We’re thrilled to share…

I am very nauseated, very excited and dreaming of February when we can finally hold this sweet baby.

And my girls. How my mama girls will be in heaven having a real baby to love.

More later.
…grateful and happy.

I’m all about savoring every moment, but I’ll admit this hot summer thing? I want to skip the last three chapters and be done with it. Which is why you would have thought I saw Jesus in the third aisle over at Joanns the other day when I noticed the fall wreaths have debuted. I am ready for a weather shift, and I’m a sucker for seasonal commercialism.

We dwell in two places these days–inside or in the pool. I actually asked Brett the other day, “How come we have to wear clothes?” because it’s so hot and humid, the heat relief of communal nudity sounds inviting.

Don’t worry. We stayed clothed. We ate popsicles. We ran through the sprinkler, and we finished the night in the pool.

It looks like this:

Ten Random Thursday Facts:

* I thought it was Friday for the first half of the day today.
* I am crazy looking forward to the Olympic opening ceremony tomorrow night.
* School starts in three weeks, and we are still making big decisions.
* Regardless of decisions, I still enjoy thinking about cool backpacks, lunch boxes and first-day-of-school outfits.
* I Googled “Precious Moments Coloring Book” today. Because I had one once. And I want another one.
* I’m going through a hair accessory phase.
* There are FIVE empty cups on my desk right now. I’m going to do something about that.
* The girls and I are having a sleepover at a friend’s tomorrow night. A real polish nails, eat popcorn, watch movies kind of sleepover.
* I had a pedicure this week and I was so relaxed, I started slipping out of my chair. It startled me.
* Nella has added several complete sentences to her vocabulary, and we’ve been celebrating.

Thank you to all of those who joined us today for the NDSS Webinar. So many great questions! If you missed it, you can watch it on YouTube HERE

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I’m so excited to bring Darlybird back as a sponsor this month. I’ve proclaimed my love for this fun, whimiscal shop and their incredible selection of well-priced unique gifts, and several of you have followed (they sold out of the adorable owl hanging last sponsorship, but it’s back in stock). Darlybird is returning with new shop items as well as old favorites.

I’m loving my Vintage Elle Ring…

The Vintage Molly and Florida 50 States Earrings…

…and Darlybird’s fun home and children’s accessories.

Like the driftwood garland…

…and Lainey’s wool felt crown.

Darlybird has also helped us in our mission to support the NDSS, donating a portion of their profits last sponsorship to Nella’s 2for2 Fund. We’re thrilled to welcome them back. Happy Shopping!

…popping in tomorrow for a quick Friday post.

Olympic prep:

There are times when I watch my girls like I watch a chocolate cake baking. I open the door and peek my head in just to make sure everything’s okay. And then there are times when I really watch them. When I can’t pull my gaze from what they have going on because it is captivating. Because the feeling of love and adoration between them radiates in a way that feels palpable.

It was quiet in Nella’s room today, and I stopped at the sight of Lainey fitting Nella with a cape to match hers. She didn’t tell her sister to stay still or explain what she was doing–sisters just know. So Nella stood patiently, glancing down to watch her sister knot her scarf. Arms held to her side and careful not to move, she waited and trusted her sister.

Nella followed Lainey out into the living room where Lainey told her to lie down. “You’re Sleeping Beauty,” she instructed. And Nella does what Lainey says.

It continued for an hour. Two sisters, lost in play. Sometimes they talk, Nella repeating big words that Lainey says. Sometimes they are quiet, communicating with more powerful things than words.

But everything they share is exactly what I had hoped they’d share. Maybe even more.

My sistergirls.

*****

Welcoming returning sponsor, Crystal & Co.

This is the point in the summer where I start losing steam, my gung-ho, yay-for-summer freak flag hanging a little low. I found a lot of great ideas for a summer jump start with Crystal’s list of 80 Free/Inexpensive Summer Ideas. Ideas range from going places, making things and playing and doing. Organized well with links to great recipes for anything from homemade marshmallows to homemade slime, Crystal’s list compiles the best of the best ideas for moms and kids.

For more recipes, activities and ideas to keep both mamas and kids happy, check out Crystal & Co.

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Happy Monday.