10 Things of Late

Turns out "adulting" has taken on a new meaning when you throw in a tiny human into the mix. 

For this reason, we've been MIA from the interwebs.  Mostly, we've been trying to survive on very little sleep, figuring out what the heck each cry means, trying to remember when we showered last, doctor appointments, and taking our babes outside to enjoy these summer days.  However, there are a few things we'd like to share with you of events or items we've been really into lately. Continue reading below but first, an updated photo of our tiny human who is past the 2 month mark!

1. La Colombe Draft Latte
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Our go to beverage when we are extremely tired (but also sometimes when not that tired simply because they taste so good).  A good friend and neighbor sent us a box of these as a "new parents" gift shortly after we brought Jack home and let me tell you, we were quickly hooked! They offer seasonal flavors too. Some Trader Joe's carry the Triple. Pete typically goes for the Pure Black & White while I go for the vegan Coconut flavor. Best of all, they offer subscriptions and delivery straight to home to make your life easier! 
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2. Capitals Playoff Hockey / World Cup

This year, DC won the Stanley cup! In a city where the teams always seem to make it to the finals, but never win, this is a BIG deal.  Lots of city pride and it felt really good.  The final games were intense against the new Las Vegas Knights team.  Our Mexican soccer team also kicked some booty in their first game agains the reigning champ, Germany, so that felt pretty darn good too.  Sports!!!

3. Return to running/Gym Time 
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Whenever we can, we're trying to slowly incorporate exercise back into our lives, which is no easy feat considering we're tired all the time.  But each run or workout leaves us feeling revived and slowly we're trying to shed the pounds gained over the winter/pregnancy. Plus, the act of exercising not only helps our physical health but our mental health as well by releasing endorfins. And it's a good time for each of us to have our own personal time as we are otherwise engaged with work, keeping our home somewhat in a less chaotic state, and taking care of Jack and Jolene. 

As for Jack, he gets his own gym time too - on the play gym that is - to work on this tummy time.  Being able to lift his head up and learning to roll over are some of the milestones to hit around the 3-6 month mark.  It ain't easy folks, but he's almost there! Plus the play gym we got him comes with all the bells and whistles - plays soothing and fun music, lights up, has tabs to swing that interact with baby, mirrors and chew toys! At the moment, Jacks favorite element is the mirror that dangles from above - he likes looking at himself, but can you blame him?! 

4. Trader Joe's - Coconut Crackers, Watermelon Mint Black Tea, Soy Thins, Natural Dog Treats Peanut Butter Flavor preferably (Jo)

There is a TJ's on the same block as Jack's pediatrician.  We also have a TJ's 3 blocks away from our home and now that we do daily strolls, it's almost logical to make this a constant destination - who doesn't like their free coffee/tea/food samples!?  But also, we've discovered these wonderful Coconut Thins (suggested to be served with a spreadable goat cheese) as well as their Soy Thins (another type of cracker) that are good with anything or on their own. And if you haven't already tried combining their frozen Chimichurri Rice with their Tomato/Roasted Red pepper soup, then you're missing out. Last but not least, Jo would like to recommend her Natural Doggie Treats (aka cookies), particularly the peanut butter flavor! They come in fun shapes to boot.

5. Clinique 72 Hour Hydrator
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Alright, this one may appeal more to the ladies. For anyone with dry skin, Clinique's hydrator is the end all of playing games with lotions and potions for one's face.  I put it on in the morning and then again at night after washing my face.  I haven't had a tight or itchy skin feeling in months and the fine lines on my forehead actually started to fade away - no joke. And I mean, I'm living on 2-3 hour slots of sleep at night. The moisture surge comes in a gel and a gel/creme. I'm partial to the gel, but both work wonderfully.

6. Crest Whitening Strips
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Considering the amount of coffee we're drinking (see item #1), our teeth started looking a bit more sepia than white. So, something had to be done; we're currently testing out Crest Whitening Strips and it looks like they're working.  Yes, they're pricey but not as expensive as a treatment by the dentist.  So, if you're looking to brighten up your smile, check them out at your local pharmacy or supermarket.

7. Baby Wearing

You may have seen a few pictures floating around our instagram feeds and stories with Jack looking like a little Kangaroo - we have a few ways of wearing him (yes, it's actually called Baby Wearing): Pete has his structured carrier - Jack seems pretty happy in this one - by Infantino. It's comfortable, fairly breathable and has plenty of pockets (for keys, snacks for Jo, etc). Marjorie has a Solly and a Boba wrap (both stretchy, the former is a lighter material and the latter is a thicker material, both really comfortable) which Jack seemed to like before the hotter temps hit us - they're also slightly time consuming to put on so we recently purchased a My Wild Bird ring sling which is much faster way into which one plops baby.  This seems to be Jack's preferred wrap.

8. Cool on the Go
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Jack, like his dad and Jolene, is sensitive to the hot temperatures of the summer and gets pretty sweaty for a little guy. At night we put him to sleep with just an undershirt and diaper in a swaddle and he still wakes up a moist uncomfortable mess.  So, for out outtings in the stroller, his Glamma Ilse got him THIS fan. It has a fairly sturdy clip, variable speeds and, best of all, no fins that'll hurt his fingers should he want to grab the fan. Safety first!

9. Pampers Pure
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At first, we thought we'd be cloth diapering.  But we quickly realized "ain't nobody got time for that".  The hospital got us hooked on Pampers diapers - the little strip that tells you if he's wet or soiled the diaper is key too.  At home we originally had a different brand that is eco-friendly (compostable) but not terribly comfortable and no indicator if he needed a diaper change.  So we went back to Pampers and now are hooked on the Pampers Pure line both for diapers and wipes! 

10. Mr. Selfridge on PBS 

Do you need something to binge watch? Who doesn't! We stumbled upon Mr. Selfridge on PBS and basically spent a week watching four seasons of it about 2-3 episodes each night and who knows how many on the weekend. Its style is a combo of Downton Abbey and Madmen - you get hooked on the characters, their drama and the lifestyle of the time.  The premise is how real life Mr. Harry Selfridge, an American, built and created Englands most successful department store.  He is credited with coining the phrase "the customer is always right" and changed the way people experienced shopping.  Throw in the suffragette movement and World War I and you've got some radical societal changes that make for an excellent storyline.  Side note: why don't people wear fancy hats anymore? Let's bring that back shall we?