Friday, May 31, 2013

Playing Catch Up

So sorry for the silence, friends-- things have been very busy in the Blakely house the past few weeks. 

The boys both had tubes surgery last week.

The decision came so quickly, I didn't even have time to write about it. We made an appointment with a pediatric ENT after Jack 's 5th pedi appointment for an ear infection this year. Liam has had just as many. Our pediatrician didn't give us the referral, but our insurance doesn't require it, so I went ahead to get a second opinion.

The doc didn't hesitate to recommend that the boys have the procedure-- I was relieved. The amount of pain they have been in for months at a time must end... additionally, I can't envision handling weekly trips to the doc all fall and winter on my own.

So we headed over to Children's Hospital last week-- an amazing facility, where everyone we came in contact with was kind, helpful and great with kids. I can't say enough good things about our experience there. The boys shared a room where they changed into tiny hospital gowns while we waited for the anesthesiologist. They rode cars up and down the halls with the other kids waiting for similar surgeries.  And when it was their turn, they were out of our arms, knocked out, tubes in, awake and back in our arms in 20 minutes each. Easy peasy. I only hope that these will help as much as I hear they do!!

Some pics from the day:






We've had no issues except for a yeast diaper rash on Jack that the doc said was likely due to weakened immune system from the stress of the surgery. We have a follow up appointment next week.

And in the midst of that, I've been preparing for our biggest change-- the time has come.

The house is disaster (even more than usual) as I sort through and pack up 3/4 of the home we've lived in for the past 5 years. It's hard to believe that we're here. One week from tomorrow, the moving truck will pull up in front of this house and carry the boys and I away to our new home.

 It's truly time. While Rob and I continue to be as amicable as we can, living together through the process of a divorce is not for the weak. We're nearing the end of our negotiations (will post an update when there's news to share) and are very close to finalizing things. There's not much left to share in this home.

How do I feel? 
So excited about our new place. I have big plans for that little house.
Overwhelmed. There's a lot to do over the next week and beyond.
Hopeful that Rob and I will quickly get into the swing of co-parenting.
Worried that we won't.
Sad that I'm leaving the house I brought my babies home to.
Content that this is the right decision.
Things might be quiet around here a bit longer until we get settled, but know that I'm doing just fine. Some days, better than fine.
My beautiful boys, supportive family and amazing friends have been there every step of the way and are holding my hands through the biggest change of all, the one that I know that in the end, will make us happy.

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Happy Mother's Day!


"Good moms have
sticky floors,
dirty ovens,
& happy kids."

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Drumroll, please...


Thank you so much to everyone who entered-- so sorry this post wasn't up last night! If you're interested in shopping, my party is still open. Check it out while you can!

I hope to do more giveaways & reviews in the future! This one was tons of fun!


Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Win a 31 Thermal Tote!

Ok, I'll admit it... in the past, I haven't seen what the big deal is about 31 products. I have several Vera Bradley totes, a Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bag and tons of lunch bags from various places. What else could I possibly need? 

Then, all of the sudden, some of the prints started catching my eye... I'd notice one in the fridge at work, then again at the grocery store. "Hey, those are cute!" I thought. I started wanting a bag of my own!

My super sweet friend Gina granted my wish, by sending me a Thermal Tote in polka dots & chevron (oh my!).


How cute is this? It's already come with me to work as a lunch tote, and it has accompanied me on several quick runs to the grocery store. 

What makes it so great? It's the perfect size. With some of my other lunch bags, I can fit my lunch, but not my drink.  No problem now! I can easily fit my eggs and meat in this tote when grabbing some things from the store on the way home from work.This bag has plenty of space without being cumbersome. And the pocket on the outside? Perfect for holding silverware for my lunch or even my keys as I shop!!


So, why should you care?

Because you could win a matching tote for yourself! You don't have to follow the blog, re-tweet a link, or like me on Facebook (I'm not even on FB!)... Simply leave a comment below, and a winner will be chosen at random after the entry period has closed on May 10th.


 Thermal tote's not your thing? That's ok!

I'll be hosting a party today through May 10th & Gina has so many amazing options to offer you-- go shop! Lucky for you, the new catalog came out TODAY & it's full of fun summery stuff. I'm already making a list of everything I want to organize my new house and all of the kids' stuff!


Anyone who places an order (any amount) between today and May 10th will be entered in to win a set of free Timeless Memory Pouches!

Anyone who places an order (over $50) between today and May 10th will be entered in to win a free Timeless Wristlet-- and you're still eligible to win Timeless Memory Pouches! 

(Winners will be picked within one week of the close of my party and will be notified via email.  Winner will be picked using a third party system. Consultant chooses style and print.)

Additionally, Gina will give away a "door prize" to the 2nd and 14th people to place orders!

Want to host your own party or join Gina's team as a 31 consultant? Let me know & I'll put you in touch with her!


What are you waiting for? Leave a comment!
And don't forget to check back on May 10th, when I announce the winner!