Hello, hello! We are still coming off the high of a fun, long holiday weekend (well, minus the minor stomach bug both boys seem to have come down with!) Central Iowa was breaking heat records right and left, and it felt more like fair time in August then late May, but oh my gosh did it set a summery mood. Between catching up with good girlfriends, cleaning up our landscaping, backyard fun with family and great friends, and more burgers and hot dogs then you can shake a stick at – we welcomed summer with a bang. I sort of need a vacation from our vacation-feeling weekend, if you know what I mean!
(↓ Dandelion wishes)
I am in shock that June begins at the end of this week but also extremely excited for several reasons. One, it means that we are that much closer to meeting our baby girl in late July. We had a friend’s near 11 month over this weekend and it was fun to experience what it will be like to have own daughter crawling around exactly one year from now!
Two, Lincoln is officially out of school so the summer fun can truly commence. I bought this inflatable pool at Target a couple weeks ago and have had to practically drag the boys out of it for dinner several nights a week since. Add the super-sized water/sand toy pack from, you guessed it, Costco, and popsicles of course, and those little boys have been in heaven.
Lastly, our part-time summer sitter is starting next week! You may have noticed that it’s been extremely quiet around here over the past month. Our last sitter graduated college at the very beginning of May and it’s been nearly impossible to maintain a regular posting schedule while keeping up with the behind the scenes stuff – AND be a present Mom. I know many bloggers continue to slay while staying home with their kids (and I would kill for their secrets!) but for me it’s extremely hard to split my time between being a mom and blogger, and my kids will always come first. Anyway, back to regularly scheduled programming in June, wohoo!
In the meantime, here’s what’s going on in the latest edition of “Currently“!
Celebrating: Lincoln! As I mentioned, my super sweet super hero “graduated” preschool last week and I cried…a lot. I knew in the moment that I would feel fine the following day, but was a bundle of emotions over how fast my little Lincoln is growing up. So bittersweet. I love seeing him learn and grow of course, but dang it didn’t we just bring him home from the hospital yesterday? I can’t wait to have a fun-packed summer with my guy before he heads off to half-day K in the fall (summer birthday = full-day K is delayed a year, thank God. I’m clearly not ready for that!)
Reviewing: Summer Bucket List (+ Free Printable). Speaking of summer fun, I recently revisited the Summer Bucket List I shared a couple years ago to get ideas for the next few months. Our summer afternoons are generally filled with naps followed by popsicles, walks, bubbles, and backyard pool time, but we like to get out in the morning and explore (aka ensure those naps are nice and long. ;) ) Hoping to make it to a few new splash pads, parks, trails, picnics, and the zoo before little lady arrives in late July. What’s at the top of your summer bucket list? (Click here for the free bucket list printable.)
Chasing: my wild child. As much as Lincoln is or at least WAS my hesitant, take-it-all-in-before-making-a-decision type of toddler, Cameron is the exact opposite. I shared on Instagram stories last week that if I don’t have a minor heart episode before the summer is over, it will be a miracle. This independent child marches into every situation with zero fear, and the determination to do whatever it is the big kids are doing. ACK!!! That said, I will be chasing him around every aforementioned splash pad and park this summer as he attempts to jump into the deep end and off of every high ledge. This one keeps me on my toes!!
Remembering. Bahahaha, so true! By the way, have you tried the new cauliflower gnocchi from Trader Joe’s? I’ve heard it’s ahh-mazing, though I don’t know if it’s gluten-free.
Inspired by. I don’t currently have an empty bookcase, and TBH the thought of this particular one in my home with a climber gives me massive amounts of anxiety because hello tipping hazard, but how fabulous is the styling on this bookcase?? Saving for future reference.
Spraying: Greenerways Organic Deet Free Bug Repellent. The amount of mosquitos, gnats, and ticks around here is already insane so I bought a pack of Greenerways Organic Deet Free Bug Repellent at Costco the other day (conveniently placed at the entrance – that product placement gets me EVERY TIME) and so far so good! The spray is safe for kids and pets, you can spray it on outdoor fabrics, and the actual repellent comes from citronella, lemongrass and cedarwood oils. It smells like lemon pledge but gosh darn it does it work. Big fan. (And you get used to the smell.) ;)
Needing: stacked stroller and video monitor recommendations. Would love your help in both these areas. I have a couple stacked stroller recommendations (vs double wide – Ben won’t go for it) from friends but would love to hear what you have too. We also need a good, time-tested video monitor recommendation. We’ve gone through three Motorola and Samsung video monitors between the boys, so those brands are no-gos for us, but let me know if you’ve got a different one that has stood the test of time.
Loving: pop in planters. I am so not a gardener – I love the visual results of planting and pruning but hate every second of the process. That said, I decided to use “pop in planters” this year instead of arranging and planting individual flowers in my pots and I’m SO INTO IT! I got a couple from Walmart on clearance and the one below from Costco. (If you follow me on Instagram stories I’ll have you know that I interrupted our woodchuck’s afternoon nap, which was taking place under the deck above the planter, while taking this photo. Eye rolls.)
Obsessing: Dyson V7 Cord Free Stick Vacuum. I got this bad boy as a (requested) Mother’s Day gift and am OBSESSED! Over the years I’ve gone through nearly half a dozen dust busters that last a year at most before losing battery/suction power and decided a major upgrade was finally necessary. What can I say – 2.5 little kids and no dog makes Mama a little cray after messy meal times. I’ve been thrilled with how this cord-free vacuum has performed, all the attachments, and the fact that it has a fun little docking station (doesn’t take much to please me, people.) Hot tip: check your local Bed Bath and Beyond for the vacuum. I originally ordered it on Amazon then found it $50 cheaper at BB&B a few days later, plus I was able to use my 20% off coupon. Major score!
Craving: Dairy-Free Vanilla Coconut Milk Ice Cream. With the record high temperatures I’ve been of course craving all things cold – especially this Vanilla Coconut Milk Ice Cream from Christina at Dessert for Two. I love how Christina thoroughly tests her recipes to ensure they come out right and oh my gosh, Lincoln and I would just totally demolish a batch. Maybe sandwiched between her homemade Chocolate Graham Crackers made gluten and dairy-free?
Pick a Currently category and fill me in!Â
Amy 05.30.2018
We have been through 2 summer monitors and an infant optics. We ended up buying a video camera for home security for cheap at Costco last year and it goes to an app on my phone. I like it because we can sit on my next door neighbor’s patio at night when be kids are asleep so range is not a problem.
And it is a side by side, but the double BOB is so easy to push and your oldest could hop a ride on the part where the little’s put their feet if he’s tired.
Heather 05.30.2018
Monitor: Infant Optics DXR-8. We dropped ours in a sink full of sudsy dish water, dried it out, and it STILL WORKS PERFECTLY. It was fully submerged too!
Boy mom 05.30.2018
We love our infant optics monitor. It is from amazon, & their customer service is awesome too if you have a problem. We ended up bying a 2nd camera to see what our 2 1/2 year old is up to b/c we are about to move him to a big boy bed. I also really like our city select double stroller, my 6 month old loves looking at his big brother while we walk to dog. I kicked our britax b-agile, so I really like the telescoping handle bar, as does my husband. We have the older model, so you have to take the 2nd seat off to fold it, but it really doesn’t take tHat much more effort. My boys just got me a eufy robot vacuum, & I love it!!
Sarah 05.30.2018
Yes yes yes to the cauliflower gnocchi! it has cassava flour in it, which is gluten-free, correct? That and potato starch. Anyway, I love it! It takes a while to crisp up but is so so worth it. I use a little marinara on it and TJ’s lite mozzarella and whatever protein I’ve got cooked up — ground turkey or chicken or even some turkey pepperoni. Plus veggies. So good and worth it!
Meaghan 05.30.2018
If you are ok with a wifi monitor, we use a Nest Cam coupled with a cheap VTech audio monitor. When I hear something on the audio monitor, I can just check the video on my phone. You can also set sound/motion alerts on your phone. I love being able to check the camera from my phone even if I am out of the house and the baby is home with dad or a sitter. I am that creepy mom :)
Mary Ellen 05.30.2018
Awesome post, Kristin! Your summer list has me in planning overdrive for our annual late June trip to WDM! Let me know if you have any new fav restaurant recommendations . . .
Stephanie 05.30.2018
The Summer Infant WiFi monitor is great. I have an almost 4 year old and 2 year old and still on the same one. We did call the company and buy a new battery for like $8 which basically made it brand new. Whatever route you go always call them even if you are out of warranty. A lot of time you can buy replacement parts cheaper. Can’t help on stacked double I love my bob duallie (haven’t met a door I didn’t fit through) I also love my baby jogger x3 summit single, would have loved that as a double
Ada 05.30.2018
My favorite camera (after going though several Motorola and Samsung ones) has been the Infant Optics! Works so good! We purchased it on amazon.
Also, there has to be something about the second child … my 19 month old thinks she is 4 years old! She wants to do everything her big brother does and more! While my first-born is reluctant to try new things and a little bit timid, my second-born is a risk taker already!
Katie 05.30.2018
My hubby actually installed a “security camera” (about $80 on amazon) in our little ones nursery. It then links to an app on your phone. It has been awesome as I can check on him anytime I have a wifi signal… even if I’m at HyVee! Ben seems fairly handy… I’m sure he could handle the installation ;) (As for a monitor for babysitters, we just have the app on an Ipad and I leave it set-up when I leave!) Saved us big bucks and its 10x better quality than any “baby monitor” out there!
Sara 05.30.2018
My daughter and I just filled out your summer bucket checklist last night! We are PUMPED for all the summer fun. A picnic is at the top of the list when it falls below 90 degrees.
Alli 05.30.2018
I recommend the Baby Jogger City Select for the stroller. I got mine with my first in 2012 and just had my third baby in March. It’s still going strong! It’s a bit heavy, but really well made. It’s seen constant use for 6 years.
Also, my current favorite monitor is by Project Nursery and I use the app on my phone to check in on it though you can get a handheld monitor too. I used to have Motorola and it was okay, but I feel like this one is faster and better.
Kayla 06.07.2018
I second the city select stroller by baby jogger! It pushes so nicely and seems to be great quality. You can have 2 seats (or a seat and a car seat or bassinet for a newborn) plus you can add the glider board for an older child (or if you want 3 kiddos to use it). We recently added the glider board and my 3.5 year old loves standing on it. I recommend this stroller to everyone. The only negative is that it doesn’t fold up super small/it isn’t super light. You need decent trunk space. However, everything else about the stroller is so great that I don’t really care too much.
Breanne Hindley 05.30.2018
We’ve been using the infant optics camera for a couple years now and we like it. We switched to it after our Motorola monitor broke! We have two cameras and also use the wide angle lens for our 4 year old when she plays in her room for quiet time.
Sarah 05.30.2018
We have this same Infant Optics monitor and love it!
ellie 05.31.2018
3rd this monitor! Amazon top picks – we’ve had it for 16 months and it functions the same as it did on day 1. Good range, good picture, good battery life.
Kevie Davey 06.12.2018
Yes, we use and love our Infant Optics!!
Erin 05.30.2018
I have had that vacuum for about a year & a half & I absolutely love it!
Jan Crowley 05.30.2018
Yes, that Dyson is the bomb diggity!! Happy baby! Happy summer!
Hiwana Goodman 05.30.2018
Having bookcases is ok, what I did was anchor them (and dressers because they will climb on open drawers as well) to the wall. I believe I used toggle bolts, but I can’t remember exactly. I was given the information at my Home Depot. I’m sure you can find out if you call them or go in =)) Good luck! (I only had one terror child so I can’t imagine three o.o)
Paige C. 05.30.2018
Interested to learn about the video monitor recommendations you receive because I’ve just had a little baby which puts me in in the market for a video monitor as well.
Jessica 05.30.2018
We’ve used this video monitor for the past two years and it works great. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00JAJ9U8K#Ask (looks like there is a newer model now) I think the key is buying a video monitor that isn’t specifically designated as a baby monitor – that way you avoid the “baby” upcharge and get better quality for a lower cost!
Carla 05.30.2018
Did you mean May 30, 2018? :)
Kristin 05.30.2018
Oh my gosh by brain is BROKEN! The last Currently image I listed 2017 as the date!! Thank you for the heads up – all fixed now!!
Robin 05.30.2018
For double strollers: we started off with a Britax BReady and added the lower seat. I appreciated that it folded with both seats attached and fit in my smallish car trunk. But the stroller was heavy! I ended up buying a used City Mini Double and vastly prefer it. If I had to do over, I’d look more closely at the Phil & Teds stacked doubled because they seem relatively compact. For monitor: ours is Foscam. After 4+ years, the battery life on the screen is pretty short, but otherwise works great
Maureen Gribble 05.30.2018
That vacuum was my Valentine’s Day present (swoon) and yes, it is the best thing ever. I’m always amazed (& equally disgusted) by how much dirt/dust winds up in that canister – even though I’d just done it a few days before. Yikes!