting down the minutes until our lives would
change forever. </span><br />
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .25in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUO2IxyQUM_a4zfKsLguQUvtnMKDH6KjncTIa_InR6TvoQfz0kcxRwhAkD-AX2tHqDi2yDhSZaulxIkk7HTzdb-KtzmJaWMsHQQWKfFaqfrASj8p30mS4STeZRUs_ZmdfK9fPK1CkXc0/s1600/image-121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUO2IxyQUM_a4zfKsLguQUvtnMKDH6KjncTIa_InR6TvoQfz0kcxRwhAkD-AX2tHqDi2yDhSZaulxIkk7HTzdb-KtzmJaWMsHQQWKfFaqfrASj8p30mS4STeZRUs_ZmdfK9fPK1CkXc0/s1600/image-121.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">On August
3</span><sup style="font-family: inherit;">rd</sup><span style="font-family: inherit;">, our hospital room smelled of lavender calming spray and the faces
were familiar, yet the expressions were varied because amidst the excitement, there were still so many tense moments. The hours leading up to your
arrival seem like a blur and a detailed image seared into my memory, all at
once. All the pain and fear I felt during that day suddenly disappeared when we
finally saw your face, as if someone had opened a window and let it go free. I
will never forget the first thing I said to Dad, through the tears streaming down
my face: “He is so tiny!” I couldn’t believe how small you were, the most precious
thing I had ever laid my eyes on. It’s hard to believe you can love someone
that much the second you meet them, but it’s real and it’s powerful. The love,
the attachment, the protection, the punched in the gut feeling you get when you
think about something hurting you, seconds after seeing your face.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .25in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3Qs-ZXpG9KXmLj8pJQC4zMgsXqP2UazggNZAdREMh7whLLq-xDgy1kbs-fbkFWkk9X7OeRzZOK3xZapmo4X5YNX-pNKeNBG-1c4deW3JE0DjxNEonteULRcUfDTW_qwI7Mw0IiGji6c/s1600/ronan+and+i.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3Qs-ZXpG9KXmLj8pJQC4zMgsXqP2UazggNZAdREMh7whLLq-xDgy1kbs-fbkFWkk9X7OeRzZOK3xZapmo4X5YNX-pNKeNBG-1c4deW3JE0DjxNEonteULRcUfDTW_qwI7Mw0IiGji6c/s1600/ronan+and+i.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That
first night, I pulled your rolling bassinet right next to my bed and watched
you sleep. It was dark outside and in the room but your tiny profile was so clear. You were rolled up tight like a baby burrito, wearing a blue and
pink hat and very clearly, sporting my nose. We hadn’t even “officially” named you yet
but you were already such a part of me. I couldn’t stop the tears from coming.
I was overwhelmed with emotion and though I have watched you fall asleep almost
every night since that day, I will never forget how you looked on the evening
of August 3</span><sup style="font-family: inherit;">rd</sup><span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .25in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
first three months were equally the hardest and best of my life. I was
emotional – ALL the time. I cried when I sang you “You are my Sunshine” (and
still do - That song just gets to me). I laughed at how your face looked when we
burped you (like an old man). I wondered if I would ever feel energized again, because
the exhaustion was consuming. We spent so much time just being – sleeping, snuggling,
holding, eating, crying, reading, singing. We were up multiple times a night and even though it was tiring, I loved knowing that you were counting on me to comfort you, feed you and help you find your way back to your dreams. It was dark and silent and we were in this together, navigating our way through this new adventure we had begun. We spent this time getting to know each
other and it was a relationship I felt so blessed to be in. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqNX_yUCvixu-hGUdHjv6AbMZEENALkVziZp7huYTodotmqqBlW0wGBIfo81aeNDfThvzM_cOFBsz0ix4-QOhK5nu_1XuE4eyXeFVEZwp_g-16Cl7YAnSFCY928xWw_YnDAOSKubeBDU/s1600/image-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqNX_yUCvixu-hGUdHjv6AbMZEENALkVziZp7huYTodotmqqBlW0wGBIfo81aeNDfThvzM_cOFBsz0ix4-QOhK5nu_1XuE4eyXeFVEZwp_g-16Cl7YAnSFCY928xWw_YnDAOSKubeBDU/s1600/image-13.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4GYNO51uUqBzyyKwtvIeOyyjxohLOJzLb0Uz5lnX1qvmzS3EuHcl1FzWhPsYa8lZLqugVh-Vczi-J-lff8xgFZgYZAqPiOQMWy6haVNwl89NtPxID5F9lTUdK58_RBmV7dy5BeXFxrj0/s1600/image-46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4GYNO51uUqBzyyKwtvIeOyyjxohLOJzLb0Uz5lnX1qvmzS3EuHcl1FzWhPsYa8lZLqugVh-Vczi-J-lff8xgFZgYZAqPiOQMWy6haVNwl89NtPxID5F9lTUdK58_RBmV7dy5BeXFxrj0/s1600/image-46.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We gave you your first
bath in a pasta pot because we felt you were too small for the baby tub – You hated right and rightly so...We had no idea what we were doing! We watched you curl up in a ball on your boppy for naps, after which we
sneak out of the room, only to hear you stirring 20 minutes later. We zipped
you up in the tiniest swaddles, hoping you would find comfort when moon was
high. We read you stories every single night and now, it makes my heart happy to see how much joy you get out of books - Picking ones off your shelf for us to read together. We ate a lot of take out, frozen meals and dinners from our Family (it really does take a village). We went for walks around the block and eventually, to the park which cleared our heads and reminded us that these months were hard but fleeting. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXr3shF41dx2S8P_DZ2GHFpYz30g-olILEooMy4TW9PXZRn5cYY-7sbRYgNHykoLrTKrgVTQfE8O-i_pW5t96Xb2WyjfusBbH1qgTrLpqgkkgRoqnVV1j__kOznXQ4j_1lT3e6O3Wca_s/s1600/image-96.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXr3shF41dx2S8P_DZ2GHFpYz30g-olILEooMy4TW9PXZRn5cYY-7sbRYgNHykoLrTKrgVTQfE8O-i_pW5t96Xb2WyjfusBbH1qgTrLpqgkkgRoqnVV1j__kOznXQ4j_1lT3e6O3Wca_s/s1600/image-96.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We heard you belly laugh for the first time and our hearts almost exploded. We watched your eyes light up the first time you saw Mickey Mouse on TV. We sang </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">"<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu6--WBPBHo">Good Morning</a>"</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> to you every day when the sun rose, to which you would smile and kick your feet. You spent hours on your mat, ate your cereal in the giraffe chair and eventually, found so much excitement in the freedom of your walkers, scooting through the kitchen repeatedly. You loved your stacking eggs, the Baby Einstein star and the Little Tikes crab who was just begging you to chase him. You slept all cozy in your rock & play at night but slept </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">better</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> once you were able to turn on your belly in your crib. I kept you in our room as long as possible because I knew once you were in your own, time would move too fast. You loved your swing and it was a sad day for Dad and I when you outgrew it. You loved (and continue to enjoy) the aquarium in your crib and elephant star gazer, both which help you find your way back to sleep at night. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqhwgCmRQFpkXUAfrjOcpXkMuOE8BwKtZEdUxS-GjRU7QUKv3d7Mui2qCz5-hpyXWorkrrQugOMnbdp2Q2EPVqWf5vjqvx3WY18b-FAhCSo8qJbFzOZag8XZBKseF1x3Vs_V757p7Se4/s1600/image-139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqhwgCmRQFpkXUAfrjOcpXkMuOE8BwKtZEdUxS-GjRU7QUKv3d7Mui2qCz5-hpyXWorkrrQugOMnbdp2Q2EPVqWf5vjqvx3WY18b-FAhCSo8qJbFzOZag8XZBKseF1x3Vs_V757p7Se4/s1600/image-139.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
You did everything ahead of schedule: Started getting teeth at 3 months, walking at 10 months and shortly following, learned how to climb stairs, open doors and basically make our hearts jump out of our chest on a daily basis. Once you began walking, everything was fair game and your curiosity is so precious to watch. You turned into your own little person who prefers strawberries over anything else and dances to anything with a beat ("You Make My Dreams" and "The Wheels on the Bus" are favorites, though). You follow Fitz around the house and laugh at everything he does, especially when he barks. You love being tickled and turned upside down, giggling with glee each time. You listen to us when we're talking as if you understand each word and though I look forward to the day when we can have a conversation, I'll be patient for now (because I know the silence is short-lived).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9pgkS_YUEIsasqCaGMWjv4I2E2STnVkvTu0X25p2u6ombij-dt1oHRJLCpjPm7NSBQwCx1KGnQusaKELhsZmDpSUfxXpgBoGuATQqAp81bskNL1sV0QgCHLhEKaKQuL0f7tMSmRi7Mc/s1600/image-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9pgkS_YUEIsasqCaGMWjv4I2E2STnVkvTu0X25p2u6ombij-dt1oHRJLCpjPm7NSBQwCx1KGnQusaKELhsZmDpSUfxXpgBoGuATQqAp81bskNL1sV0QgCHLhEKaKQuL0f7tMSmRi7Mc/s1600/image-21.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I know I can't stop time or even pause it, just for a second. I've tried, believe me. No matter how long I linger; Staring at your face, studying your eyelashes, the outline of your mouth or feeling the softness of your feet, it doesn't give us any more time together and really, that's all I want. So many other things used to seem crucial, yet now, I don't even remember what they were. Your happiness and our time as a Family makes everything else seem so small. What saddens me, is that some of the memories have already started to fade. Even though you're only 12 months old, I have a hard time remembering all of the fine details from your first few months of life. Partly because we were just focusing on survival and partly because, the little things tend to fade over time but we have our pictures, our videos and most importantly, the permanent feeling you have created in my heart.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgwdck7eGeadWQHjPyE7DAPpejRHJeX8hyphenhyphenOD24g6HVVcKzIRUzSLBM88cPS8V9mRAqYADY74FRvmxdzNHhH3IOO3tRNejwCkvNO7pX7xYNBsmKAk0yPGK75Y2RQJUhRuZD6RaVFK7TaU/s1600/image-40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgwdck7eGeadWQHjPyE7DAPpejRHJeX8hyphenhyphenOD24g6HVVcKzIRUzSLBM88cPS8V9mRAqYADY74FRvmxdzNHhH3IOO3tRNejwCkvNO7pX7xYNBsmKAk0yPGK75Y2RQJUhRuZD6RaVFK7TaU/s1600/image-40.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
You must always remember:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>You are kind. You are smart. You are important. And we are so lucky you are ours.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy 1st birthday, my little man...The best is yet to come.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love you always, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Your Mama</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_2_btSrjjRFwQsUQFrXxzow8YAzD_3gBPCOj6eaBJ-x7prIy2wvQ0A_97aW7ot-IHyQrOL4TBQQcMssurtcuKL6sn4kWRamrVPxjo1tB56SpHf5JSOzn5ThLOJxXQyF9DIw61uw76Ow/s1600/image-50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_2_btSrjjRFwQsUQFrXxzow8YAzD_3gBPCOj6eaBJ-x7prIy2wvQ0A_97aW7ot-IHyQrOL4TBQQcMssurtcuKL6sn4kWRamrVPxjo1tB56SpHf5JSOzn5ThLOJxXQyF9DIw61uw76Ow/s1600/image-50.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8_khKoD6Yb4N8Tsqmdd6U57np9qT1Y5WhCh4q8_GNdRkAxU6fbaXeHRVzxx4Er3iyyVJKIl3WqF0doMVflRvbOFcXjJrVow7Aw3kfPLzfWWl-Fa_Y07Uz7Sl6OoPbTfmdfpjW7Mu8n0/s1600/Kait+Lately.png" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="141" data-original-width="345" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8_khKoD6Yb4N8Tsqmdd6U57np9qT1Y5WhCh4q8_GNdRkAxU6fbaXeHRVzxx4Er3iyyVJKIl3WqF0doMVflRvbOFcXjJrVow7Aw3kfPLzfWWl-Fa_Y07Uz7Sl6OoPbTfmdfpjW7Mu8n0/s320/Kait+Lately.png" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
Kait Latelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114810592677193260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4677723925354302369.post-90187777459624575722018-07-30T07:00:00.000-05:002018-07-30T07:00:04.935-05:00Overnight Eye Skin Care<div style="background-color: white;">
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As a Mom, one of the things that has taken a backseat is my beauty and skincare routine. Before I had my son, I didn't realize how much free time I had. I thought it was normal to take a long shower, lollygag in my towel (while mindlessly scrolling Instagram), blow dry my hair, use my wand to create the perfect waves and still have time to apply a full face of makeup and pick out an outfit. These days, I shower right before bed so my hair air dries with its own personality and I run errands or go most places with zero makeup on and a 2-day old pair of shorts - We're talking eyebrows not even done, which is a cardinal sin in my book!</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />What I'm trying to say is, I'm tired...a lot. And while I've definitely learned to live on less sleep, I still miss having that time to take the best care of myself. Luckily, the world of beauty is basically built on the idea of Mom's losing sleep (and sanity) and comes to our rescue over and over again. My latest superhero is <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.viicode.com/&source=gmail&ust=1532640089616000&usg=AFQjCNFRGpCaPc-iElrVuuVGGpWb6ovymg" href="http://www.viicode.com/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">VIIcode</a>, an <span style="letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">oxygen eye mask to be worn as an 8-hour overnight treatment while you're sleeping. I love trying all kinds of face masks, so this had me intrigued from the start, but it is different than your typical sheet mask because the VIICode eye pads are actually made of a gel-like substance which has an immediate cooling and refreshing affect when placed on my skin. </span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">They are unobtrusive, so I wear them under my glasses and go about my normal pre-bed routine. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGA2VqS_M0GzFNekRG3TqncWzPtnHkFT8aepIUfTytr6kQRivDFDJwZZR_TWnMuQ2KopS2TtOtHNM81rhzlM-CP97li2smYf0_lT7rsOjuhjztkobYBx0pzWqrCCuAgYNqvusCcgj4C_E/s1600/vIIcode.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1574" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGA2VqS_M0GzFNekRG3TqncWzPtnHkFT8aepIUfTytr6kQRivDFDJwZZR_TWnMuQ2KopS2TtOtHNM81rhzlM-CP97li2smYf0_lT7rsOjuhjztkobYBx0pzWqrCCuAgYNqvusCcgj4C_E/s1600/vIIcode.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPrXMnKrJB4ZaeX6ACWF35NufP9ue11Fv3cj-Vx1KPMSaWCoNuA2Q1DvbMQ7jaLB11iXAF0vDL6klkSl1d9DCdsD_K6D1gh86u1Zem4VcNkjGTtMPWNK8wWvXVOAOcNZPhOIwKM59qv2c/s1600/vIIcode2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPrXMnKrJB4ZaeX6ACWF35NufP9ue11Fv3cj-Vx1KPMSaWCoNuA2Q1DvbMQ7jaLB11iXAF0vDL6klkSl1d9DCdsD_K6D1gh86u1Zem4VcNkjGTtMPWNK8wWvXVOAOcNZPhOIwKM59qv2c/s1600/vIIcode2.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">The only thing is, some nights I don't feel in the mood for sleeping in them and if you run into the same issue, you can wear them for 2-4 hours during the day and still achieve the desired effect. One night after I got the baby to sleep, I put the mask on and sat on our deck with my laptop for a little blogging session complete with my favorite Spotify playlist and a glass of wine. It was a warm, humid night so wearing the mask made it feel like I was experiencing a mini facial while getting some work done. I'd say that's multi-tasking at its finest! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhZTxl29zEuVO1QjClIwySb76U39hDk_GG1h7wafoZjaqJSd4YeolmjguljZWri9GiBaqdYA-1NOCmL2QbxpAQKOJJQybAolXqeQFQw4-fggu3n8hddA7ZZVO0-8FIx_7mN2yto2tWNM/s1600/IMG_2876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhZTxl29zEuVO1QjClIwySb76U39hDk_GG1h7wafoZjaqJSd4YeolmjguljZWri9GiBaqdYA-1NOCmL2QbxpAQKOJJQybAolXqeQFQw4-fggu3n8hddA7ZZVO0-8FIx_7mN2yto2tWNM/s1600/IMG_2876.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheniCZNqSk-Ko6RGS9m9DPjs0lWyF0i59VOu_78Qn_5ZHepsHiASv3yaYrZdnXsmkF1nAc5D6oWid13j28ecLw2m2ZEUsBFcDO7N5zAoBCGyJolMAgCSrMEIZFIsLNzCN16iiLNsiDULU/s1600/IMG_2880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheniCZNqSk-Ko6RGS9m9DPjs0lWyF0i59VOu_78Qn_5ZHepsHiASv3yaYrZdnXsmkF1nAc5D6oWid13j28ecLw2m2ZEUsBFcDO7N5zAoBCGyJolMAgCSrMEIZFIsLNzCN16iiLNsiDULU/s1600/IMG_2880.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Each box comes with 6 packets and you use the eye masks 2-3 times per week. The VIIcode website says that a full treatment would typically consist of three boxes but even after finishing the one box the team graciously sent me, I felt like the bags under my eyes had started to subside and more than anything, my skin felt SO soft which is most important to me. Sometimes, I just put them on for a few hours while I listen to a podcast or read a book because they feel so nice on my skin and it makes my "me time" even more relaxing which is really all I can ask for these days.</span></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5-mnvI4aG_lATJsvaWcuITp7B8ogS3ujF2DihmGwZ2Gm2Pu9JY5yJfqj9Kdagxg1OnitIBvQYHneNHs6Us6Ba3T1DYz35dN2nPafgWLlrfXf5ffnt5XbzeHIE6h0qclq1Dl9ipJfvAk/s1600/IMG_2883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5-mnvI4aG_lATJsvaWcuITp7B8ogS3ujF2DihmGwZ2Gm2Pu9JY5yJfqj9Kdagxg1OnitIBvQYHneNHs6Us6Ba3T1DYz35dN2nPafgWLlrfXf5ffnt5XbzeHIE6h0qclq1Dl9ipJfvAk/s1600/IMG_2883.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.533333px;">What are your favorite skincare products?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.533333px;">Let me know if you try these out!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRmoYE2w951PWjAUAnwdTjTEmX3yrLnxPGTAPdsvYxLAaCeNI7r_vOt-51H2jlklymUd1k3jfI8RXVfDOtzklwzuRnNSW3cPlNfEchYepLywD0g2py8gaVXYFiaDFT-EhUSN5WzVeobw/s1600/Kait+Lately.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="141" data-original-width="345" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRmoYE2w951PWjAUAnwdTjTEmX3yrLnxPGTAPdsvYxLAaCeNI7r_vOt-51H2jlklymUd1k3jfI8RXVfDOtzklwzuRnNSW3cPlNfEchYepLywD0g2py8gaVXYFiaDFT-EhUSN5WzVeobw/s320/Kait+Lately.png" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 28px; padding: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; letter-spacing: 1px;">This post is in partnership with </span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">VIIcode</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; letter-spacing: 1px;">. As always, opinions are entirely my own. </span></span></span></i></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center;">
<i style="box-sizing: inherit; letter-spacing: 1px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Thanks for supporting the brands that make Kait Lately possible!<span class="m_-132505956312631474gmail-Apple-converted-space" style="box-sizing: inherit;"> </span></span></i></div>
</div>
</div>
Kait Latelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114810592677193260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4677723925354302369.post-18042405117871059742018-07-20T11:46:00.004-05:002018-07-20T23:06:24.076-05:005 Years Married, 5 Lessons LearnedIt's our 5 year anniversary today! I can't believe how fast time has gone, because some days it seems like we were just doing our food tasting at the Shedd or going for our last dress/suit fittings. Second to Ronan's birthday, it was the most wonderful day of our lives and life has given us so much since then, including a lot of lessons in love. <i>Here's 5 to start...</i><br />
<br />
1. <b><i>We're in this together:</i></b> We recently experienced a long stretch of Ronan waking up very unhappy and very often during the night and let me tell you, there's nothing like prolonged loss of sleep to test your abilities to remain patient with one another. But one morning, while Ronan was (finally) still sleeping, we were talking in bed and both agreed, thank God we were going through this with each other. We realized how much better the situation was, just because we were together when we were lying awake in the dark at 2am, wondering if we would ever sleep again. Even though we were exhausted, we worked together diligently to figure out the best way to help our Ronan through trial and error, supporting one another along the way (aka Mike reassuring me I'm doing the right thing when my Mom anxiety crept in!). We've always handled difficult situations as a team but I think we're even more of a solid unit now as parents. Just knowing you're not alone and feeling the presence of someone else who has your back makes ALL the difference.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWmjU2WICCWEJK746x5fsDCpwAAZGZrRDhsa8sX1IIZ5EAhAp6MHJCKz9fCHZN_mfFT-HXREejKBWA5QKXpFjDF2OwXtFDMlrNYxU1_gUH1wPz8vYU2ebcyQfP4Lw8wzXsb9eoT7OEW4/s1600/0028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWmjU2WICCWEJK746x5fsDCpwAAZGZrRDhsa8sX1IIZ5EAhAp6MHJCKz9fCHZN_mfFT-HXREejKBWA5QKXpFjDF2OwXtFDMlrNYxU1_gUH1wPz8vYU2ebcyQfP4Lw8wzXsb9eoT7OEW4/s1600/0028.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
2. <i style="font-weight: bold;">Everyone's love language is different:</i> This one is SO important. A "love language" sounds like<i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>one of those relationship cliches, right? I know, it seems real hokey and self help-ish but the truth is, I believe in it one hundred percent and I think it applies to all relationships, even those between friends. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Love-Languages-Secret-that-Lasts/dp/080241270X">According to this book</a>, the 5 ways in which people communicate "love" to their partner are: Words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service and physical touch. Mike and I dated for nearly 7 years before we got married but it was only afterwards when we started living together that I really started to realize how different our love languages are.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJlOlKrKx8_k8rTsFjZLB3cyA0o0OFn7aWjfFxr92dJoJFLQlKPhCcfY_xk5gLPWAzisrt9YZK-OF-ZAgAF5Iamn4kR3l959-bA5x-krpG7v8Wua6sPGTRusz7mvnls0NjbBEPS4WfW4/s1600/0211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJlOlKrKx8_k8rTsFjZLB3cyA0o0OFn7aWjfFxr92dJoJFLQlKPhCcfY_xk5gLPWAzisrt9YZK-OF-ZAgAF5Iamn4kR3l959-bA5x-krpG7v8Wua6sPGTRusz7mvnls0NjbBEPS4WfW4/s1600/0211.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9YECvDHnheRSa3rRv5tNEzgjM48Ws8gcvWPJ2AtpFx7zCa4dOmT1lHLw7B7ZBFdgsJC5dkEI8-5s2swfK4YeOShUWh0ONn1Tco561JPcRspjWLvBsYYBPg1MpFk5sxZzQxsO3LoM1Jc/s1600/0019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9YECvDHnheRSa3rRv5tNEzgjM48Ws8gcvWPJ2AtpFx7zCa4dOmT1lHLw7B7ZBFdgsJC5dkEI8-5s2swfK4YeOShUWh0ONn1Tco561JPcRspjWLvBsYYBPg1MpFk5sxZzQxsO3LoM1Jc/s1600/0019.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
This was not a bad thing, but certainly something that needed to be recognized so we could make sure we were communicating effectively. I think everyone identifies with all 5 in one way or another but I would say the physical touch is most important to me, followed closely by words of affirmation. I grew up in a Family that hugged a thousand times a day and each hug was complemented with an "I love you," or "I'm proud of you." (I'm so lucky, right?). However, Mike hasn't always been as demonstrative or outspoken with his feelings so he really resonates with showing love through acts of service. For as long as we've been together, he has always done special things for me: Booked a surprise trip to Disney World to see Christmas Lights before they were discontinued, made me a book of our adventures (just like the movie UP which makes me ball every single time), sat through Taylor Swift (twice!), gives in to staying in Wisconsin an extra night EVERY time, proposing on Catalina Island, creating a memory that would last a lifetime...and so on. Even small things, like doing the dishes early in the morning before I get to them or hanging up a picture I've been wanting to hang for months. He is amazing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmOi1CVB2oFvZiR4czv3t0f9SCyal_3kOb-SN1dBGenAf91dC6PkswRU1k9rjn3pCB_zSRwG4LbEubI4vH_p9PyynkwRSMo_pdEgzaTO56ugQNsTsRU1P1uqLTNbOkdkhyphenhyphenGSqhTbdKDm8/s1600/0034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmOi1CVB2oFvZiR4czv3t0f9SCyal_3kOb-SN1dBGenAf91dC6PkswRU1k9rjn3pCB_zSRwG4LbEubI4vH_p9PyynkwRSMo_pdEgzaTO56ugQNsTsRU1P1uqLTNbOkdkhyphenhyphenGSqhTbdKDm8/s1600/0034.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
On the<i> opposite hand</i>, it doesn't always come to his mind to hold my hand, linger in a long hug or let me know he thinks I'm going a great job as a Mom, even though I know he thinks that and these things are equally, if not more important to me. And for me, I know he appreciates the smallest acts of service in return, like taking out the garbage so he doesn't have to or cleaning up the yard after the dog (the WORST!), so we've openly talked about this and continue to make sure each other feels heard in what we expect from one another in terms of communication.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolski6p6mbW3dRyd7P8zYxGD9RhhCfzsjSQVE0V-MGnLToKVzYfsG_IbXkOxWFDNpkYhhWwzRrQ7JhJU3FNyioricYLLxPZNc8BP5Y5oDSYiiSVpWqzaD7dTU9uj92y4nKf0K6dvsY4E/s1600/0063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolski6p6mbW3dRyd7P8zYxGD9RhhCfzsjSQVE0V-MGnLToKVzYfsG_IbXkOxWFDNpkYhhWwzRrQ7JhJU3FNyioricYLLxPZNc8BP5Y5oDSYiiSVpWqzaD7dTU9uj92y4nKf0K6dvsY4E/s1600/0063.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
3. <i style="font-weight: bold;">Accept the quirks: </i>Let's be honest: There are certain things about everyone that really just piss their partner off, no matter how insignificant they are. For example, if Mike were writing his answer to this question, I KNOW he would talk about me moving his stuff around the house. Nothing bothers him more than me moving his "clutter" and him not being able to find it 5 days later. I get it - I do. But I HATE clutter with a OCD-like passion so we are constantly working on finding a middle ground that we can both live with. I think it takes a healthy balance of accepting people for who they are, quirks included yet still working on yourself to just let these things go sometimes. At the end of the day, how important is it that there are socks on the floor or receipts all over the counter? Not very. <i>Note to self: Real life doesn't look like an Instagram feed.</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VEfCeRDdVyghDLxSopE6DZdE83Sf-0GufGvL3-vgCfZ3tEA1tx2GwHVLZcBz1I6XaUS6HiWIHh5P6mBlcuFIKcOILU0HtNEF6WmsaoDn3WtTrCoLRn_nhHaI9EsitqR6lrj7KEQWZ6Q/s1600/0114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VEfCeRDdVyghDLxSopE6DZdE83Sf-0GufGvL3-vgCfZ3tEA1tx2GwHVLZcBz1I6XaUS6HiWIHh5P6mBlcuFIKcOILU0HtNEF6WmsaoDn3WtTrCoLRn_nhHaI9EsitqR6lrj7KEQWZ6Q/s1600/0114.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6th5OmZ8YltG8zav14p203h4fkcLx3ggG4WLsyHi6-BTopSjtsrnydn4-XMOSO9QiQV_Eo7iL0vXbXFAPydjbp0ruoQ4P36gHoSdKJotzZ5WX8ghgP_7Sdn9BI2mX1f35n_x9GLcD9A/s1600/0555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6th5OmZ8YltG8zav14p203h4fkcLx3ggG4WLsyHi6-BTopSjtsrnydn4-XMOSO9QiQV_Eo7iL0vXbXFAPydjbp0ruoQ4P36gHoSdKJotzZ5WX8ghgP_7Sdn9BI2mX1f35n_x9GLcD9A/s1600/0555.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
4. <i style="font-weight: bold;">Keep creating new experiences: </i>We have always loved traveling together and trying out new things, whether it was our spontaneous trip to Ireland, riding the tallest roller coaster or zip lining over the ocean (still shaking from that one). Now that we have Ronan, our adventures are a little less bold on a regular basis but that doesn't mean we can't find joy and excitement in some of the more simple things. What's great is, basically everything we do with him is a new experience for us too so as long as we're doing it together, we're creating memories that contribute to shaping our relationship. We have loved things like taking him to new parks, swimming for the first time, going to the museum and introducing him to the lake path. As he gets older, we will start to travel more again because not only is that important to us as a couple, but we also want to make sure he gets the chance to see and learn as much as possible, especially when the source is the outdoors, a new town, a different food or unique culture.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbLB0a3-OBs9JODSV-rS_hRoJ535baNhL1zpW6kd4_zOIpKStHsay-nbX-YbBhnYeliZKPA8bifoIr27GRsewRY4TSxNORqp8xr5laovZcU3oYRCYjxl0BYGm7qHXxJQiOoljPSFZSdY/s1600/0664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbLB0a3-OBs9JODSV-rS_hRoJ535baNhL1zpW6kd4_zOIpKStHsay-nbX-YbBhnYeliZKPA8bifoIr27GRsewRY4TSxNORqp8xr5laovZcU3oYRCYjxl0BYGm7qHXxJQiOoljPSFZSdY/s1600/0664.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
5. <i style="font-weight: bold;">Our relationship is the most important: </i>We are beyond blessed to have the most amazing support system surrounding us. Both sets of our parents, siblings, extended Family and friends show up for us on a daily basis, providing us with everything we need to feel safe, loved and confident in our decisions as a couple and as parents.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oMBPbWoBUTE6ws5BnnqEHXjRjPqIZy-82VtQsedLVRIKnlcB3hPNQdSS_o1cm8UWtAqSyb91PgJfOIPp5t7abwbkXMhin1xf_xgrz6bzhx-uI695S0UOcWIa6x85X6O4RJgG-FEzVDQ/s1600/0674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oMBPbWoBUTE6ws5BnnqEHXjRjPqIZy-82VtQsedLVRIKnlcB3hPNQdSS_o1cm8UWtAqSyb91PgJfOIPp5t7abwbkXMhin1xf_xgrz6bzhx-uI695S0UOcWIa6x85X6O4RJgG-FEzVDQ/s1600/0674.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxatm3KbqH3jAPJndzO5otG-YasiBbtmVQQwwJ7LdjZn6jd67mHq-jcR7TPUuw0dDt8bm9Fb34njpPUHMO-LFrUVbioAGnlBbjheoBQsqmK13mL1-IZOODM4NPsWVV6yo9e9zS8eTSwc/s1600/0148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxatm3KbqH3jAPJndzO5otG-YasiBbtmVQQwwJ7LdjZn6jd67mHq-jcR7TPUuw0dDt8bm9Fb34njpPUHMO-LFrUVbioAGnlBbjheoBQsqmK13mL1-IZOODM4NPsWVV6yo9e9zS8eTSwc/s1600/0148.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSbLPTV3-DCErlg4QxzqtslZCYFFtwhUZCQDytRoO8ecZvHC9jSobrFSssKFnsRtCMwjY16Y-3OCmDm7r6sl7rz8VOxUHnaQ03GNIJbTTDL__8JbEdEDYfSYFMqBDTBTKC9rOPjXiiqPQ/s1600/0433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSbLPTV3-DCErlg4QxzqtslZCYFFtwhUZCQDytRoO8ecZvHC9jSobrFSssKFnsRtCMwjY16Y-3OCmDm7r6sl7rz8VOxUHnaQ03GNIJbTTDL__8JbEdEDYfSYFMqBDTBTKC9rOPjXiiqPQ/s1600/0433.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3AfmVfi8Kkqg-oxkuSqDjxRWEwegg3ylaw8nxFlAIyK1p4Dr5jlLs7jJMbOL5OSICMhw0zkeXo5Nusb8mzJf1s1SiTEDFWSAayO9lSsURz6QIIeB1sKjmF5Wm8GD3PVNCWsA1WE0yU8k/s1600/0470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3AfmVfi8Kkqg-oxkuSqDjxRWEwegg3ylaw8nxFlAIyK1p4Dr5jlLs7jJMbOL5OSICMhw0zkeXo5Nusb8mzJf1s1SiTEDFWSAayO9lSsURz6QIIeB1sKjmF5Wm8GD3PVNCWsA1WE0yU8k/s1600/0470.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
We have the most special son, who has changed our lives forever and has made us forget what life was like before him. He lights up our life with a smile that melts our hearts and has allowed us to truly understand what it's like to wear your heart on the outside of your body, making it vulnerable to hurt and sadness as much as it is to joy and bliss. He is constantly on our minds, every decision revolving around him and his well-being.<br />
<br />
But we must remember, it was just the two of us first (well, three - we can't forget our favorite four-legged son!) and it will eventually be the two of us again someday - You know, when Ronan is 40 and is allowed to get married. It's important for couples (especially those with kids) to continue to "date" and pursue their own hobbies, passions and interests outside of children or even the other person now and then. We are each other's person and the foundation of the Family we are building, so our unit must remain strong and independent on its own to continue to flourish for the next 5 years and every one beyond that.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjKNAqB7lsTtEB4BZRbipUrsv5SaONB0p-CIkKOHm29bcJ2ENerOatDvNUREqkLdX6ccCRM-2tmPJsEq8wWnmqU2UqmdlaQfyPihVJ55ffT07TBO_VQNvBV-Sa0tMmGeg9VypMyW2-90/s1600/0134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjKNAqB7lsTtEB4BZRbipUrsv5SaONB0p-CIkKOHm29bcJ2ENerOatDvNUREqkLdX6ccCRM-2tmPJsEq8wWnmqU2UqmdlaQfyPihVJ55ffT07TBO_VQNvBV-Sa0tMmGeg9VypMyW2-90/s1600/0134.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2-dts0_X7VBy6TmxAikG9jI9NjBoSsTa3fR-C8vyz7LeB72y79_56i7aBMf3L1_WidVTYtpTHJXBuv2IIRAZUlcdL6iMyW17LYhT8D7i1K-fG9XKx5czI6i9dK5efsP8WDLygprl-ZE/s1600/0464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2-dts0_X7VBy6TmxAikG9jI9NjBoSsTa3fR-C8vyz7LeB72y79_56i7aBMf3L1_WidVTYtpTHJXBuv2IIRAZUlcdL6iMyW17LYhT8D7i1K-fG9XKx5czI6i9dK5efsP8WDLygprl-ZE/s1600/0464.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKs5_De9LaWj8ZY_1kikr7DLfL2BnO5rtGYLP-ho4r3VG-0Q0GzY2pCuxZyHe9q1Muu4Br61QwwyGZE3JdRXhXixmKfWt2PhWGyvQpERNcaxggzXhc8KC623CN6ZpjdzGQ8nZz-6IyAR0/s1600/0342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKs5_De9LaWj8ZY_1kikr7DLfL2BnO5rtGYLP-ho4r3VG-0Q0GzY2pCuxZyHe9q1Muu4Br61QwwyGZE3JdRXhXixmKfWt2PhWGyvQpERNcaxggzXhc8KC623CN6ZpjdzGQ8nZz-6IyAR0/s1600/0342.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Anniversary, Michael. Family is not just a person but a feeling, a verb and a place where your heart lives and you are mine.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCJ3feKWnkgdpSuYKnNDNoqYDT_yHKFm_HUqs9Qt5hp1FueK7Fn2RmYi5Zsl-LVT3iwRWAIb9vWNzfSOJykpdCQm6dBncVnSBksdN7X44WJUbVODcNkyJ7vBYRzULKrbnTST7d3OeOjY/s1600/Kait+Lately.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="141" data-original-width="345" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCJ3feKWnkgdpSuYKnNDNoqYDT_yHKFm_HUqs9Qt5hp1FueK7Fn2RmYi5Zsl-LVT3iwRWAIb9vWNzfSOJykpdCQm6dBncVnSBksdN7X44WJUbVODcNkyJ7vBYRzULKrbnTST7d3OeOjY/s320/Kait+Lately.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Kait Latelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114810592677193260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4677723925354302369.post-315743486319367822018-07-13T05:30:00.000-05:002018-07-13T05:30:02.001-05:00A Week in Lake Geneva<h1 class="quoteText" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
</h1>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lake Geneva is a resort town at heart complete with lakeside
estates, classic wooden boats and a history of rubbing elbows with the likes of the Wrigleys and
Rockefellers. This may sound like a dream come
true but for those of us who are lucky to experience the beauty of the town, it’s just the recipe for another day. There’s excitement and a lot to experience year-round but this is a town that wears its
brightest colors when the piers are reunited
with the water. Summer is my favorite time in LG and we try to spend as much time as possible there during these 3 months. Even if you don’t have roots up north,
there’s a good chance you know somebody who does because it’s just one of </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">those</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> places...A place where everybody
knows your name and your drink of choice. And I’ll tell you one thing, we've definitely started to feel like locals over the years.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My family bought the house almost 21 years ago and being 10 at the time, I experienced a lot of homesickness early on because I was concerned about what I might be missing at home (you know, 4th grade FOMO) and now, I feel the same heartache when we're not at the lake. I could never have imagined how engrained the water and woods would become in my blood. It is our happy place, a place where life slows down and simplicity is not only revered, but practiced on a daily basis thanks to things like actually waving to your neighbors (whether you know them or not), taking a midday a nap in the hammock and perfect sunsets on a nightly basis. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>*Fun fact: I wrote a few articles for <a href="https://www.keeferealestate.com/lakeandcountry/">Lake & Country Magazine</a> a few years ago and truly LOVED being a part of the community there. It was a great way to meet people and learn even more about the area. The magazine is a great resource for staying in the loop on what's happening and finding those hidden gems. You can see <a href="http://sistersmarie.blogspot.com/2016/03/behind-scenes-with-lake-country-spring.html">one of my articles</a> here!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivhOR1RmZhLKc9RTwrOuRxJ3QGJWGhMXEkTgIgFuMdNIAQxwF6oEzjBsiH4IPvsZJ4jNs6YWXK7f6iq0WE3tsODJGBOSixkcdco5OVotjHiuvSuybkdzAeqMJ0HCz9yVX1ncF1iVa05jM/s1600/lake+%2526+country.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivhOR1RmZhLKc9RTwrOuRxJ3QGJWGhMXEkTgIgFuMdNIAQxwF6oEzjBsiH4IPvsZJ4jNs6YWXK7f6iq0WE3tsODJGBOSixkcdco5OVotjHiuvSuybkdzAeqMJ0HCz9yVX1ncF1iVa05jM/s1600/lake+%2526+country.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Recently, I've had multiple people ask me our favorite places to eat, drink, etc. in the area and because so many people make it a weekend destination, I figured it would be helpful to compile a list, making it easy to reference. I could never include everything there is to say about the area because not only is that a very long list, but as you can imagine, we have done </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">almost </i><span style="font-family: inherit;">everything LG has to offer in two+ decades so instead of trying to cover it all, I narrowed down some of our go-to spots. Many of these spots are actually in the areas surrounding the town of Lake Geneva but most of them are no more than a 15 minute drive. I certainly don't consider this a comprehensive guide to the area but rather, a few of the highlights that make our journey 80 miles north of Chicago worth the trip...every single time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfdazHwX-ubPbESfP-Dbr-K4PeQ_QurG0r6Q7ZNv_p26pJQnwIxE_-WnoHcXK6KmZxaYJerV9EiqEVMNxfOJznuDHxarEdILEVUtY6TyVVkLUHDgUhohLfCLTMmOmjaZ4_iig_cMhC8U/s1600/lake+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfdazHwX-ubPbESfP-Dbr-K4PeQ_QurG0r6Q7ZNv_p26pJQnwIxE_-WnoHcXK6KmZxaYJerV9EiqEVMNxfOJznuDHxarEdILEVUtY6TyVVkLUHDgUhohLfCLTMmOmjaZ4_iig_cMhC8U/s1600/lake+house.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>WHERE TO STAY:</b></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b><i><a href="https://www.grandgeneva.com/">Grand Geneva</a></i></b></li>
<ul>
<li>Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is a Four-Diamond resort with excellent restaurants, championship golf, Villa vacations, relaxing WELL Spa + Salon, winter ski hill and much more. <i>*Fun fact: It originally opened in 1968 as the Lake Geneva Playboy Club Hotel, the lush property served as a luxury escape for Midwest travelers. The first Playboy Club Hotel to open in the U.S., the resort brought a touch of glamour to the small lakeside community. </i>One of the coolest parts of this place? <i>The </i>outdoor fireplace lounge...AND it's <a href="https://www.grandgeneva.com/about/pet-friendly">pet friendly</a> which a few of you asked me about! This is also a great place to stay with kids because you can take advantage of the <a href="https://www.timberridgelodge.com/">indoor waterpark</a> - We will definitely be hitting this up when Ro is a little older. </li>
</ul>
<li><i><a href="http://historichotelsoflakegeneva.com/"><b>Maxwell Mansion/Baker House</b></a></i></li>
<ul>
<li>Both of these historic properties opened in the 1800's and continue to maintain their original charm and unique settings. Visit the website to learn more about each hotel and what they have to offer - They are even great places just to stop in for a drink!</li>
</ul>
<li><i><a href="http://www.coveoflakegeneva.com/Default.aspx?p=DynamicModule&PageId=1&ssid=100001&vnf=1"><b>The Cove</b></a></i></li>
<ul>
<li>This is a budget-friendly hotel located smack dab in the middle of downtown Lake Geneva, so in terms of location, it doesn't get much better than this. They have indoor and outdoor pools (with cabana rentals) and a 24-hour arcade - A kids Summer boredom cure! </li>
</ul>
<li><b><i><a href="https://www.airbnb.com/s/Lake-Geneva--WI">Air B&B</a></i></b></li>
<ul>
<li>There are a lot of houses to rent in the area which would be great for an extended Family stay. Shaheen <a href="http://www.lowstoluxe.com/lake-geneva-guide/">recently wrote a post</a> about their experience if you are interested in doing that (and their house was super cute!).</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">WHERE WE SHOP:</span></b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b><i><a href="http://www.angelushome.com/">Angelus Home, Garden & Lifestyle</a></i></b></li>
<ul>
<li>This is always a stop on our "girls day out", where my <a href="http://lakehouselyn.blogspot.com/">Mom</a>, <a href="http://www.balancinglisa.com/">Lisa</a>, my niece Penny and I take on the town. Angelus is a colorful shop full of an ever-changing display of modern country & cottage home decor. It's full of new, repurposed and hand painted furniture, artisan creations, as well as handcrafted natural soaps and candles and essential oil aromatherapy sprays. Every section of the store is a unique theme, making it easy to spend hours there because there's always something different to look at and it's filled with such clever decor ideas. They even host decorative paint workshops - this is on our must-try list!</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvS1h3seqRI8TPXPfN5UUlxiPAxtMlH5vmixUbqg7nnFduC9WXF7d5TqSsKUxhrulbNib6ao6OdRFv-oatFz-HXdfz05cd3O6rSDB-5hh0EgfffUPiUBG745jYpPiIPGxXrog-am7rA0/s1600/IMG_1887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvS1h3seqRI8TPXPfN5UUlxiPAxtMlH5vmixUbqg7nnFduC9WXF7d5TqSsKUxhrulbNib6ao6OdRFv-oatFz-HXdfz05cd3O6rSDB-5hh0EgfffUPiUBG745jYpPiIPGxXrog-am7rA0/s1600/IMG_1887.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<ul>
<li><b><i><a href="https://twillcottage.com/">Twill Cottage</a></i></b></li>
<ul>
<li>You guys, this is the tiniest, cutest store you will ever see. Well, it WAS tiny - They're actually moving to a new location in Walworth later this Summer (congrats to you, Deb!) and we're so excited to see them grow. For the time being, the store is located in a little house and full of modern, farmhouse flair. The store is perfect for a unique gift or a fun addition to your house.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh26U6gay2q9Axn3YAwI_OImrTtysRWB2Z9EDRxOUUfsbLHEOqei-xjeQhsnzpS7y10lQfJI5V1AsHFAvVU13W5kc3D7D136K0Yha7tjr0mHIVb7l_XFIQnXVLjMJye7eg0ZvaQ4f7P8Q/s1600/twill+cottage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh26U6gay2q9Axn3YAwI_OImrTtysRWB2Z9EDRxOUUfsbLHEOqei-xjeQhsnzpS7y10lQfJI5V1AsHFAvVU13W5kc3D7D136K0Yha7tjr0mHIVb7l_XFIQnXVLjMJye7eg0ZvaQ4f7P8Q/s1600/twill+cottage.jpg" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><b><i><a href="https://www.thecashmerecompass.com/">Cashmere Compass</a></i></b></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Stacey's store is a mix of new and quality consignment furniture and home goods as well as gift items in a variety of price ranges.Their <span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #2f2e2e; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">goal is to brighten your day, bring some beauty and comfort to you and maybe even help you find something you can bring home to help you keep that warm and cozy feeling going.</span><span style="color: #2f2e2e;"> <a href="https://www.thecashmerecompass.com/about-us">Stacey's story</a> is actually pretty cool - She grew up here and turned the old bank in town into this store! #girlboss </span></span></li>
</ul>
<li><b><i><a href="https://www.instagram.com/estreet_lg/">E Street Denim</a> </i></b></li>
<ul>
<li>If you followed me on <a href="http://sistersmarie.blogspot.com/">Sisters Marie</a>, you know that Lisa and I frequently wore and swapped items from E Street. This place is known for its amazing selection of denim (no shock there), but we love the whole store because we can always count on finding things you don't see anywhere else. The owner, Kasey, is so sweet and always willing to help us narrow down our favorite pieces. Plus, last time we shopped they were making margaritas at the register and handing them out to customers. WINNING.</li>
</ul>
<li><i>Other fun stores in the area include --></i> <i><a href="https://www.visitlakegeneva.com/members/bloomingbyrds/">Bloomingbyrds</a>, <a href="http://shopedie.com/">Edie</a>, <a href="http://www.thebottleshoplakegeneva.com/">The Bottle Shop</a> (for wine!), <a href="https://www.elegantfarmer.com/">Elegant Farmer</a> (the most AMAZING pies) and <a href="http://www.pawsfortreats.net/">Paws For Treats</a> (for furry friends).</i></li>
<ul>
</ul>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">WHERE WE EAT:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<i>*Fun fact: My Mom, Dad and I recently made a list of every restaurant we have eaten at in the area since we bought the house. We even included ones that no longer exist or have changed names and become something else and it was over 100+ places long! It was so fun to recall all the spots where we have created memories or taken different friends and Family over the years. With that said, I could say A LOT in this category - However, you would probably age about 10 years before we finished so I'm keeping this relatively brief with our 3 most visited spots near our home in Fontana. Feel free to ask me about any other restaurant recommendations though, I have A LOT.</i><br />
<ul>
<li><b><i><a href="https://www.gordysboats.com/check-out-our--dining">Gordy's</a>/<a href="https://chuckslakeshoreinn.com/">Chucks</a></i></b></li>
<ul>
<li>If you've been to Fontana, you've definitely been to both of these spots. I even see people wearing merchandise from both places ALL the time at home. I lumped them together because they are right next door to each other and located steps from the lake but that is really where their similarities end. You go to Chucks if you're looking for a laid back beer and burger combo. It's a little more casual, ALWAYS PACKED and definitely the place to be on a warm Summer day - Big party place! Gordy's is a little more Family-friendly (though there's always kids at both places), has a more extensive menu, and requires a little more than just swim trunks and flip flops. Tbh, I think Chucks is great for lunch and Gordy's is nice for Dinner so you can basically just park nearby and spend the whole day there, watching the boats fly by. We are here OFTEN.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85v_TbZVstRCo2qKy64ftQ4HoYxwVVvO3qhcl-36PV7FqUEEa45XNZXGD_Qw3XjRwErl0UOQPt5kZlofPLd5y7T1-MB249dTH9KdASKzqowbnm8EwLFWJQZsHfY6f4pODTd1bwLKu6WM/s1600/gordys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85v_TbZVstRCo2qKy64ftQ4HoYxwVVvO3qhcl-36PV7FqUEEa45XNZXGD_Qw3XjRwErl0UOQPt5kZlofPLd5y7T1-MB249dTH9KdASKzqowbnm8EwLFWJQZsHfY6f4pODTd1bwLKu6WM/s1600/gordys.jpg" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><b><i><a href="https://www.pier290.com/">Pier 290</a></i></b></li>
<ul>
<li>Our Family favorite - I'm sure you've seen this place <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BjTdkpzAkZO/?taken-by=kaitlately">on my Instagram</a> a thousand times and that's because the setting is just perfect. It's really the only restaurant directly on the water and meets all of the<i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>requirements for an amazing dining experience: Unreal views of the lake, a fabulous menu (The watermelon & feta salad is to die for!) and the best al fresco scene. Not to mention, a man-made white sand beach with Adirondack chairs and stone fire pits...it is always 5:00 here. What's cool is, the outdoor patio is open most of the year thanks to heaters and said fire pits, so I always look forward to coming back in layers and boots in the Fall.</li>
<li><i>Order the --> Painkiller! <b>It's SO GOOD.</b></i></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4zrX9AvkGnMdD8LMAXTRMeulZJ2ozupQE9uBW6Qvnv-l601DaJ2d4O2q3s1nA6qMKahgiF0XU1RUXN7xfiQtAdGAkB3htaGyLjCL9KwfL5Faut8AlKf975XmKpm7E_2vptvyp90N94I/s1600/Pier+290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4zrX9AvkGnMdD8LMAXTRMeulZJ2ozupQE9uBW6Qvnv-l601DaJ2d4O2q3s1nA6qMKahgiF0XU1RUXN7xfiQtAdGAkB3htaGyLjCL9KwfL5Faut8AlKf975XmKpm7E_2vptvyp90N94I/s1600/Pier+290.jpg" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><i>The town of Lake Geneva has SO much to offer --> Check out <a href="https://www.oakfirelakegeneva.com/">Oakfire</a> (and their new outdoor deck!), <a href="http://historichotelsoflakegeneva.com/">Baker House</a> (also mentioned above as a great hotel!), <a href="https://www.medusagrillandbistro.com/?utm_source=tripadvisor&utm_medium=referral">Medusa</a>, and <a href="http://simplelakegeneva.com/">Simple</a> for breakfast. We also really like <a href="http://cafecalamari.com/">Cafe Calamari</a> in Williams Bay...they have a great patio and a salad dressing that's good enough for my Mom to bring home a bottle every time we eat there.</i></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">WHERE WE GRAB COFFEE:</span></b></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://coffeemillfontana.com/">The Coffee Mill:</a> </b>I can't say enough good things about this place. We have been coming here since it opened many years ago and I don't think we ever spend a weekend at the lake without making (multiple) stops here. The people are so nice, the coffee is delicious and the store is welcoming. Not to mention, it has the cutest decor (a chalk board menu, wire basket lights and a new sitting area that will hit you with all the rustic-chic feels). Plus, they make a baked oatmeal that is out of this world. Their honeybee coffee drink is our go-to in the cooler months. It's made with local honey (like, we've seen the adorable elderly man drop it off, fresh kind of honey, espresso, steamed milk, and nutmeg. Comfort in a cup!</span></li>
<ul>
<li><i>Order the --> Iced Aloha Latte (Summertime fave!)</i></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIrnoWTA0jI_l0Q0P2uDHuguexiikrEV7_nf4ES6XDN7IxLy_afUo5_WpdEknp6fYWLAObpATFyLfB5RHu2iYbgi_kLyIzApiRdqpFnq1hKv9g1rLpTj7xz764vwh1tw-zehHf96S8ozQ/s1600/coffee+mill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIrnoWTA0jI_l0Q0P2uDHuguexiikrEV7_nf4ES6XDN7IxLy_afUo5_WpdEknp6fYWLAObpATFyLfB5RHu2iYbgi_kLyIzApiRdqpFnq1hKv9g1rLpTj7xz764vwh1tw-zehHf96S8ozQ/s1600/coffee+mill.jpg" /></a><br />
<ul><ul>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><a href="https://www.boxedandburlap.com/">Boxed and Burlap:</a> </i></b>I met the owners (Lindsay and John Neighbors) at a <a href="http://sistersmarie.blogspot.com/2016/03/behind-scenes-with-lake-country-spring.html" style="background-color: white; text-decoration-line: none;">Lake & Country</a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">party just before they opened their shop a few years back and their business card alone was enough to peak my interest. </span>The coffee is custom roasted and cannot be found in any other mid-western coffee shop and they offer a full service espresso bar along with a selection of tea and pastry items. The story of the shop is a true <span style="background-color: white;">American small town dream. It is owned by a husband and wife couple and built through the help of family and friends. The coffeehouse was woven together with the garden center and studio space, so during the warmer months, we stop by to grab a few succulents as we sip our coffee. But this place is so much more than a great coffee house - Their Batten House is home to many activities on a weekly basis including yoga (through <a href="https://www.yogalakegeneva.com/">Yoga LG</a>), their amazing farmers market, open mic's, and custom events. We are regulars here and as a bonus, the kids love visiting too. My nephew is always up for a chess match against my husband!</span></span></li>
<ul>
<li><i style="font-family: inherit;">Order the --> Iced Lavender Latte - I dream of these year round!</i></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGCqAzPHdSzKs3kvkeyCWU3EqPOSbL-SZ4upkeQYzsU8H8u0bKF6v3ZeuvSV_IXbjXGXRD-pR4lwdZM9uF1jdoIQAAR1IBQsVoRWAcDgd8XCVb78ZOype5uXIA-lt-ZV_h5mLtqpiKzE/s1600/boxed+and+burlap5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGCqAzPHdSzKs3kvkeyCWU3EqPOSbL-SZ4upkeQYzsU8H8u0bKF6v3ZeuvSV_IXbjXGXRD-pR4lwdZM9uF1jdoIQAAR1IBQsVoRWAcDgd8XCVb78ZOype5uXIA-lt-ZV_h5mLtqpiKzE/s1600/boxed+and+burlap5.jpg" /></a><br />
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">WHERE WE GET ICE CREAM:</span></b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/dairyripple/">Meggy Moo's Dairy Ripple</a>:</i></b></li>
<ul>
<li>This is another spot we have been visiting since we bought the house. It's a tiny, drive-up place located in Walworth with tables in the grassy area nearby and an awesome menu. In the Summer, this place is like gold - The lines wrap around the building and the parking lot is always full but the staff works very hard and you never wait too long. Even if you do, you don't mind because it's just such a fun place to bring your Family. We literally schedule our meals during the day around this place - No matter how much we eat, we always make sure we're going to have room in our bellies and time on the clock to stop here. Everyone gets something different but my go-to is a chocolate flurry with cookie dough. Their real food is awesome too! One of the best burgers I've had.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEkAzoMsbngHN_LhV-tmfPajtYp7ZKAWUr7E-sMAr4B-kNPU6VgbMEPOGIo3ZvqBdI2HCQDOs7O9ifsWnYNTxQZzISEd3gJ-nzhdjAFiU-4dCyOhYwXdF0UZiMlTyYiDNXPbkNa8kdEE/s1600/meggy+moo%2527s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEkAzoMsbngHN_LhV-tmfPajtYp7ZKAWUr7E-sMAr4B-kNPU6VgbMEPOGIo3ZvqBdI2HCQDOs7O9ifsWnYNTxQZzISEd3gJ-nzhdjAFiU-4dCyOhYwXdF0UZiMlTyYiDNXPbkNa8kdEE/s1600/meggy+moo%2527s.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><b><i>Dip in the Bay:</i></b></li>
<ul>
<li>Awesome place to go for REAL ice cream - It's hand-dipped and has some of the most <a href="http://dipinthebay.com/work/12734/flavors">delicious flavors</a>. </li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifGbzutK4e0F0-RjKqP2kqKmbd_mgLwFnPJHoCq-h_xqxfOm4NYFdTABWJoddH32_8hDgXHLdKMnw2HPpT8fC8Oer54V4JQyNIeOJDaNx_LDejIYotD6RvkvZVXk3zIij8ZzwquG9iZlM/s1600/dip+in+the+bay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifGbzutK4e0F0-RjKqP2kqKmbd_mgLwFnPJHoCq-h_xqxfOm4NYFdTABWJoddH32_8hDgXHLdKMnw2HPpT8fC8Oer54V4JQyNIeOJDaNx_LDejIYotD6RvkvZVXk3zIij8ZzwquG9iZlM/s1600/dip+in+the+bay.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">WHAT WE DO:</span></b></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b><i>Walk the Lake Shore Path</i></b></li>
<ul>
<li>Probably my #1 favorite thing to do when we're here, no matter WHAT season. It's 21 miles in total but you can walk bits and pieces of it and still experience all of the amazing homes, landscapes and views of the lake. Two Summers ago, we did 15+ miles with our friends - The goal was to finish the whole thing but by the end, we were exhausted and hungry so we resolved to start earlier next time and finish the path in its entirety. If I lived in the area full-time, I would start every morning on this path. I wrote a little bit more about the path in <a href="http://sistersmarie.blogspot.com/2015/10/walk-talk-gawk.html">this post</a> if you're interested. </li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfynntkTG7RGNbMK2OtoAXYSkC_xE7nTTbl4IKXPwvM4FE0DNy4ANW28Dm7uSnh6FPETBj9DufddCIE63mHd4dLHTOav-rSFtIhzAykUHJjK5oKIlF2D9vzSeqQOyQfcV97aIeOsB5e24/s1600/lake+path.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1101" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfynntkTG7RGNbMK2OtoAXYSkC_xE7nTTbl4IKXPwvM4FE0DNy4ANW28Dm7uSnh6FPETBj9DufddCIE63mHd4dLHTOav-rSFtIhzAykUHJjK5oKIlF2D9vzSeqQOyQfcV97aIeOsB5e24/s1600/lake+path.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXMBCEf3vVATGOrK2R1kZumvtw2zZ376GqplvXrCBpH-kwtPAe2rbdUwSKGazH8A7453MofVE2lFYaCzgCcT1kqXpyHCe_zU6H5DeA0mmedE_y_TohiN7MA1LofPSGXiPixEXy_Foz7c/s1600/lake+path+lake+geneva.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXMBCEf3vVATGOrK2R1kZumvtw2zZ376GqplvXrCBpH-kwtPAe2rbdUwSKGazH8A7453MofVE2lFYaCzgCcT1kqXpyHCe_zU6H5DeA0mmedE_y_TohiN7MA1LofPSGXiPixEXy_Foz7c/s1600/lake+path+lake+geneva.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<ul><ul>
</ul>
<li><b><i>Get out on the Water!</i></b></li>
<ul>
<li>Even if you're just visiting the weekend, there are so many ways to enjoy the lake close up. Rent a boat from <a href="https://www.gordysboats.com/check-out--boat-rentals">Gordy's Marine</a> or <a href="http://genevawatersports.com/">Leather Lips</a>, try a <a href="https://www.clearwateroutdoor.com/cwo-kayak-canoe.aspx">stand up paddle board</a> (still on my to-do list!) or take a tour on the <a href="https://www.cruiselakegeneva.com/boat-tours/">Lake Geneva Cruise Line</a> (the cocktail cruise is highly recommended!).</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbXcmoNe9PMDdpcBFCDWG1_r2h-5JoIFQ_ODo01Lv5qq6cwwCSycvf3IJN3Jg8T3qYAbwJlbLHrlmeXM_if2VqdZcP0CWRTu__2Lvnl0mcycnXVB-N2Nqrv2ykIUbS0pgjR8LTE-vtFo/s1600/boating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbXcmoNe9PMDdpcBFCDWG1_r2h-5JoIFQ_ODo01Lv5qq6cwwCSycvf3IJN3Jg8T3qYAbwJlbLHrlmeXM_if2VqdZcP0CWRTu__2Lvnl0mcycnXVB-N2Nqrv2ykIUbS0pgjR8LTE-vtFo/s1600/boating.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><b><i>Yoga on the beach (or at Boxed & Burlap) </i></b></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is another one of my personal favorites! <span style="line-height: 115%;">If you’re a yoga
enthusiast, you haven’t experienced true Namaste until you’ve practiced on the
beach. <a href="https://www.yogalakegeneva.com/">Yoga Lake Geneva</a> hosts weekend morning classes outside of Pier 290 where your
downward dog is accompanied by calming sound of light waves. The set-up is more
than serene; freshly raked sand and a summer sun just beginning to rise over fifty
shades of blue. <span style="background: white;">Loaner mats are available, so even if you’re new to yoga, you can bring a friend
or your out-of-town guests for a unique experience. It is AWESOME.</span></span></span><!--EndFragment--></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7D_l4KZr4nzNPNok-l2EYB8jB7LJN_BYH7cbSw9HeekgJGdEFGWtFfxPjH23bFAfZKAuxTSdpA_a24llIUEru2B2Ip1Ec8-Zd-x4RegX4sFC7JbQNZtmctdY__4DfF61bfvTAlwdWVg/s1600/yoga+on+the+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7D_l4KZr4nzNPNok-l2EYB8jB7LJN_BYH7cbSw9HeekgJGdEFGWtFfxPjH23bFAfZKAuxTSdpA_a24llIUEru2B2Ip1Ec8-Zd-x4RegX4sFC7JbQNZtmctdY__4DfF61bfvTAlwdWVg/s1600/yoga+on+the+beach.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><b><i>Visit the Beach</i></b></li>
<ul>
<li>We frequent Fontana Beach since it's closer to our house (and tends to be a little quieter, depending on the day) but the beach in Lake Geneva is great too and just steps away from all of the shops and restaurants</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGZofMxEaapQGhD417m3LAOOiJAk500WFR07xWcJJcRKPZamjyEaJ7u8f3vKKbRjZAoI2wDixAvacOAHiYLk2f2x4yWvTcOp_uJig7hJPsyUhQSALrBl8P8UWb4_5c_24Tj4RIrdaVkk/s1600/beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="780" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGZofMxEaapQGhD417m3LAOOiJAk500WFR07xWcJJcRKPZamjyEaJ7u8f3vKKbRjZAoI2wDixAvacOAHiYLk2f2x4yWvTcOp_uJig7hJPsyUhQSALrBl8P8UWb4_5c_24Tj4RIrdaVkk/s1600/beach.jpg" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><b><i>Rent Bikes - Avant Bicycle or Pedal & Cup: </i></b></li>
<ul>
<li>Pedal & Cup is located just a short distance from Lake Geneva. The
eleven-mile trail is flat and wide<span class="MsoCommentReference" style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">, m</span></span><span style="background: white; font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">aking it feasible for all riders.
Once you’re finished, return to the shop to enjoy a sandwich and some iced tea
(or a smoothie, espresso and so on). By the way, if you're staying at a hotel
in the area, they will deliver the bikes to YOU.</span></li>
</ul>
<li><b><i>If it's Raining...</i></b></li>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://boardandbrush.com/lakegeneva/" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Board & Brush</a> - DIY wood sign workshop...Fun girls night out or date night!</li>
<li><b><i><a href="https://oldworldwisconsin.wisconsinhistory.org/">Old World Wisconsin</a></i></b> - This is a cool stop for a Family with slightly older kids. Travel back in time and experience rural Wisconsin as it was a century ago and more when waves of immigrants came to America. You can explore eight ethnic farms and an 1880s village filled with hands-on activities for all ages.</li>
<li><i><b><a href="https://blackpointestate.wisconsinhistory.org/">Tour Black Point Estate </a></b></i>- <span style="font-family: inherit;">The Estate and Gardens (which overlooks the lake) was the<br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.9px;" /><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.9px;">summer home for Chicago beer baron Conrad Seipp and four</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.9px;" /><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.9px;">generations of his descendants. Keep in mind, you must take a boat to get here so the weather can't be TOO bad.</span></span></li>
<li><b><i><a href="http://genevalakemuseum.org/">Lake Geneva Museum </a></i></b>- Visit Main Street as it was years ago and take a look at historic stores, homes, a school room as well as other places. You can actually go into them for a close up look at furniture, clothing, tools, machines, merchandise, photos and other artifacts of daily living. You can get a real feel for lifestyles in the late 19th and early 20th century in the Geneva Lake area.</li>
<li><b><i><a href="https://www.studiowinery.com/index.html">Studio Winery </a></i></b>- All their wine is made on-site and they always have live music lined up!</li>
<li><b><i><a href="https://www.lakegenevamagic.com/index.html">Magic Theatre </a></i></b>- Master Illusionist, Tristan Crist presents magic up-close and personal. Witness large illusions in an intimate setting, every seat is close to the action. 60 minutes of live magic, comedy and illusion with new tricks added every year. This place gets GREAT reviews!</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;">
- - -<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOyD0l6GfRS8ETBBKRWEXrjDjWmRYsi35TAkQsC36XYVZAOW5QBwssZb2FX8E2y2lSDUE0Mrlr2YNHZ1GZwuxjrn14u-dcBm6ONZ6JH9P4I4PqzHS2pazDLQ6EnxDIdyqipKE9TC3BSE/s1600/IMG_5171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOyD0l6GfRS8ETBBKRWEXrjDjWmRYsi35TAkQsC36XYVZAOW5QBwssZb2FX8E2y2lSDUE0Mrlr2YNHZ1GZwuxjrn14u-dcBm6ONZ6JH9P4I4PqzHS2pazDLQ6EnxDIdyqipKE9TC3BSE/s1600/IMG_5171.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-indent: -24px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-indent: -24px;">
<h1 class="quoteText" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i>“You will never be completely at home again, because part of your heart always will be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place.”</i></span></h1>
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is so true for many of us and perfectly sums up how I feel about our second home. We always roll down the windows in the car when we turn onto our street because I love the way the air smells and how it feels when it fills my lungs. When the weekends wind down and we've exhausted all of the ways we can stay just "one more day," we wave to Family and pull away with sadness, only to begin plotting the next time we can return. We are so blessed to have this place as a part of our lives and I am so excited for Ronan to grow up with it as a part of his...It's full of real life magic.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
If you are planning a visit soon, enjoy every minute...Nobody does Summer like Lake Geneva :) And if you have any additional questions or need further recommendations, I am happy to help! Leave them in the comments or feel free to email me: kaitlately@gmail.com or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kaitlately/">DM me on Instagram</a>. Hope this helps!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
See you at the lake,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBX9KGBVv41jBJCCRXzFfexYR6MeDLU-HswUuFf5hpBG5U4zIdeX8fYu8JSHBqJXtgh6r2vq1-z845CTQyf7frOYnQ8M1K1TuLXq2-QSoNnk_9AK952sBzm3VSUfzPQdwJkHhQukOsAMc/s1600/Kait+Lately.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="141" data-original-width="345" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBX9KGBVv41jBJCCRXzFfexYR6MeDLU-HswUuFf5hpBG5U4zIdeX8fYu8JSHBqJXtgh6r2vq1-z845CTQyf7frOYnQ8M1K1TuLXq2-QSoNnk_9AK952sBzm3VSUfzPQdwJkHhQukOsAMc/s320/Kait+Lately.png" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Arial;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Arial;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:Arial;
mso-fareast-font-family:Arial;
mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;
color:black;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-size:11.0pt;
mso-ansi-font-size:11.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:Arial;
mso-ascii-font-family:Arial;
mso-fareast-font-family:Arial;
mso-hansi-font-family:Arial;
mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;
color:black;}
.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
line-height:115%;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style><style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Arial;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:1;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:Arial;
mso-fareast-font-family:Arial;
mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;
color:black;}
p.MsoFootnoteText, li.MsoFootnoteText, div.MsoFootnoteText
{mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-link:"Footnote Text Char";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;
mso-fareast-font-family:Arial;
mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;
color:black;}
span.MsoFootnoteReference
{mso-style-priority:99;
vertical-align:super;}
span.MsoCommentReference
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-ansi-font-size:9.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;}
span.FootnoteTextChar
{mso-style-name:"Footnote Text Char";
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-locked:yes;
mso-style-link:"Footnote Text";
mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-size:11.0pt;
mso-ansi-font-size:11.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:Arial;
mso-ascii-font-family:Arial;
mso-fareast-font-family:Arial;
mso-hansi-font-family:Arial;
mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;
color:black;}
.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
line-height:115%;}
/* Page Definitions */
@page
{mso-footnote-separator:url("Macintosh HD:private:var:folders:8g:k526gnlx6139drzysw34flmw0000gn:T:TemporaryItems:msoclip:0:clip_header.htm") fs;
mso-footnote-continuation-separator:url("Macintosh HD:private:var:folders:8g:k526gnlx6139drzysw34flmw0000gn:T:TemporaryItems:msoclip:0:clip_header.htm") fcs;
mso-endnote-separator:url("Macintosh HD:private:var:folders:8g:k526gnlx6139drzysw34flmw0000gn:T:TemporaryItems:msoclip:0:clip_header.htm") es;
mso-endnote-continuation-separator:url("Macintosh HD:private:var:folders:8g:k526gnlx6139drzysw34flmw0000gn:T:TemporaryItems:msoclip:0:clip_header.htm") ecs;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
/* List Definitions */
@list l0
{mso-list-id:1331056975;
mso-list-template-ids:-175719286;}
@list l0:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:●;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:.25in;
text-decoration:none;
text-underline:none;}
@list l0:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:○;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:.75in;
text-decoration:none;
text-underline:none;}
@list l0:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:■;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:1.25in;
text-decoration:none;
text-underline:none;}
@list l0:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:●;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:1.75in;
text-decoration:none;
text-underline:none;}
@list l0:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:○;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:2.25in;
text-decoration:none;
text-underline:none;}
@list l0:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:■;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:2.75in;
text-decoration:none;
text-underline:none;}
@list l0:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:●;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:3.25in;
text-decoration:none;
text-underline:none;}
@list l0:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:○;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:3.75in;
text-decoration:none;
text-underline:none;}
@list l0:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:■;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:4.25in;
text-decoration:none;
text-underline:none;}
ol
{margin-bottom:0in;}
ul
{margin-bottom:0in;}
-->
</style>Kait Latelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114810592677193260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4677723925354302369.post-78916021054836117962018-06-12T06:00:00.000-05:002018-08-10T14:31:15.528-05:00Motherhood: Rainy Day Activities for Kids<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
Now that summer is here to stay, Ronan and I spend most of our waking time outdoors. I try my hardest to plan anything outside that we can including eating our meals on the deck, going for multiple walks, visiting the park, playing with the water table, taking his toys outside, etc. I don't know about him, but it has definitely had an impact on my mood because it can start to feel monotonous playing with the same toys inside all day, every day. However, I know rain will eventually come and the cold days will return so in this situations, I'd like to be prepared with clever indoor activities to fill our time. Sometimes, you have to make your own adventures and fellow Mom's of infants and toddlers know this all too well. Luckily, my friend Lauren was willing to share some of her favorite rainy day ideas for keeping kids boredom at bay. Her adorable son Emerson is 2 years old and you can really tell how much he loves his Mama! It's easy to see why when she's got so many of these fun tricks up her sleeve...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">11 Ways to Keep Kids Entertained Indoors:</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Disappearing art </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I love hanging my son’s works of art in our kitchen, but some days the thought of painting with my toddler gives me anxiety! I discovered that some brightly covered construction paper, a brush and a cup of water makes a perfect mess-free painting activity! The paper darkens as it gets wet and allows them to paint the day away without making a mess! If you’ve got an older child, a spray bottle works great too. For an added bonus - once the paper dries - you’ve got a brand new canvas to start again. (This works great on summer days using trees, sidewalks, and driveways as their canvases!)</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zgV5q91XiXkEennWEDQtFiwJojsThE_3P4OfPIUTT46s5nklVlaCePnF7JTgWxqTjfs_KTtmSqIR0yN1R6x5MPQ327hsn5H37A4UDzS3rDO9_55zhJEDmxb_UslPKOeeHAueKuRrvaI/s1600/painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zgV5q91XiXkEennWEDQtFiwJojsThE_3P4OfPIUTT46s5nklVlaCePnF7JTgWxqTjfs_KTtmSqIR0yN1R6x5MPQ327hsn5H37A4UDzS3rDO9_55zhJEDmxb_UslPKOeeHAueKuRrvaI/s1600/painting.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17.9px;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Use your noodle</span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Next time you see that pasta is on super-sale as you grocery shop, buy a few boxes of fun shaped pasta. Bowties, macaroni... buy whatever shape inspires you! Dump the boxes into a medium sized storage bin. Give your child measuring cups and spoons, small toy cars or animals, and allow them to have some fun sensory play. If pasta isn’t your thing - try cotton balls, water beads, dried beans, or even oats! </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17.9px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Can you dig it?</span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Inspire your child’s inner archeologist with this next idea. Play doh and kinetic sand work great for this activity. Collect small plastic animals, rocks, costume jewelry, or any tiny toys your kids have laying around. Take chunks of the play doh or sand and hide the objects inside. Let your son or daughter dig to find what treasures are hidden!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17.9px;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5cs8pIcUB0_ph7tZXa8gK3EirIUI-Ya17a1rAKApodSJVhunwy_NpLudvswZuLIPR5592m3yI2g64t48sw7egxn6R7r4blrx5nUu-leFMhuVyHNr-4kWTAh6AVA0P-sT_TLTdiXt6L4/s1600/sand2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1355" data-original-width="1162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5cs8pIcUB0_ph7tZXa8gK3EirIUI-Ya17a1rAKApodSJVhunwy_NpLudvswZuLIPR5592m3yI2g64t48sw7egxn6R7r4blrx5nUu-leFMhuVyHNr-4kWTAh6AVA0P-sT_TLTdiXt6L4/s1600/sand2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17.9px;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Opposite scavenger hunt</span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Learning opposites can be fun when turned into a scavenger hunt around your house. Using note cards, write a pair of opposites, one on each side. Great examples include heavy/light, old/new, soft/hard, smooth/bumpy, dark/light, or loud/quiet. Hand your child their own flashlight (because we all know flashlights make everything cooler for kids) and help them find things that are opposites around your house. Have them shine the light on the things they find. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17.9px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Color chase </span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The day my son discovered how to take photos on my phone was the same day my storage space took a huge hit! Kids love taking pictures! Set a timer for 5 minutes - and encourage them to find and take a photo of anything they see that is a certain color. Change colors after the 5 minutes is up! You’ll be surprised at the different things they find and photograph. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17.9px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Time to be productive! </span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sometimes rainy day activities need to be productive. Toddlers love to feel the pride of accomplishment and enjoy being a helper. Simple tasks as loading the washing machine, matching clean socks, restocking toilet paper under bathroom sinks, putting away their clothes, or even a bit of food prep (tearing lettuce, mixing fruit salad, making Chex mix) can be fun way for them to help their family out. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17.9px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Stuffed Safari </span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This next activity seems simple, but has kept my son entertained for a shocking amount of time. Let them pick out a stuffed animal to play hide and seek with. Ask them to leave the room, hide the animal, and call them back in to find it! Let them have a chance to do the hiding too! </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17.9px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Rockin’ and paintin’</span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Next time you pull the paints out, try and paint on a different canvas. Grab some landscaping rocks and let them make their artwork on the sides of the rocks. Since the rocks tend to be smaller, q-tips are a great paint brush. Once dry - take these pieces of art and hide them at a local park for some other kids to find. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17.9px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Working at the car wash!</span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let your budding entrepreneurs open their own matchbox car wash. Give them an old toothbrush, q-tips, and some towels and water. Line their toy cars up and see how quickly they can get them sparkling again. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17.9px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">The power of glue</span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Give a kid a bottle of glue and watch the magic unfold! Dollar stores have a great variety of craft supplies! Pom poms, pipe cleaners, tissue paper, beads, popsicle sticks, foam cut outs - you’d be surprised at what you could find. Let your toddler build a sculpture with the supplies, or make a 3-D picture. They key here is just letting the glue fly as they create works of art. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17.9px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Indoor snow</span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My mom was always creative with the activities she did with us - and I have memories of playing with shaving cream as a kid. Spray some directly on the table, or onto a cookie sheet for easier clean up. Kids can work on writing letters, drawing shapes, or piling up the shaving cream to make little snowmen. <i>This activity is best done right before bath time!</i></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5re8RHMFWpZMcAD3HZbSzGqQCVLkQDBc2wEloo1ZFQwlCxK1YFKyQhmqMf3ksR7AN_T4v7vz2VNeBF93uL5K93btzlwTDWzK1oLXH2BqM1u0S0gLh0Jb8MzjqSwLC5yzhWJYa7mWlpU/s1600/shaving+cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="877" data-original-width="1125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5re8RHMFWpZMcAD3HZbSzGqQCVLkQDBc2wEloo1ZFQwlCxK1YFKyQhmqMf3ksR7AN_T4v7vz2VNeBF93uL5K93btzlwTDWzK1oLXH2BqM1u0S0gLh0Jb8MzjqSwLC5yzhWJYa7mWlpU/s1600/shaving+cream.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<ol>
<li>How do you keep your kids entertained on rainy days?</li>
</ol>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You can </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/laurenwalker0926/" style="font-family: inherit;">follow Lauren and Emerson's</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> adventures on Instagram!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Thanks for reading! </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82bXRGbBKHvHCx28BJa_bWTJjbTL2HwFdLyLLUEx_xpfcc2bi3K2POa3gyejoKpE10v8-A-nKKExHMVr9RaL4hW7j9CLFckCBMYtLqbg-T0TEaCCYjVGYzxylAL2KhcHyxEe-hBHj7cg/s1600/Kait+Lately.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="131" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82bXRGbBKHvHCx28BJa_bWTJjbTL2HwFdLyLLUEx_xpfcc2bi3K2POa3gyejoKpE10v8-A-nKKExHMVr9RaL4hW7j9CLFckCBMYtLqbg-T0TEaCCYjVGYzxylAL2KhcHyxEe-hBHj7cg/s1600/Kait+Lately.png" /></a></div>
</div>
Kait Latelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114810592677193260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4677723925354302369.post-36648511631550552202018-06-08T06:00:00.000-05:002018-06-08T07:28:30.931-05:00Summer Lists, Simplified<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyajORqSZ9NTLKFc1skxE0LquiHjznzIqJISYAdoWRBimit87vvp2qbQ3yQN2FWk8DZyKpd-AlvZETOlmO8KmEakPqECAmYyQbNgz8NSsAEuAru0QE7xXGSzQwdN1sCkHMPuhC_0OHFw/s1600/loft+linen+shorts4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyajORqSZ9NTLKFc1skxE0LquiHjznzIqJISYAdoWRBimit87vvp2qbQ3yQN2FWk8DZyKpd-AlvZETOlmO8KmEakPqECAmYyQbNgz8NSsAEuAru0QE7xXGSzQwdN1sCkHMPuhC_0OHFw/s1600/loft+linen+shorts4.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Wearing:</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Top: <a href="https://evereve.com/don-t-mess-with-mama-tank-38957-c">Evereve</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.jjill.com/product/striped-soft-cotton-shorts">Shorts</a> (<a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/LT3w">similar</a>) | Hat (<a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/LT3U">similar</a>) | Bag: c/o J. Jill (<a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/LT35">very similar!</a>) - <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/LT30">also love this one!</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sandals: <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/LT0b">LC Lauren Conrad</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jacket: J. Crew (<a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/LT4w">similar</a>)<br />
Sunnies: Old Navy</div>
<!-- COLLECTIVE WIDGET CODE START --> <br />
<div class="shopsense-widget" data-mobile-optimize="true" data-options="%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%225b19a23c2391f37e5005983e%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid6784-40818972-74%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.com%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D" style="text-align: center;">
<script> !function(doc,s,id){ var e, p, cb; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; cb = new Date().getTime().toString(); p = '//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js?cb=1528405824663?cb=' + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === 'object'){ if(doc.readyState === 'complete'){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, 'script', 'shopsensewidget-script'); </script> <iframe frameborder="0" height="275px" seamless="" src="//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%225b19a23c2391f37e5005983e%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid6784-40818972-74%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.com%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D" style="border: 0;" width="705px">
</iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD37dd81ThxY5QrPDfG5N_aHurQpc5RG0lwElpvyG1UxWQ8E8Hzshvwbn7vA3ZlbuCF5LcwlISe-J1Yii8pD5GXfzLf_yHJY2e-CG_WNO8oYy9e6wDTBa3ElyBPLVMuqaLVpldfzIWDBo/s1600/loft+linen+shorts2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD37dd81ThxY5QrPDfG5N_aHurQpc5RG0lwElpvyG1UxWQ8E8Hzshvwbn7vA3ZlbuCF5LcwlISe-J1Yii8pD5GXfzLf_yHJY2e-CG_WNO8oYy9e6wDTBa3ElyBPLVMuqaLVpldfzIWDBo/s1600/loft+linen+shorts2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
When Mike and I were dating, we would always make a Summer list - Things we wanted to try or experience and after a year or two, some of those become annual activities. Six Flags, Taste of Chicago (for rainbow cones and cheesecake!), Sox Games, Movies at the Park, North Avenue Beach, Brew at the Zoo. We also penciled in travel wherever we could, like a road trip to Cedar Point and an anniversary visit to Catalina Island, where he proposed. But the tradition of the Summer list started way before there was a Mike...<br />
<br />
I've made one for myself for as long as I can remember and early on, when Summer meant you had all the time in the world, the plans were much more simple. Spend a whole day in Megan's pool, finish my new book, burn mix cd's on Kazaa (The best, right?!), jump on the trampoline, organize neighborhood flashlight tag (this was my JAM!), get a blizzard at Dairy Queen, sleep until noon, ride bikes, live in my swimsuit. God, when I think about days like that in my head, it seems so long ago that it's hard to believe they ever happened. Those were some of the the best memories I've made though, at the time, I didn't appreciate how fast and fleeting they actually were.<br />
<br />
It's funny, though, because with Ronan, I get to re-live the simple days of Summer once again in a way. Because he's experiencing everything for the first time, he's fascinated by it all so he's a great reminder to slow down and appreciate all the little memories we're making together. Things like sitting on our deck blowing bubbles, eating our breakfast outside in pajamas, going for early morning walks, sitting in the grass and letting it graze our bare feet, enjoying the swings at the park, splashing at the water table, eating a cold treat on a hot day (or in his case, a cool teether). Even though we have a full calendar of activities with some event occupying almost every weekend, I appreciate having something that helps me remember all of Summer's wonderful simplicity.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3k_Zn2npTEEbXFZUB3tz_b-iw9kGRR5CzphnOMpRSKxDA159fd77f5vHfGamHlqiKAqfSNxtsTPcM3c-_yaXdIMZgr-hb5NQRMTvevf06TCPmLEIWhiUYerGro7EV0BKnLJTZHmVukw0/s1600/loft+linen+shorts5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3k_Zn2npTEEbXFZUB3tz_b-iw9kGRR5CzphnOMpRSKxDA159fd77f5vHfGamHlqiKAqfSNxtsTPcM3c-_yaXdIMZgr-hb5NQRMTvevf06TCPmLEIWhiUYerGro7EV0BKnLJTZHmVukw0/s1600/loft+linen+shorts5.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Speaking of wonderful... these <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=721272363&pid=uid6784-40818972-74&utm_content=textlink%3Ashopstyle.it%2Fl%3ALT3w">cotton striped shorts</a> from J. Jill are that and more. I call them my "Mom Shorts," (which is quite literal) because of the length, but I mean it in the best way possible. Most of my shorts are fairly short (not necessarily cheeky), but still too much for the office and many places in real life. Not only are these length appropriate but they are so soft, not too tight or too lose and the cutest striped style for Summer. I love blue/white together and you guys know I have a stripe addiction so it's not surprising I wear these multiple days in a row during the week. They are the perfect throw on & go bottoms so I can already tell I will be living in them for the next few months.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT98kf5qSdlqqE3BkYHW29EfLNnC4Uo66RciU96Oyj541BD47yKRFI-nzQCotdN9G2Fe56Jo4dzmYB2K9GbwKBDxAGWosM5yT6UssA59t70UoSiAFGRsAheaNx0Z9o1ElIormjZjgSL0A/s1600/loft+linen+shorts6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT98kf5qSdlqqE3BkYHW29EfLNnC4Uo66RciU96Oyj541BD47yKRFI-nzQCotdN9G2Fe56Jo4dzmYB2K9GbwKBDxAGWosM5yT6UssA59t70UoSiAFGRsAheaNx0Z9o1ElIormjZjgSL0A/s1600/loft+linen+shorts6.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCoquuNmcsbPyNTDLe4yCwp_fV7G4TNP6b6rv1BWVwNFTWPABVZaUMCjigDa2Q4LGFN167JTPzZj6TBxFuSziwEGVoUavtcPhFY8b64xHDZfXeuQR1ZPSBFoqdhTqf1qcupXnT_YytUpQ/s1600/loft+linen+shorts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCoquuNmcsbPyNTDLe4yCwp_fV7G4TNP6b6rv1BWVwNFTWPABVZaUMCjigDa2Q4LGFN167JTPzZj6TBxFuSziwEGVoUavtcPhFY8b64xHDZfXeuQR1ZPSBFoqdhTqf1qcupXnT_YytUpQ/s1600/loft+linen+shorts.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZodEtH7UAxmj2Ies4t2nkMoHQkzGjNb6lgofgc7MsJ2avV_6-B4XR5Ca23v6uvW4jIyrqYofavd2Jnju6P9oe2v0ZYu2Tp5UofMUx_ZS7oQokImRtxYRjXdRZFBa2HfZYXFaR8nT4EhE/s1600/loft+linen+shorts7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZodEtH7UAxmj2Ies4t2nkMoHQkzGjNb6lgofgc7MsJ2avV_6-B4XR5Ca23v6uvW4jIyrqYofavd2Jnju6P9oe2v0ZYu2Tp5UofMUx_ZS7oQokImRtxYRjXdRZFBa2HfZYXFaR8nT4EhE/s1600/loft+linen+shorts7.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnv_mz4ily5fR14BLxcigJhG_Or_DYUngGoXYmwAI8R234dbH-T6-5-tQkN4oNpDOGxClzJ5c9dpcTyj45KAP7V4_6LkF8Uj2cjwCzVYB5lpJUABLUVMBJroKbjXB3sr4Yg7Q8CChX6uA/s1600/j.+jill+linen+shorts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnv_mz4ily5fR14BLxcigJhG_Or_DYUngGoXYmwAI8R234dbH-T6-5-tQkN4oNpDOGxClzJ5c9dpcTyj45KAP7V4_6LkF8Uj2cjwCzVYB5lpJUABLUVMBJroKbjXB3sr4Yg7Q8CChX6uA/s1600/j.+jill+linen+shorts.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
What's on your Summer list? Do you make one every year?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
See ours on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kaitlately/">Instagram</a>! Happy Friday :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdQ84jjBRPb0zfBFxkAS5rRfqwYs_dm4cFTLZb9jQ9DPRpA_N3CZq-A56_q7r2PWI7uzapOg0jqEdnjCga3B9ie9fuTISKFXIbrv5jg15mXm5j4Fw3c5aru57b4V4KjWgPS4MWNWASzs/s1600/Kait+Lately.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="141" data-original-width="345" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdQ84jjBRPb0zfBFxkAS5rRfqwYs_dm4cFTLZb9jQ9DPRpA_N3CZq-A56_q7r2PWI7uzapOg0jqEdnjCga3B9ie9fuTISKFXIbrv5jg15mXm5j4Fw3c5aru57b4V4KjWgPS4MWNWASzs/s320/Kait+Lately.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kait Latelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114810592677193260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4677723925354302369.post-23416411446152041152018-06-01T06:30:00.000-05:002018-06-01T06:30:08.492-05:00Baby, Lately: 10 Months<div class="columns-inner" style="background-color: white; min-height: 0px;">
<div class="column-center-outer" style="float: left; position: relative; width: 710px;">
<div class="column-center-inner" style="padding: 0px;">
<div class="main section" id="main" style="margin: 0px 1em;">
<div class="widget Blog" data-version="1" id="Blog1" style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 30px 0px 0px; min-height: 0.1px; position: relative;">
<div class="blog-posts hfeed">
<div class="date-outer">
<div class="date-posts">
<div class="post-outer">
<div class="post hentry" itemprop="blogPost" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting" style="margin: 0px 0px 55px; min-height: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-8643967493132820167" itemprop="description articleBody" style="line-height: 1.7; position: relative; text-align: justify; width: 686px;">
<div style="color: #555555;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Summer has officially arrived which means we are getting deep in talks of planning somebody's very special first birthday! Somehow, some way, 10 months have passed since Ronan was born and he has started to turn into his own little person with his own feelings and preferences instead of the passive newborn we once knew. He still falls asleep in my arms almost every single night before I put him in the crib and each night, once his eyes have closed, I linger - probably a bit longer than I should, but I study his face, memorizing every eyelash, small movement and slight changes that are happening from day to day. He doesn't look all that different from yesterday to today but when you look at photos from even a month ago (and how far is legs now hang over our rocking chair), it's easy to see how rapid his growth is. I'll continue to look at him with loving eyes as he sleeps and every moment he is awake but no amount of love or care will slow time down and that's a hard realization. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQnI4a9i58n7EdoD7yRtYHFgcGwDYyKyX2yYuvhYKOvsGbpFqCfekLcaNai-onZa8o7lJePlesJzfxwvHiNOSVzClnvUJHwBf-yjaBlUYHQvgDQMjqCVvcI-xny__zouAZfVveVhwOiJI/s1600/ro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQnI4a9i58n7EdoD7yRtYHFgcGwDYyKyX2yYuvhYKOvsGbpFqCfekLcaNai-onZa8o7lJePlesJzfxwvHiNOSVzClnvUJHwBf-yjaBlUYHQvgDQMjqCVvcI-xny__zouAZfVveVhwOiJI/s1600/ro.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">On the other (less solemn) hand, we are having SO much fun! At 10 months old, this guy comes everywhere and does everything with us: Ice cream runs, lunch at our favorite restaurant, hanging out on the deck, going to the park, visiting the toy store, making coffee stops, going to the farmers market and so many other fun activities that I love sharing and experiencing with him. I am not exaggerating when I say he is truly the happiest and most adaptable baby who just goes with our flow and really seems to enjoy every part of life, especially being outside - Just like his Mama! He is our greatest joy and I am excited to share what he has been up to lately...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: lato; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5bfGja-_hyzNHKPdHIrj8wSTsmz9mMr47uMjKskJ5p3S2iYpJuaKbJ9UmdrWY9TNCIoNDWpbnSDC01kZt2Ar7gesbBp6gQQ2FocHE4pr8-3jfukMPcHFRjMFkpdVj-GwWYfvJEK-ZHA/s1600/IMG_0460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5bfGja-_hyzNHKPdHIrj8wSTsmz9mMr47uMjKskJ5p3S2iYpJuaKbJ9UmdrWY9TNCIoNDWpbnSDC01kZt2Ar7gesbBp6gQQ2FocHE4pr8-3jfukMPcHFRjMFkpdVj-GwWYfvJEK-ZHA/s1600/IMG_0460.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: lato;">
<b><br /></b></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #555555;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">FAVORITE TOY(s): </span></b></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #555555; font-family: inherit;">I found this line of toys that I love buying for him - <a href="https://bioserie.com/">Bioserie</a> products are plant based and contain 0% oil-based chemicals, because the materials are derived from plants, not oil. They also do not add any oil-based chemicals during the manufacturing process to “enhance” the performance or color of their toys. There's a whole method to their madness, you can <a href="https://bioserie.com/pages/environment-conscious">read more about it here</a>. He likes this <a href="https://bioserie.com/collections/frontpage/products/sorter-stacker">toy sorter/stacker</a> and we also have <a href="https://bioserie.com/collections/frontpage/products/round-rattle">this rattle</a> which has been a favorite for a few months now. The material of both toys feel so much nicer because they aren't plastic and I feel better about it since everything goes in his mouth.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #555555; font-family: lato; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAd-zob0JuqQ53ZJOX5oyDjItuROc-7v5ghpEl-WRfoIl-u58jwMQO_5qhv4mL3X2MTVoR_OKXV9ppbwe9MabSwXnXIlPmBckWdqjZyPSCs3hnd1LiYJYKJjJ34T0YRqw_OtPMd-gkGVI/s1600/IMG_4976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAd-zob0JuqQ53ZJOX5oyDjItuROc-7v5ghpEl-WRfoIl-u58jwMQO_5qhv4mL3X2MTVoR_OKXV9ppbwe9MabSwXnXIlPmBckWdqjZyPSCs3hnd1LiYJYKJjJ34T0YRqw_OtPMd-gkGVI/s1600/IMG_4976.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #555555;">
<ul style="color: black;">
<li><span style="color: #555555; font-family: inherit;">His water table! I bought a small one on sale at Home Goods for $10 thinking it may not to get much use but brought it up to our lake house over Memorial Day weekend and I kid you not, it kept him busy for hours at a time. This is a child who NEVER wants to sit still so I was amazed and we filled this table up pretty much every instance he was awake, lol. He loved playing with the different pieces and splashing with his hands. He did tip it over multiple times but he was usually in his swimsuit and was totally unfazed. This is a huge win and we will definitely be investing in a larger, stand-up version closer to his birthday. P.S. The small one is <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kidoozie-Small-Pirate-Water-Height/dp/B00RGLQTZ6">selling for $50 on Amazon</a> but check your Home Goods! I found it for literally 10 bucks.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: lato; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBBVmy-uahKcL3Sm3KFEb2uZaa1F6NORFoTDTgy8jTdzOny5IkhO5wzqWkxQakB4V2tDyxpvBfM8Ae0eRQCk5qE6ZXwX1RJpf_TSw98mtIf61cPXPachKuHvX47JXFxUSBFbbgH3WcPKg/s1600/IMG_0353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBBVmy-uahKcL3Sm3KFEb2uZaa1F6NORFoTDTgy8jTdzOny5IkhO5wzqWkxQakB4V2tDyxpvBfM8Ae0eRQCk5qE6ZXwX1RJpf_TSw98mtIf61cPXPachKuHvX47JXFxUSBFbbgH3WcPKg/s1600/IMG_0353.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: lato; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(swimsuit is Carters)</span></i></div>
<ul style="color: black;">
<li><span style="color: #555555; font-family: inherit;">He also likes anything that gives him the ability to pull himself up and stand there while he plays with it like this <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/KGoe">activity cube</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/VTech-Stand-Learning-Frustration-Packaging/dp/B0053X62GK">v-tech walker</a>. Oh, and our cabinets, couches, window sills, new drapes, dining chairs and so on. It's only a matter of time before our house is pretty much ruined, I'm sure of it.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-8643967493132820167" itemprop="description articleBody" style="line-height: 1.7; position: relative; text-align: justify; width: 686px;">
<div style="color: #555555; font-family: lato;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">FAVORITE FOOD(s): </span></b></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #555555; font-family: inherit;">YOGURT! I would say this is his favorite food BY FAR. There are some foods that he seems less interested in and takes longer to eat but no matter what time of day it is, he will eat the entire cup in a matter of minutes. The <a href="https://www.stonyfield.com/products/baby-kids">Stonyfield Organic Yobaby</a> brand is our go-to and now has become a "must-have" on our weekly grocery list.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #555555;">Breakfast in general - He likes waffles (I buy the whole wheat Eggo ones and let's not lie, this is a great excuse for me to share), cinnamon toast, banana bread, pancakes, egg & spinach quiche (<a href="https://www.instacart.com/fresh-thyme-farmers-market/products/2747769-la-terra-fina-cheesy-broccoli-quiche-23-oz">this one</a> from Fresh Thyme is SO good) and egg whites. Basically, he's a man after my own heart...who doesn't love all the breakfast carbs?!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #555555;">Purees: He'll eat pretty much any flavor but seems to prefer sweet potatoes, pumpkin, any apple/cinnamon/sweet potato combo. <a href="https://happyfamilybrands.com/">Happy Baby</a> and <a href="https://www.plumorganics.com/">Plum Organics</a> are two of our favorite brands.</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPk-v7LlpRqgiZBjnkH7tcgESa9P0D8zaXbqo-zq8fupXE5r6faz3D0IkswqaHuRpF1jpRAdB6Hnep4GVTHBSYOiX7FRr-uyEncFDoHPDXQ86-jIddPrw0WxVUQz4grQVoEutelQRqBo/s1600/IMG_9719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPk-v7LlpRqgiZBjnkH7tcgESa9P0D8zaXbqo-zq8fupXE5r6faz3D0IkswqaHuRpF1jpRAdB6Hnep4GVTHBSYOiX7FRr-uyEncFDoHPDXQ86-jIddPrw0WxVUQz4grQVoEutelQRqBo/s1600/IMG_9719.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #555555;">In addition to his baby food, we are basically feeding him a little bit of whatever we're having at each meal or I'll make something small for him on the side. Cooked pasta, grilled chicken, fruit, roasted veggies, bread, etc. He loves to eat with us and try things but still seems to have trouble swallowing people food. He likes to keep it in his mouth for a while (saving it for later, maybe?) but I feel good that he is continually trying things and practicing learning how to eat real food.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggthrDotJnE9htQZJIn4_s5smAkhFU5ypT0zbVOBaJtKhheo73LOSEfGqqqRASQvidL6klvzSyKLAAONKm_Vxy_5d9bbQDcdHenLB5WMy3A9NQa27auU8_Gytc-_iLWmToBdIl8EAMb_8/s1600/IMG_3314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggthrDotJnE9htQZJIn4_s5smAkhFU5ypT0zbVOBaJtKhheo73LOSEfGqqqRASQvidL6klvzSyKLAAONKm_Vxy_5d9bbQDcdHenLB5WMy3A9NQa27auU8_Gytc-_iLWmToBdIl8EAMb_8/s1600/IMG_3314.JPG" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-8643967493132820167" itemprop="description articleBody" style="color: #555555; line-height: 1.7; position: relative; text-align: justify; width: 686px;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">SLEEP: </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">FYI, lengthy share ahead...</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">So, they say there's a 4 month sleep regression (for us, this was true) and a 9-10 month sleep regression - Again, for us, this was UNFORTUNATELY very true. In early May, we went through 3 weeks of sleep hell after getting a good nights rest for so long. I think it's even harder when you get used to them sleeping through the night and then something like this comes out of nowhere, but I know that will always happen with kids sleep patterns. Ro started waking up every night at the same time (usually between 12-1), standing up in his crib and screaming, usually for 2-3 hours straight. During those 2 hours, we would get him to fall back asleep in our arms a few times but the second we put him back in the crib, he was screaming again and it would only get louder and more heart wrenching. The first few times it happened, I thought something was wrong (gas, teething, etc.) but after about a week of the same routine, I realized that it was just a phase of something he was going through and we were going to have to endure it. The pediatrician said it could be night terrors or separation anxiety, both of which made me so sad that he would be feeling scared or alone.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkWRRhw8aZjw-_9HcLGfpGHbniWoDdjtMMaRdQhflxdteIV_2pt_YxZV6NYTcAhpYw0vgK2qEuIr7Iz4yL4KI2aQwVeon8Upqw0-AqkoSoahIxy3897Pk2Mf9Rq4cMepT2XI8Wf1aXqU/s1600/IMG_9449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkWRRhw8aZjw-_9HcLGfpGHbniWoDdjtMMaRdQhflxdteIV_2pt_YxZV6NYTcAhpYw0vgK2qEuIr7Iz4yL4KI2aQwVeon8Upqw0-AqkoSoahIxy3897Pk2Mf9Rq4cMepT2XI8Wf1aXqU/s1600/IMG_9449.jpg" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let me say this upfront - I am not a supporter of "cry it out" - even that title makes me cringe. We made it 9 months without resorting to that (even though I can't COUNT the number of times it was suggested!) and Ronan learned to take decent naps and sleep through the night anyway. However -- After those 3 weeks of not sleeping (and me crying in the Starbucks parking lot on my lunch breaks), my husband was convinced that it was the only thing that was going to teach him to go back to sleep on his own, because it seemed he had it all figured out: <i>"I'll just stand here and scream until someone comes to get me."</i> I did feel that he was "playing us" to a certain degree but I also couldn't ignore how my stomach felt when I heard that sound and I wanted to take away his pain immediately. We had tried so many things to fix it - Left a night light on, changed his sheets, tried different pajamas, lowered the sound machine noise, nursing him at night, adjusted the temperature in the house, and so on, but none of these things were the root of the problem.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">He really just needed to work through it himself and figure out how to self soothe. After about 3 weeks, there was a MAGICAL night where progress was made and we began to see the light again. He woke up and started crying as usual which we let happen for about 15 minutes, not for the sake of "cry it out," but simply because we were just too exhausted to get up. And after those 15 minutes, we heard him quieting down and then suddenly, it was silent on the monitor.<i> Could it be? </i>No way...Could it? I looked at my husband, both of us too afraid go to in there and check. I waited a little while longer and when I peeked my head in, he was sound asleep. Did this guy just put himself back to sleep on his own?! Something he really hadn't done EVER in his life? I woke up so proud and excited the next morning. Since that night, he has gone back to sleeping through the night, about 10-11 hours and waking up with a smile on his face in the morning. Now we just wait for the next "regression" or change in sleep patterns to drive us crazy... 👀</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-8643967493132820167" itemprop="description articleBody" style="color: #555555; line-height: 1.7; position: relative; text-align: justify; width: 686px;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">WEARING: </span></b><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mostly 12 months, some 18 months. This guy is in the 96th percentile for height which means he grows out of his pants on a daily basis. He's still fairly slender so they always fit him better in the belly than they do in the legs which is frustrating but I can't let him out of the house in short pants...That's just the epitome of nerdy so we're basically at Carter's every other week. </span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6XlkN8u_FLCZII5bwgtXCpNZ0c1IHjEkBHljA__j0IDVhZshP1q-809W0ZeY57trZtVIMRIwdtEEsTypFi4Yh_6IS7aHtIrR-fSX7gWr8Xiq00Wdhup6aOW_iDma5yT127e2HPzK0nLQ/s1600/IMG_9587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6XlkN8u_FLCZII5bwgtXCpNZ0c1IHjEkBHljA__j0IDVhZshP1q-809W0ZeY57trZtVIMRIwdtEEsTypFi4Yh_6IS7aHtIrR-fSX7gWr8Xiq00Wdhup6aOW_iDma5yT127e2HPzK0nLQ/s1600/IMG_9587.jpg" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">On that same note, I wish I would branch out and buy his clothes at more smaller, independent stores online but Carter's is literally across the street from me, very cheap and hard to pass up, especially once you become a rewards member...dat #momlife. Actually, Shaheen recently shared a <a href="http://www.lowstoluxe.com/the-best-places-to-shop-for-kids-clothing/">great roundup</a> of great clothing resources for kids and a few of them, I was unfamiliar with so I'm excited to do some shopping! </span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-8643967493132820167" itemprop="description articleBody" style="color: #555555; line-height: 1.7; position: relative; text-align: justify; width: 686px;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">WHAT'S NEW:</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">More gray hair for Mom & Dad! No, but seriously, his mobility is a huge game changer and I am not exaggerating when I say Ronan never sits still. For so long, I just wanted him to be able to sit up without toppling over - I thought it would be nice just to plop him down and enable him to play with his toys but once he DID learn to sit up, everything after that happened so fast. It was just a catalyst to him pulling himself up, standing, moving along the furniture and knocking the dogs food and water dishes over every second (anyone else's kids drive them crazy with this?!).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Talking - He has started saying Dadada quite often so we're also working on Mama, Papa and Baba</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dancing to music! You can tell has always loved music but he has recently started swaying when he's standing up and tapping his feet in the bath tub, especially when we listen to Hall & Oates. He's got good taste, that's for sure ;)</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZrYEG8t2IreujKuZClduQDMYJADT8JwPoc_b4nWxTBxQdt1mya5JNi_Umh5qw4Wpvo9Ggjos2lNyM3h9kszdPBhBJNU-6-4H6kQ_TeHJFgQKZ2Egc169UCDlxCpu7p32unZKCj_WjVI/s1600/IMG_9951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZrYEG8t2IreujKuZClduQDMYJADT8JwPoc_b4nWxTBxQdt1mya5JNi_Umh5qw4Wpvo9Ggjos2lNyM3h9kszdPBhBJNU-6-4H6kQ_TeHJFgQKZ2Egc169UCDlxCpu7p32unZKCj_WjVI/s1600/IMG_9951.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: lato; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: lato; text-align: center;">
I am so proud of everything he has learned and accomplished in only TEN MONTHS on earth. It is amazing to watch him flourish and so sweet how fascinated he is by the smallest things, like his bath tub filling up with water or Fitz barking in the window. I am honored to be Ronan's Mom and feel lucky for every moment we spend together.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: lato; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzj0FIuOzP0CTdbI_4x0mJIM0_IfYpNaxpcvMgDSAyOnv8dT7JAVnS7weFtgHbc_X_wWNmlKDnXOUuEwWMkCO9eYxraKyzwfQ0cZl4BRMqMSGgCW45jU2SvDjrdiKwvvS_PqBWn1sVcA/s1600/ro2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1175" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzj0FIuOzP0CTdbI_4x0mJIM0_IfYpNaxpcvMgDSAyOnv8dT7JAVnS7weFtgHbc_X_wWNmlKDnXOUuEwWMkCO9eYxraKyzwfQ0cZl4BRMqMSGgCW45jU2SvDjrdiKwvvS_PqBWn1sVcA/s1600/ro2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: lato; text-align: center;">
<br />Thank you so much for stopping by for our update!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: lato; text-align: center;">
Next time I share one of these, we may have a 1 year old... BRB, crying 😂</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: lato; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUS45DzeUQd91PCHAGwnEXGmhrMXmR5vYz5__q5QhG3rRMP37Feo4Yuh68-Tgd327VFct7Gwu9l1FE45cYwEFrUiEOISrfM_tYiTq_Gy_I_9_Ie3wAnI5v_bJu3HnP0YsjAPYCDx2Yv4w/s1600/Kait+Lately.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="141" data-original-width="345" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUS45DzeUQd91PCHAGwnEXGmhrMXmR5vYz5__q5QhG3rRMP37Feo4Yuh68-Tgd327VFct7Gwu9l1FE45cYwEFrUiEOISrfM_tYiTq_Gy_I_9_Ie3wAnI5v_bJu3HnP0YsjAPYCDx2Yv4w/s320/Kait+Lately.png" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Kait Latelyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114810592677193260noreply@blogger.com0