Favorite Toddler Books for Fall

On crisp autimn days...ok, that's a lie. Any day and every day, my favorite thing to do is snuggle up with my littles and read a good book. 

I am a self proclaimed Book Worm! I love a good book and have been collecting books for my babes since before I was even pregnant....seriously. 

Last summer, I organized all of our holiday books and have been changing them out seasonally. I love to pull out holiday books at the beginning of each season to get my littles excited for what is to come. 

These are a few of our FAVORITE books. I chose these because they highlight the features of the season (falling leaves, gusty air, chilly nights). They capture the fun in the activities that come with fall (jumping in piles of colorful leaves, apple picking, and adventuring through pumpkin patches)!

1. Let It Fall 

by Maryann Cocca-Leffler is delightful read that captures the spirit of the season with simple rhymes and captivating illustrations! It has become a favorite. This book is the perfect introduction to the Fall season and all the wonderful changes we see and get to do this time of year. 

2. If You're Spooky and You Know It
by Aly Fronis is a fun read! Seriously, so fun. This spooooky take on a classic song is bound to be a family favorite! Adorable illustrations and my Amina's favorite!

3. Five Little Pumpkins

A classic that I remember from Kindergarten! Rhyming short story with great illustrations! Great Segway to crafts, counting, and just plain fun!

4.Little Blue Truck's Halloween

by Alice Schertle. Our favorite Little Blue Truck is back in this festive Halloween board book. Read along as Little Blue picks up his friends for a costume party. This is a fun lift the flap book. Find out what the animals are dressing as for Halloween!

5. I Love Fall

by Alison Inches is a delightful touch and feel book. The simple rhymes, beautiful illustrations, and hands on-ness has made this one of our favorite books about fall and the changes that come with the season. 

6. 10 Trick-or-Treaters

by  is a fun holiday counting book with everyone's favorite fall activity, Trick-or-Treating! Drew and Amina love the illustrations, vibrant colors, and picking which costume is their favorite! 

7. A Pumpkin Prayer

by Amy Parker is the sweetest prayer of thanksgiving for all the wonderful parts of fall. Beautiful illustrations and...is there anything cuter than a sweet babe praying?! I don't think so. 

8. The Biggest Pumpkin Surprise Ever
by Steven Kroll is a rhyming story with a hands on lift the flap element! Score! Cute short story about pumpkins and is a favorite before we decorate ours!

9. Room on the Broom

by Julia Donaldson is a tale about a witch and her cat flying through the air. While flying, the witch loses her hat, bow, and wand. A few new friends help her and join in on the fun! When along comes a dragon, little readers find out just how helpful these new friends are! 

10. Halloween Jack

by Roger Priddy is a spooktacular read for littles!! A cast of creepy characters and silly rhymes makes this board book our favorite!! My littles love the googly eyes and crazy characters! 

Fall Bucket List

I love Fall. 

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year! One of my favorite things to do at the start of each season is write a bucket list. It's the perfect activity for my type A personality and....it gets me into the spirit of the season! 

There's something about that crisp autumn air, comfy sweaters, pumpkin spice everything, and those cozy evenings at home!

Since my kiddos are still too little to help, I came up with 7 Fall Family Fun Activities.  

Visit a Pumpkin Patch 

Go Apple Picking

Go on a Leaf Hunt

Paint a Pumpkin

Go Puddle Jumping 

Carve a Pumpkin (I have NEVER carved a pumpkin...I know, shocking! But...this is my year!)

Bake Something Pumpkin (Anything pumpkin. Heck, EVERYTHING Pumpkin!) I used to love baking and haven't done it as much as I'd like to with my littles. 

***this summer a childhood friend motivated me to create a summer bucket list. After making a list of things I wanted to enjoy with my littles, I decided to spend my summer creating meaningful memories with my kids....put the phone down, be present, and enjoy the moment. I wanted to spend quality time with these amazing little people. It was the best thing I have ever done. We had the best summer and although they weren't perfect, my kids were amazing...they weren't competing for my attention, they were having fun, and they were excited! I hope this encourages you to do the same....soak up this magical time and enjoy your babies. 

All About that Cake

My littlest love has been here...

1 year. 

12 months. 

365 days. 

Bea is O N E. 

This is an occasion we don't take lightly.

Although we didn't do a cake smash with my older babes, I really wanted to do one with Bea. 

I am so glad I did...

Photos: Rhea Ashlynn Photography

Cake: Couture Cupcakery

Romper: Born Free Boutique

Disclaimer....Bea was actually not at all about that cake. My kids are weird about getting dirty. I think they get that from their father (insert eye roll). 

The Grandest Gifts

Growing up, my grandparents were an important part of my life. 

Many of my favorite childhood memories were at my grandparents' home.

Sleepovers with my Abuelito and Abuelita. Making gorditas. La Panederia with my Wito. Luckys Grocery Store Shopping. Drinking Coffee with too much milk and too much sugar (CANNOT seem to break that habit). Doing homework using the best math manipulatives, frijoles. Chocolate Abuelita. Reading Anne of Green Gables with my Grandma. My first library card. 

These are the memories of my chidhood. 

As excited as I was to become a momma, I was even more excited for my mom, mother in law, and father in law to become grandparents.  

From the moment they knew our littles (all 3) were coming, they loved them, spoiled them, and proved to be the most hands on Grandparents I have ever seen. From bed rest to nurserys to birthday parties and everything in between, these grandparents were there...cooking, cleaning, hanging, assembling, and loving these little people. 

They are the best playmates, story book readers, racers, and dragon hunters. They build, play dinosaurs, get check ups from our little doctors, play coffee shop, and sing (a bit off tune...jk)! They wrestle and sword fight and find cats in the neighborhood. They bring food, pick up Tylenol when little ones are feeling blue, and teach them things about our families and traditions that I never knew. 

They are my children's favorite people. Mine too. 

They adore their grand babies and gosh, those grand babies adore them.  

I love watching Amina, Drew, and Bea with their grandparents. 

So, in honor of National Grandparents Day (this Sunday), I wanted to say thank you to some of the most important people in my children's life...Pop Pop, Grammy, and LuLu. Thank you for all that you do...not only today, but every day.

I know one day, these littles are going to look back and their favorite memories will be of you. 

A Letter to My Son on the Night Before Preschool

To my baby boy on the night before preschool...

Drew,

Tomorrow you start your first day at school. This is a big day.  

Long before we knew you, we loved you and imagined all the amazing things you would do and the incredible person you would become. You, my sweet baby, have exceeded every hope and dream we had for you. 

When I held you in my arms for the very first time, I remember holding  you so gently, protectively, and with all the love I had. Tomorrow, I'll be doing almost the exact same thing for your first day at school. I'll hold your hand...so gently, protectively, and lovingly...as we embrace the next adventure in your little life. 

Tonight I read you a stack of books to get you ready for your 1st day...they were just as much for me as they were for you. 

Tonight is bittersweet. You are growing up so fast, too fast. I wish I could make time stand still and soak up all your silliness, giggles, snuggles, and kisses! 

Sometimes, I wish I could keep you little but I love watching you grow into the most inquisitive, hilarious, and loving little boy. You are so brave and adventurous. I love your fascination with dinosaurs, your forever love of Lightening McQueen, and your contagious laugh. You are going to be great tomorrow...you'll make new friends, you'll learn new songs, and you are going to have so much fun. I can't wait to hear about all the fun things you do and about all the exciting things you learn. 

This is one of those moments you might not remember...but I will. I absolutely will and I will treasure this first because I love you and you are so very special to me. 

Love you always and forever,

Momma

Bringing Home Our Baby Bumble Bea

It's hard to believe our Sweet Bea is almost ONE!!

In honor of her upcoming birthday I decided to share the story of her birth. 

This is one of my favorite love stories, Sweet Bea. 

It's the story of you.

Like any good story, we have to start at the beginning.

Our sweet Bea wasn't always so sweet. In fact, she was a bit of a hellion! 

Just like her big brother, Bea is an IVF baby. A frozen embryo transfer. Just like with Drew, I gave myself a million shots, prayed my heart out, transferred two beautiful and healthy embryos, and stayed in bed for 5 days. We were pregnant. We were thrilled.

Unlike most people, I love morning sickness. It is a sign that everything is good...a reassurance that there is a growing little miracle in my belly. Little Bea took it to a whole new level! I was sick the ENTIRE time. Not just nauseous or tired but the kind of sick you have when you wake up after a night of tequila shots sick. Holy moly. I remember thinking, "Ok. My little busy Bea. Thank you for checking in but I need a break!"

Then this little rebel decided she wanted out and she wanted out NOW! 

Mind you, she wanted to make her debut at 32 weeks....oh yes, 32 frickin' weeks! Stinker. 

I had just had my sprinkle and was feeling extra tired, crampy, and HEAVY. I figured it was a 2nd baby thing so although I was uncomfortable I definitely wasn't concerned. We'd gone in for our 32 week appointment and casually mentioned how much harder this pregnancy was and my symptoms....well, it wasn't normal and after 30 minutes of monitoring, I was sent to Hoag Hospital for 48 hour observation and medication to slow contractions and meds to help baby's lungs form if she were to come early. Then sent home on strict bed rest and weekly monitoring. 

My job was to keep this baby cooking and my husband made sure I did just that! Andrew picked up all the slack and some...cooking, cleaning, laundry, and Drew! He may drive me crazy but I am pretty darn lucky to have this guy to do life with. 

Not only was my husband amazing, the grandmas took their roles to a whole new level of awesome! My mom and my mother in law helped with organizing everything from my sprinkle, washing baby clothes, and packing my hospital bag. My mother in law and sister in law took Drew more days than I can even count. Our family and friends visited, brought endless amounts of food, and entertained Drew. Thank God for the support system we have....I honestly don't know what I'd do without them. 

I'd been home two weeks on bedrest when my momma tribe had come to keep me company and bring Thai food (all I craved my third trimester)! I was so thankful for the company, yummy food, and some of the sweetest friends! My gf, Jenn/my built in doctor (she really should start charging me for every random picture and question I throw at her), started noticing the regularity and strength of my contractions despite being on medication...she STRONGLY encouraged me to go in the next day.

Sure enough, at 34 weeks, I was dilated to 2, 60% effaced, and my contractions were 7 minutes apart. The meds had stopped doing their thing...which meant back to Hoag. 

As nervous as I was, I also had a feeling that everything would be ok and truth be told, I hadn't expected this to be easy. Nothing had come easy up to this point so I kind of assumed it would be a doosey.

I was admitted, put on the monitor and meds were upped to at least buy us a little more time. During our ultrasound, we found out that our little sassy girl had flipped. Yes, flipped! Miss. Bea had been ready, head down, ready to go. Then...she wasn't. 

An external version was done and successful! Baby was ready. I was taken off meds. And I was stuck....I couldn't walk to progress my labor and the hospital could not assist or encourage my labor because I was early. It was a tough situation.

After a week in the hospital with not much more happening, we were allowed to go home! I was off meds and off bed rest.

I basically showered, unpacked, repacked, and by the next morning my contractions had picked up and I was in full blown labor...back to the hospital we flew. Andrew didn't want to deliver in the car and I was pissed he was driving like a maniac. #MarriedLife

What would you know....little stinker had flipped again. My amazing OB decided we were done messing around. I got my epidural, went into the operating room (in case things got ugly), she flipped our stinker, broke my water, and strapped me tight so Bea couldn't flip again. It was time to have a baby and this momma was totally ready!

After 3 pushes, Bea was born. As I snuggled this tiny bundle and looked at this sweet baby, all I felt was peace. Bea was absolutely beautiful. She was totally perfect. She was so worth of second of this journey and all the trouble. She was ours and I fell deeply in love all over again.

Beatrice Anne
September 5, 2016
6 lbs. 12 oz. and 20 in. long

Bea is our little sunshine! She is so full of life, happiness, and joy. We are beyond smitten with this little love.

It has been everything to watch Drew and Amina as a big brother and a big sister. Drew was made to be a big brother. He is so loving, gentle, thoughtful, and sweet. The minute he saw Bea, it was love at first sight. I always knew he'd be an amazing big brother, I just didn't know he'd be this amazing. Our Amina is so sweet and silly. She loves kissing her sister and I think her favorite thing is making her laugh. 

And Andrew....this man continues to impress me and surpass every hope I had for him as a dada...he is always patient, slow to anger, and definitely the fun parent. Our babies love him and I love watching him with them.

As our first year together comes to an end, I am a teensy bit sad that it went by so fast but I have loved every second with you, my sweet babe. You are a dream come true. You are a prayer answered. You are forever loved. 

Photography: Riley Cooper Photography

Hello, Again.

Hello, again. 

To say I have fallen off the face of the earth would be a ginormous understatement!

It’s been a little over two years since I have posted on my blog…lately I've had an itch to start writing again and truly document our adventures. Life moves so fast and I love being able to look back and relive our journey through these posts. After talking to a few people, I decided it's time to pick up the ol' pen and get back to it. 

So...a quick update if you will.

When I started this blog back in 2014, I was newly pregnant with Drew after struggling with infertility for 2 1/2 years and just beginning to chronicle my pregnancy when God stepped in and gave us our foster daughter, Amina  During that time, I shared my joys, excitement about motherhood, a new found love for my husband as a daddy, and my heartbreak when we lost custody of our Amina. I shared my journey as a new momma and the heartache of not having one of my babies with me all the time. It was one of the most beautiful and challenging times of my life. 

Erin Tukua Photography

Over the past two years, our lives have changed in the most beautiful, challenging, exhausting, hilarious, and amazing ways. It's incredible to think back to where we started and remember the struggles we faced and the hurdles we jumped to start a family. 

I've been fortunate enough to stay home, enjoy motherhood, navigate our new normal, and add to our family. Our littlest love, Beatrice Anne (Bea), is a ray of sunshine and brings so much love, happiness, and silliness to our home. We are totally smitten with this little girl. Amina and Drew were born to be Bigs. They are so loving, nurturing, and gentle with "their" baby. I have never felt so proud or so in love. These 3 miracle babies have my whole heart. 

Riley Cooper Photography

Today, I am determined to share my story. The good. The bad. The ugly. And everything in between. 

It isn't always pretty. It's isn't always sunshine and rainbows, but....it's mine and I'm pretty dang lucky.