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!
Autumn 06.04.2018
This is the monitor we’ve had for 2.5 years. Unfortunately, it’s now discontinued, but this one was like $70 and we’ve had no problems, so maybe if you stick with the Levana brand, there’s another good one out there: https://www.mylevana.com/sophiatm-baby-video-monitor
It actually performs better than anticipated with a surprising range.
Trisha 06.05.2018
We really loved our Levana too! It got into an unfortunate incident with the wrong charging cord and we ended up trying a different monitor rather than replacing it with the exact model, but if I were starting over again I wouldn’t hesitate to buy a Levana again!
Megan Hutchison 06.02.2018
I really like this video monitor. Zooms, temperature reading, you can push button to talk to baby, and it only pops on when noise is made in baby’s room to activate it.
sam 06.01.2018
infant optics! for stroller…seriously consider a double wide. the stacks are SO hard to maneuver, especially with a toddler. Mine are 18 months apart and we use the uppababy vista on flat surfaces only but we much prefer the city mini double gt for walks, places where we have a lot of room.
Sarah 06.01.2018
We have had this monitor for almost 3 years. We have 2 cameras, one for each kid. The battery on the monitor doesn’t last very long (about 20 minutes) so we keep it plugged in, but other than that it is great. You can have up to 4 cameras.
https://www.amazon.com/Infant-Optics-DXR-5-Portable-Monitor/dp/B0052QYLUM/ref=pd_sbs_75_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0052QYLUM&pd_rd_r=930BMM44RKP3AB0677H6&pd_rd_w=e0b7w&pd_rd_wg=1L7Vy&psc=1&refRID=930BMM44RKP3AB0677H6
I couldn’t deal with the idea of a double stroller so we just clip our 8month old in the actual seat of our Chicco Bravo and our 2 year old either perches on the very front of the seat or sits in the basket. If we have another baby I may invest in the Graco Sit n Stand.
Lisa 05.31.2018
I had 2 Summer Infant video monitors, loved both! The only reason I bought the second one was because I sold my first one….thought I was done :). Great monitors!
Abby 05.31.2018
We are on year 3 of our summer infant video monitor and are about to add a 3rd camera to it this fall. It’s been great for our two kids so far! We got a stacked baby trend sit n stand stroller when our second came and I don’t love it. I love the side by side double jogger I found for $20 on a garage sale so much more! Way easier to push and steer. I would go to buy buy baby and test a couple out. Also ready for this hot weather to break – not ready for July heat this soon!
Rie 05.31.2018
I am interested in how you made the link to the graham crackers gluten free. Thanks
Adrienne 05.31.2018
I have the Baby Jogger City Select double stroller and I love it. It is an investment but it’s been worth every penny for me. I did purchase the model that was one year back from the newest one and was able to get a better deal. I am expecting baby #3 in the fall and so I am actually thinking of purchasing the roller board to add to it as well for my 4 year old while the baby and my 2 year old could have the stroller seats. (I did do some comparison shopping and was also considering the UppaBaby stroller but the weight limit on the Baby Jogger was higher and there was more room between the two seats, just as an FYI.)
Erin 05.31.2018
Hello Baby monitor on Amazon. $60 and we are 18 mo in and it’s going strong. Video quality might not be quiteeee as good as others but We can see more than enough. We’ve been please and the price was just right!
Megan Hutchison 06.02.2018
This is what I use too and like it!
Rachel 05.31.2018
You seem to have already gotten a lot of good video monitor suggestions, but our Motorola unit conked out after 5 DAYS. I woke up at 6AM and was wondering why I hadn’t already been woken up by our then-5-month-old baby. He was screaming in his room! No clue how long he had been crying because the thing died in the middle of the night PLUGGED IN. I could go on & on, but I was so, so angry and have told everyone I know that is expecting to NOT get a motorola.
bri 05.30.2018
Uppababy Vista stroller all the way! It’s an investment but it is awesome! It’s so easy to break down, easy to travel with, kid loves it. It has been completely worth it for us and BONUS – the basket underneath is huge so I just use that when grocery shopping instead of a cart. On the monitor – Summer infant panorama stinks so avoid at all cost. I think we’ll pony up for a nest soon and use that instead.
Rachel 05.30.2018
I’m dying for a Veer Cruiser! Though it’s technically not a stroller you can use it like one! It’s a wagon but has a car seat attachment and just looks so baller. I can’t wait to get one. We are in the same boat for video monitors though, haven’t found one that lasts.
Christina 05.30.2018
What is the water/sand pack from Costco?! I might need this for my toddler!
Bonnie 05.30.2018
Currently…my hubby is eating leftovers of your (Unbelievably Juicy) Grilled Pork Tenderloin and the Honey-Balsamic BBQ sauce that I printed out last summer and finally tried it! I made German potato salad for the side, and he was loving it. He didn’t think it’d cook that fast until I told him it was an IowaGirlEats recipe and he said, “Oh, OK, those always turn out great!” Your Avocado and Chicken Caprese salad is on our menu listing for this week, too. Thank you for the work you put into all of these!
Lindsay 05.30.2018
Yay for a new currently post! I’ve missed your daily life posts. I’ve honestly gotten to a point where I only check in every so often because I don’t utilize most of the recipes because I don’t need to be gluten free or dairy free. Do you think you could go back to a once a week daily life post??
Liz 05.30.2018
I see a bunch of people have already said it, but here’s another vote for the Infant Optics DXR-8 monitor. We actually had to get ours replaced once because it stopped charging, and the customer service was fabulous and sent us a new one at no charge. You can hook up to 4 cameras to it and you can get a wide angle lens which is great for putting in a living room or play room so you can keep an eye out while you’re in another part of the house.
For stacked strollers, we have the Uppababy Vista. It is very pricey and it is pretty big and heavy, but I liked it better than the City Select (though I know many moms who really love the city select too). The only thing I’ll say is that if you are at all planning to use your stroller for active purposes, even brisk walks, all of the stacked strollers are basically impossible to maneuver with one hand and very difficult to pop up onto curbs. I use mine when I walk my dog and it’s a pain. I wish I would have gotten a double BOB (I had your husband’s attitude toward the side-by-sides but have changed my tune now). I find that I don’t even really use the double that much when I’m out running errands or things where I’d be worried about getting through narrow doorways, so I wish I’d just gone with the BOB. That said, I am having my 3rd this fall and my 2nd and 3rd will only be 19 months apart, so I may change my tune again once I have 2 kids who are really still at a stroller-dependent age. The skateboard attachments for the Vista and City Select are really nice for older kids!
And I’m sorry for this long novel of a comment, but one more thing…YES to the Dyson stick vacuum. They are available at Costco too!! That thing saves my life every day.
Melissa 05.30.2018
Love your “Currently” updates! Just wanted to chime in with stroller and monitor recommendations. My twin boys just turned two and we have the Baby Jogger City Select and I could not love it more. Yes, it’s a bit bulky and you have to use two hands to fold it but it has been a lifesaver. It turns on a dime, fits through every door and store aisle and is incredibly durable! You can also add a kickboard if you want to.
As for monitors we have the Summer Infant Side-by-Side and I think it’s great! We just had to upgrade to the new version because one of my boys threw the monitor piece in the bathtub (yup) but our old one lasted us through two years of twinsanity, including four moves and a ton of travel. It also has a 5 inch display which is really handy and you can add a third or even a fourth camera if you need to.
Hope this helps!
alexandra 05.30.2018
We have the Summer Infant baby color monitor with the wide view and I love it. We also got the uppbaby stroller for use with a baby car seat and the rumble seat and love it.
Ryan | The Blessed Mess 05.30.2018
We are expecting baby #2 (a girl as well!) in September and have been going back and forth between the City Select stroller and the Uppababy Vista. Both are pricey but the Uppababy is super pricey but I checked them both out in-store and much prefer the Uppababy despite the price tag. I figure it’s an investment that we will get more use out of especially if we have a 3rd. As for monitors, our Motorola kicked the bucket not even a year in so I feel your pain! We ended up buying an EZVIZ camera from Amazon and have been super pleased! I have an Echo Spot next to my bed and can say “Alexa, show me the nursery” and it will pop up the camera and it’s very easy to view on your phone. I was hesitant to get a wifi based camera but we have been very happy with the purchase (and the price tag)!
Tracy 05.30.2018
Your boys are so cute! It’s so fun to see their different little personalities develop isn’t it? Can’t wait to meet your sweet little girl :) Try to stay cool!