double trouble continued

For Keyyon ( my 6 year old) I decided I would:

1. Have FUN FRIDAY: Each Friday we can do a craft, put a puzzle together, build with legos, or watch a movie! This is a way for me to spend one on one time with him, doing something he really enjoys. 

 

here you will find out duct tape sword and shield craft

2. Lunchbox notes: He's learning to read and I make his lunch everyday! For me, this was just a way to remind him that I love him and I want him to have a great day. But to my surprise it was more than that. Like his daddy, he saves his notes! After school he pulls his note out and either reads it to me or asks for my help. He also keeps them on display on his bedroom wall :)

3. bedtime stories: Keyy has a bedtime and we're pretty good with sticking to it. But I've made a mental note to read with/to him at least every other day. It gives us alone time right before bed and he's also learning! Sometimes daddy reads to him and sometimes he "reads" to his brother!

double trouble

Have two children they said, it's awesome they said.


It's HARD WORK I say.

Being super mom and capturing every little moment and all the fun we have is every mothers dream but no where near a reality. Most of the time my phone is about to die and both boys are looking at the camera. So my one little word challenge ( here is the OLW post one little word (OLW) ) for my boys is to ENJOY being their mama by bonding in ways that's fun or better for them. They don't care if I take a picture to show the world; they care that I'm blowing belly raspberries or building legos. I'm starting with three things for each of my boys so I'm dedicated and not overwhelmed.

For Karter (who is only 7 months) I decided that I would:

1. make his baby food - My step mom gave me a small food processor and that thing has been amazing. So far Karter loves banana-avocado and carrots! For the fruits I peel the skin, chop them up and blend them. He likes them separately but sometimes we make it fun and mix and match! For vegetables I steam, chop, and blend. 

picture 1 - strawberries & mangoes  * picture 2 - carrots (with a sprinkle of brown sugar)

picture 3 - avocados and bananas 

I store the food in these small containers & I usually make a week of yummy yummies at a time.

2. do memorable crafts- We haven't done any together but here is one on my to-do list!

3. sing/play songs  - My preschool experience gives me a few points on infant, toddler and pre school songs but I've also downloaded spotify & pandora (from the app store for free) and added some baby stations for us to listen to. I usually play music when we're making baby food, during bath time & if he's playing and I'm doing laundry! 

grocery store dates

Another part of my one little word for 2015 (here's the post one little word ) was my marriage.

I've been with my husband as his wife for ONE YEAR, but we've been getting on each other nerves for five years!

In that five years we've lived an hour away from each other, we've lived together, and we even took a break. And in all that time our issue was ALWAYS the same; making time for us.

We finally found a way to make it work! We planned a date night every week. Tuesday nights we would alternate coming to see each other for a date. Sometimes it was at a restaurant and sometimes it was at home. But for a very long time, Tuesday was our day.

Fast forward to two children and no more Tuesday dates. So, my one little word plan is to ENJOY my marriage. Forget the planning, and date nights, and babysitter cancellations. How can I enjoy my husband without losing my mind planning dates that will never happen. Most of the time I'm just happy to grab him, run into the laundry room, and silently hug until one of our children finds us. BUT when that's not enough we......


1. Go on grocery store dates: just recently we've been able to leave the kids with grandma & nana and make a mad dash to the store. It wasn't until the third time we went, that I noticed how much fun we were having. We were laughing and hugging and holding hands. We didn't talk about finances, the boys, or anyone else. It's an errand and a hassle but we somehow made it fun.

2. Snuggle for movie nights: honestly, movie night usually ends up coming to a screeching halt mid movie because my husband has fallen asleep! So, I decided that every Friday I would insist on watching a movie after the boys are in bed and during the first half I would put my phone away, lay on his chest and soak up as much time as I could.

3. Spend time praying: we both pray separately and we pray with Keyyon before bed, but we rarely pray together. We don't do it everyday, but once a week we; pray together, read our bibles together, or talk about God's work in our lives. This is probably my favorite date :)

happy wife, happy life

I've thought about writing this post for so long now. But recently I was in a group message and the topic came up again. So here I am, here it goes, please keep an open mind.

Years ago, the man of the house always brought home the bacon. He works all day and comes home, bacon in hand, waiting for us to fry it up. We stay home all day, waiting for the bacon, eager to fry it up. Somewhere along the way a very opinionated, independent woman decided that spit up, laundry, and frying bacon was not for her. She wanted her own career, money, and excuse to leave the kids for more than a thirty minute long doctor visit.

I think that's great. A very wise woman taught me to love my independence and work hard everyday. Work wasn't new to me once I became an "adult", because my father also thought hard work was important. But it wasn't until I became a single mom that I realized how important and empowering it was. I had freedom, I could provide, and I was doing something I had a passion for.

But that's not what this is about. A lot of women feel like they don't "need" a man. I don't need him to provide for me and the kids; I can work. I don't need him to make me happy I can do that. I don't need him for comfort I have my children. And the list goes on. "I don't need a man, I want a man."

I feel like I do NEED my husband. I need him because I'm choosing to need him. There's a sense of security in the bond between me and my husband. Not all women have that, and because of that they don't understand. I need him to love me the way that he does because in the past five years it's been one of my favorite kinds of love. I need him to make me laugh because it's my loudest laugh. I need him to listen to me vent because I can trust his ears. I need him to be with our children, in one house, raising them by my side because I didn't have that type of upbringing and my boys deserve to see their parents in a happy and healthy relationship. I need him to tag team the boys with me when I'm losing control. I need him on my journey with the Lord because I prayed for someone to rescue me and God answered my prayer in the form of a friendship turned marriage. I need him because I'm impatient, anti-social, short tempered, and sometimes lost. He changes those things about me when were together. And I need that in my life. The positive things that he brings to me everyday. The happiness that I feel when we're enjoying life together. The partner I feel like I'll always have to protect me, my children and our family as a whole.

I think you have to be secure within yourself to say you "need" someone. I think a lot of women are afraid to need their boyfriends and husbands because it takes away that independence. I know for a fact that I've laughed a deep belly laugh at my loudest volume without my husband. I also loved myself and felt love before my husband. I even had a chance to play good cop & bad cop as a single mom before my husband. All those things can still exist without him. But I don't want them to. I need him to be apart of those things, because I like it this way better. I think it's fine to NEED a man; for all the right reasons.

hot mama coming through.....

I AM NOT ON EXPERT & I AM NOT A TRAINER!


I felt like I had to add that disclaimer.

As you know, for 2015 my one little word was ENJOY (if you're new here new year post ). And one of the first things I wrote down when choosing my one little word was my health. I always tell myself to exercise! Go for a walk, run with my mom, play tag at the park with Keyy. Then dinner is running late, my mom work outs at the butt crack or dawn and Keyy would rather play with his "friends". So there, I tried right. NO!

I was telling a friend that MY problem is I'm always TOO EAGER. I tell everyone, and make 15 lists of exercises, and make a "clean eating" menu. Then I give up because its too much work and I "don't have time." - I do have time, I need to have time, I WILL MAKE TIME; I hope.

So this year I've decided to start slow and get myself and my body use to exercise, other than racing upstairs with Karter on my hip, to help Keyy who is screaming bloody murder.

step 1: "find someone to workout with" . Team work makes the dream work! I found a cool place where I can tackle two fears. First fear ; exercise & second fear; mommy & me play groups.

They offer a few MOM friendly exercise activities. The one I was most excited about was the body back program. But it's a tad expensive for our budget & I want to go in slow. NOT TOO EAGER! 

So I decided that twice a month I would join the stroller group and get some exercise and socializing in at the same time! 

Look them up! Maybe they are in your area too!

step 2: "find at home exercises".  I don't know about you, but I'm always busy. Laundry, cleaning, errands, cooking, Law&Order SVU marathons, etc. So I wanted exercises I could do between loads, while watching a marathon & during nap time! 

below you will find some quick & simple exercises that I'm using to get my body moving!

step 3: "change my diet". I have the AWFUL habit of not eating. I may eat one bowl of oatmeal in the morning and then I don't eat until my husband gets home & eat dinner. I don't purposely "starve" myself but like I said before I'm always "too busy". I should never be too busy to eat, even if it's something small. 

So my main "change my diet" goal is to EAT EVERYDAY; at least 3 times a day. 

happy exercising!

happy new year

It's 2015 and I can't believe it. So many amazing things happened for my family in 2014.

but it's on to bigger and better things?


RESOLUTIONS; of course right? Everyone makes lists upon lists of things they want to change, fix, correct, avoid, etc! This year my MAIN goal is to TRY; attempt, make an EFFORT.

On pinterest I stumbled upon an AMAZING blog. Andrea got me on my mental hamster wheel and I decided to let her be my inspiration. TWO things came out of my stumble.

1. one little word

2. bible journaling


one little word? What is that? It's a start. Below I will add the link for you to go and get inspired like I did; unless of course little ol me inspires you :) either way it's below.

But 'one little word' for me is a start. A way for me to start my new year in a positive way. What was it about last year that I don't want to bring with me? What did I love? What can I change?

My one little word for 2015 is..........ENJOY. (here's the picture of my smash book entry)

en·joy  

verb

1. take delight or pleasure in.
2. possess and benefit from.

SYNONYMS: like, love, relish, adore, appreciate, savor. 

--------> what I want to enjoy in 2015........

• my health -----> fitness & clean eating
• my marriage ----> MORE dates
• the boys ----> bonding
• faith -----> back to church & daily prayer
• my craft ----> CDA , blog, & etsy shop
• friendships ---> build & maintain

" Go eat your bread with JOY and drink your wine with a MERRY heart, for GOD has already APPROVED what you do" ECCLESIASTES 9:7

*I will go into detail about my goals in my next couple of posts!*

So, what is your 'one little word' for 2015?

Bible journaling! 

I've always been a journal, planner, scrapbook obsessed creator. And as a christian you would think I would be all over my bible. I love the lord, I love the word; I prefer getting to love them both at church! But when it's not Sunday or Wednesday and I want to be closer to him, what do I do? Before I would read and pray and be satisfied. But now I can.......

JOURNAL!!! (my mom got me a new one for christmas - it's on AMAZON. It is the

 "single column journaling bible".

so far I've opened it, picked my opening words, found my study plans & written down my scripture calendar! I'm hoping that journaling will allow me to get completely caught up in the words and allow me to pour all my emotions out on the pages next to all the things the Lord is calling me to read. *here is my bible & my opening words; check back to see my calendar!

The first picture says : "I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to him and he answered my prayer. -this is on the first page of my bible to remind me that EVERY time I've cried out to him he's answered my prayers. He's my savior; without him there is no me.

The second picture says : "GODS LOVE HAS NO LIMITS"
- this is on the inside of the cover; for me to see as soon as I open my bible.

Bible study plans!

I found this amazing app; it's free & they have tons of studies. 

Thank you Andrea for inspiring me for this new year! Check out her blog & instagram.

retrohipmama.wordpress.com

hale - party of four

This is the part where I talk & talk & talk about the three handsome men I call mine

Daddy- Anton is my soulmate and better half. We started dating in 2009 after being friends for two years. In 2013 he proposed and February 1,2014 we got married. He's my opposite and I thank God for his love everyday. When he's not being Mr. Incredible to his three shadows (yes I'm included) he's with his band, watching sports or shuffling through the recipes he's hoping I try next! 

Keyy- Keyyon is my first born and master builder. He made me a mommy December 30, 2008. He's my Capricorn - independent , honest , practical & hilarious. He definitely keeps me on my toes. Keyy is always making us laugh and challenging us as he learns new things daily. He's full of life & everyone who knows him , loves him. He loves legos, wrestling with daddy , snuggling with mommy & anything that lets him create! 

I interviewed him for his introduction ; he wore daddy's tie & watch to look the part!

1. How old are you? -6 years old

2. The best show on TV is - Teen Titans Go

3. My favorite thing about school is - Reading books

4. The thing I'm best at is -Building legos

5. If I could change my name it'd be - flash

6. My favorite color is - Red 

7. My favorite toy is - Legos

8. When I grow up I want to be - A superhero 

9. I like to take this to bed with me at night - My mom 

10. My favorite book is - Spider Man

11. My favorite movie is - The Lego Movie

12. My favorite season of the year - Fall 

13. A food I really like - Bacon cheeseburgers

14. My favorite animal is - Dogs 

15. My favorite sport is -Basketball 

16. My best friend is - Elijah

17. My favorite holiday -Halloween

18. My favorite thing I did last year - Started kindergarten

Chunky Monkey - Karter is my second little gem. He brought lots of love & life when I had him June 10, 2014. He's my Gemini - dramatic , impatient, fiesty & unpredictable. Yes at 7 months! We were smooth sailing before he came & he's had us all at his beck and call since day 1. But we wouldn't have it any other way. Karter loves playing with his big brother, watching sports with daddy & cuddling with mommy! 

Mama bear - I'm Taneisha. I'm twenty five , married to my superman & we have two boys; Keyyon (6) & Karter (7 months). 

I was a kindergarten enrichment teacher at a preschool until June 2014 when Karter was born. We decided that it works best for our family when I'm home with the boys while hubby works. It's been a HUGE adjustment but I love seeing Karter reach every milestone first hand and picking up/dropping Keyy off every day at school. 

Teaching is my passion. When I'm in the classroom I'm completely comfortable. I love teaching and if the opportunity comes  along again I would love to be back in the classroom. 

Aside from teaching I love anything creative. Except drawing; not my thing. But writing, music, painting, scrap booking, cooking, pictures, journaling! That love inspired my idea behind the blog. I wanted a way to show others how I show my creativity! So, after a ton of procrastination; halehavoc was born! Along with this blog I'm going to start an etsy shop; so stay tuned for that! 

Thanks for stopping by . 

what kind of mom of you?

What kind of mom are you? 

I've seen tons of different parenting styles from friends, family, being an enrichment teacher & the Internet. 

We all know the moms that annoy us - at the park, grocery store & school. But do we fit into more than one "mom category?" I definitely do! 

These are just a few of the moms that I've noticed - most of which I can be. 

1. The "____ is bad for you so we don't eat it" mom who regulates her child's diet down to what they eat at a birthday party. 

* I hate giving Keyy McDonald's or poptarts. But do I roll my eyes when my little brother eats it around him. No. If my mom asks me why I don't give it to Keyy that's another story!

 

* this mom is fine because who doesn't want to feed their kids the best foods; but if my child is eating a hot dog for the second night this week that's my choice and lecturing me only makes you look like an asshole. 

2. The "breast is best" mom. The one who pops her boob out everywhere and as much as she warns you before hand you're still shocked. 

* I bottle fed Keyy formula after two weeks of failed nursing. But I nursed Karter for six months. I encourage my friends to try because it was more beautiful than hard for me, but I don't shove my opinion down their throat. If they choose not to, bottoms up on a bottle of wine for us! 

* breast feeding is natural & an amazing experience IF ITS FOR YOU. This mom is fine as long as she can remember that what's "best" for your situation is NOT the same for everyone. Our babies are being fed; end of story. 

3. the "formula is fine" mom. She's knows all about every formula and starts out by saying I didn't nurse because I couldn't but my child is off the charts anyway. 

* This mom is trying not to throw breastfeeding moms under the bus but she does and that makes her obnoxious. 

4. The "let them be little" moms. Their child's play is chaos and she thinks it's the greatest thing ever. 

* everything has a place and there's a time and space for everything. But when I'm over my friends house and her child goes from toy to toy in this room and that room it reminds me that sometimes a little chaos is a lot of fun for them. 

* letting them be little is A LOT different than giving them no boundaries, no consequences & no structure. Children are supposed to be carefree but not in a way that any structure would be a disaster to them. 

5. The "co everything helicopter" mom. Her child does not move, play, or nap without her being right there knowing everything about anything. 

*I hover at the park, the library, pre school and everywhere else I go. But I've also learned as they get older my helicopter slowly falls back. I'm comfortable being a helicopter mom & when my friends aren't I just hover their babies too! Let them be little ! You can hover from a short distance ;)

6. The "oh no your class party was yesterday" mom. She's usually on her phone and her child is across the playground jumping off rocks barefoot. 

* seize the day! tomorrow may be too late to let them know you care. Don't beat yourself up if you can't make every holiday party  or you didn't get a picture each month they're infants! but some effort goes a long way with a child who doesn't understand meetings, overtime & business trips. 

7. The "must buy everything mom". She's always showing off her child's wardrobe; from bows to booties.

* fancy is fine for pictures and parties. Kids grow and clothes gets ruined! & Stop telling your kids what clothes cost. I had a six year old tell me her north face was $100 so it's cooler than a little girl who's jacket was from Target. It only matters once we make it an issue.

8. The "single mom advocate". Everyday is a struggle and she deserves a medal because she's doing everything alone. 

* I was a single mom & some days it was a shit show but that's the beauty in it. celebrate your independence. But don't let that be your identity. All moms struggle everyday; that's not what's important. You're doing it & your child is happy; that's important.

9. The "SAHM". She's always throwing it out there that she's home with her children 24/7 but not before reminding us that her laundry is always overflowing and dishes are never ending because she's making memories. 

* working moms are just as amazing as SAHM. I loved working and having Keyy in preschool. Just because you're able to be there 24/7 doesn't make you better. Kids enjoy any time you're with them; either all day or mornings and evenings! 

10. Mommy. The one who worries about her child and how she's doing everything in her power to love, nurture, and enjoy this journey she feels lucky to experience. 

Which one are you? 

All of these moms exist. Some are a level ten some are a level two. That's fine. What we need to remember is that we all have ONE major thing in common. Motherhood! When you get your head out of your own ass you will enjoy it. Stop taking pictures of your child for the internet & leave your opinion out of a simple conversations with other moms. It's not a competition! No one understands being a mom like another mom; that's our advantage! We can stick together instead of one uping each other. 

is two is better than one ?

I'm losing now but it's a win later. Right? 

A friend of mine just had her second baby. While she was pregnant, the subject came up a few times & even checking on her lately, it still comes up. Having more than one child, in our cases having two is hard.  Ironically I have two boys and she now has two girls.  

Whenever I think about life before Karter it's always life with Keyyon. It's rare I'm referring to any situation before Keyy.

I was having my nightly phone call with my sister and I was venting and that long winded vent inspired me to write about it. It's not completely rare for people to have more than one child nowadays, right! 

I'm going to break it down in three parts

 | 1 | just Keyy 

 | 2 | with Karter 

 | 3 | the two together 

part • one - my soldier

Keyy was planned. A very stupid plan, but in the end a blessing I didn't know I needed but saved my life. 

Keyy is my soldier. Since he was born it's been us. Me and him. My little partner in crime. I'm 110% sure I learned more from him than he did from me before his second birthday. 

What do I mean?

I mean we had it rough. We rented a basement from a stranger together (twice). We moved to a new state together. We lived in a shelter together. We've struggled together. As weak as it may seem, Keyy has been my everything his whole life. So when I say he's my soldier that's exactly what he is. Not that he had a choice, but he's been my backbone, strength, reason to smile and everything in between. 

Raising him was hard but we always had fun. I got pregnant at 18 and had him when I was 19. I was a "teenage" single mama. So we've been growing up together for the past 6 years. Being so young I had no idea how to be a mother. All I knew was a little boy depended on me, I did not want to be like my parents, and I had someone who loved me for me , all ways, always. And that's all I needed.

Because it was just me and Keyy I was also VERY protective. He was mine , I was his and if anyone didn't like that, was mean to him or tried to interfere I was full on mama bear, full of tears and armed with claws. 

He's very much a mama's boy and to this day no matter what anyone says I feel like I need to cater to him in a way no one else understands whenever he needs me because every night for almost 6 years he's been there for me. 

part • two - my surprise 

Karter was not planned. I was with Anton for four years . I knew he was my soul mate and the man I was going to marry but that was it. I WANTED to marry him but he didn't ask me. & in 2008 when I had Keyy I promised him I wouldn't give him a brother or sister until mommy was able to fully take him/her on the right way. 

I was shocked but honestly my birth control was making me sick , I stopped taking it to see if that was in fact the reason & I was not denying Anton any loving. So bam Karter was baking; we were having a baby! 

I was happy. We had three miscarriages already & I was afraid I would never get pregnant & carry it full term. BUT I was mad at myself for a few weeks because the single mom struggle was real in 08 and it was going to be extra real in twenty thirteen. 

But my co-worker Briana prayed with me & for me, everyone was happy for us & Anton was on cloud nine! 

During my pregnancy aside from the vomiting and torture Karter put me through, some of the people in our life made me feel insecure about our newest edition! 

"Is Anton hoping for a boy, it will be his first boy, I know he wants his first to be a boy" Those words cut so deep. His first IS a boy; Keyyon. - but more on than later. 

So in June , Karter Eli was born and everyone , ESPECIALLY his big brother , was excited! 

Karter was my love child. He was made with love, surrounded by love, smothered in love! 

I got to enjoy my pregnancy (when I wasn't sick) & I got to enjoy his first few weeks! I was officially a stay at home mom with my only worry being my boys. 

Karter was gods way of reminding me of how phenomenal I am. He was here to bring our family of three more life and love. And since June 10, 2014 that's exactly what he's been doing. 

He's six months & doesn't even know what it's like to be without mama for more than a couple of hours. I'm able to nurse him to fully belly, to sleep & for comfort. We can play all day while we wait for brubs to finish school. I'm here to witness major milestones when they first happen! 

I'm able to enjoy motherhood to the max without the stress of working and missing out on things. & I love that. Karters my sunshine. 

part • three - the juggling act 

I always knew that having two kids wouldn't be the same as having one. But what I worried most about was how I would parent them. A friend once told me "the first one is made of glass, the second ones made of rubber." No. I'm a helicopter mom - a level 6 on a 1-10 scale. I'm involved & overprotective . Having my husband be in charge of certain things gives me anxiety. But in just six months I realized that I can't always be right there like I was with Keyg. I only have two hands & there's two of them. One for each right? No. Keyy needs me to cook while Karter needs me to nurse. Karter needs a bath while keyy needs help with homework. It's a struggle , it's new, it's motherhood of two boys; six years apart. 

The age difference matters. They have completely different needs but that keeps me on my toes. It allows me to experience the crawling and baby talk full force but this time I have a sidekick. I use Keyy to influence and help Karter, he can teach him all things I taught him, that we learned together. I use Karter to remind Keyy to be little and laugh and snuggle with mommy even if it's not cool. 

As I said before, people had me feeling insecure about something that I should've been swooning over! And by default Anton got the bulk of my hormonal rampage. 

Keyy is our first baby, OUR. Anton has been there since Keyy was nine months old. He's his daddy; and nothing and no one could tell us any different. People are so rude , why would they even say those things. 

Even after Anton told me that none of that mattered and people don't get it, reality hit me when Antons family came to visit Karter for the first time. They were all excited. Anton is an only child to his mother and an only grandchild to his grandmother. So Karters arrival was a big deal. They had bags and boxes to prove it. 

And then there was Keyy , pouty lips whispering to me "where's my present". I instantly cried. He's left out. How dare anyone make my baby feel left out. How could I let this happen. 

D R A M A T I C ! I'm blaming it on just having a baby - right ;) 

It wasn't even like that. His family didn't make the baby shower so of course they had a truck load of stuff. Plus when people hear "baby" they melt and credit cards get swiped with no remorse. 

So like the mama bear that I am I went to my God mother and cried my heart out. And she told me something very hard to hear but very honest - "I have to let Antons family have their joy. Karter is in fact their first grand baby and great grand baby . They're allowed to be smitten with such an amazing blessing. A blessing made with love. Does that mean Keyy is less important - no. They all love Keyy as their own, he's been in their lives for five years. They welcomed him with open arms and including this day have never made him feel like less than their grandson. All I can do is take this time to love on Keyy more. When they're holding Karter I can hold Keyy. And there's a good chance I'm seeing it as way more than Keyy is. To him he just didn't get a present and his baby brother did." BINGO - mama always knows. 

(Btw they ran out and let Keyy choose a toy) 

But that was something I had to deal with. And even if Keyy was Antons first born I still would've had to deal with it.

When you have two children the first thing in your mind is "how in the world can I love someone else like I love my first born."

My answer is - you can't. What I had and have with Keyyon is very different than what I have and will have with Karter. 

Keyyon made me a mommy. Keyyon saved me and brought me joy when I was broken and at my worst. Keyy showed me what parenthood was all about. Keyy is my soldier. He's Antons kick in the butt. He gave Anton another reason to love me. He gave Anton the opportunity to step in and be apart of a little boys life in a way they both needed. He made Anton a daddy. 

I love Karter. He's my sunshine. I fell in love with and married his daddy and we made him with love. He's the reason I'm able to spend all my time loving on my children in a way I couldn't working. He's the reason Keyy has matured and turned so protective. He's the reason my husband brags about "his boys" . He's our chunky monkey, our baby "brudder".

Is it easy having two kids? Yes; at 10pm when I'm laying next to my husband and they're both asleep. Or on Saturday mornings when Karter is drooling on daddy's chest and Keyy is showing me how to build legos without actually letting me build. It's super easy when I get to capture them loving on each other because Karter eats Keyy up & Keyy uses Karter as the star in his karate show :) 

Is it hard having two kids? I was late to every appointment the first 3 months of Karters life. So yes; first thing in the morning when one has been awake for two hours and is "starving" while the other one has a poopy diaper and wants nothing but to nurse. Or when it's raining and I'm alone at the store and I have to decide to maneuver the baby bjorn in the front seat and squeeze the three of us under an umbrella. Or when Keyy needs both of us and so does Karter. Especially when I'm home all day and need a break but that break doesn't and won't come for hours. But it's hardest because they are almost six years apart. 

Was it nice with one - yes. One other person to get ready and shop for. Sitting a table of three is easy right. Fitting one extra person in the bed at 2am is easy. We got to enjoy Keyy and give him all of our attention until he made the big boy leap to kindergarten! 

BUT.....

The perks of two - they will protect each other. They will entertain each other. We will have both of them to take care of us. We can experience some great times in different ways because of their age gap. We get double the wrestling, laughs, hugs, kisses and LOVE. Squeezing two cuties in bed at 2am is hard but great Saturday morning. We are doubly blessed. 

Is it amazing having two kids? Yes . 

Is it hard having two kids? Yes. 

Do I want another? Eh. 

I love both my boys. That's it. I don't love one more than the other. I love them equally for different reasons. ❤️

- xoxoxoxox 

To my sweet Tori - you're a bad ass level 9 helicopter mom. Rose & Daphnee are very lucky little girls and you're already doing an amazing job. love you ;)