His smile melts my heart. His giggle is my favorite sound in the world. The way he grips onto my fingers makes me pray he’ll never let them go. And today I’m scooping him up and heading off to the airport where we’ll be boarding our first flight together!
I am nervous but hoping our travels go smoothly… And if I end up with a fussy, inconsolable baby on our flight to Denver, I’ll just be silently reminding myself that I’ll likely never see the people on the plane with us again in my life. I have a bag of his favorite toys packed and plan to feed Chase on the flight, so my fingers are crossed! (Your comments and advice related to traveling with a baby last week were SO helpful. THANK YOU.)
My weekend plans include soaking up lots of quality time with two of my best friends from high school and I absolutely cannot wait to meet Michaela’s two-month old baby boy. After 20+ years of friendship, the thought of getting our two baby boys together is a little surreal and I am so excited! Woop!
But before I get too ahead of myself, let’s stick to the usual topic of conversation around here on Fridays: Your Things I’m Loving Friday blog post! Every week, we chat about what we’re loving most and this week is no different. Please feel free to play along in the comments section.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Things I’m Loving Friday
I received this beautiful tassel keychain from my sister for Christmas and every time I grab my keys, I fall more in love with it. Not only is they keychain gorgeous, but the long tassels make it incredibly easy to find at the bottom of an over-stuffed baby bag. Another bonus? Chase thinks it’s the coolest keychain ever and it serves as a great distraction when we’re at the grocery store or running errands. (And a quick side note: I had never heard of Marc and Graham before December, but they make the most gorgeous things and many of them can be personalized for free! I’m definitely going to be using this site for gifts in the future.)
- Chase’s New Pacifier Skill
This is one of those things that will probably seem super-lame to a handful of you guys, but for those who have been a similar boat, hopefully you’ll feel me on this one. Chase learned how to pick his pacifier up and put it in his mouth all by himself this week. HALLELUJAH! This skill has already made naptimes and night wakings a billion times easier since he can self-soothe much better now that he has the ability to grab his paci in his crib and put it in his mouth by himself (when he can find his paci, that is – I’m debating putting him to sleep on a bed full of pacifiers). High fives all around!!!
- Sriracha and Lime Pretzel Crisps
Do not buy these unless you plan to eat half of the bag in one sitting. That’s pretty much all I have to say about these pretzel crisps.
This stuff is super greasy so I don’t use it if I have to touch anything immediately after applying it to my hands but I LOVE it so much right now. The balm is perfect for dry winter skin and my hands soak up the balm and feel much smoother and softer after each application. I have my mom addicted to this stuff, too!
- The Holiday
Why I love The Holiday so much, I have no idea, but it’s definitely a favorite of mine! I usually watch it around the holidays (duh), but since I didn’t squeeze it in during the month of December, I popped in the DVD to watch with my mom during her visit. Such a cute film!
- Artwork For Chase
I’ve already told you guys a million times how much we love Burn Boot Camp’s childcare and Miss Lindsey but this week her 9-year-old daughter deserves a shout out! Miss Lindsey brings her daughter to help out when she doesn’t have school and she and Chase have a special bond. She always asks if “Baby Chase” will be there when she comes and on Monday the two were reunited again since school was canceled for another snow day! When I came back to pick Chase up after my 45-minute workout, Lindsey’s daughter made the cutest picture for Chase. What a sweetheart!
- Around the Web
5 Reasons I Am Not Your #GirlBoss (This term has always rubbed me the wrong way. Love this piece from CharlotteAgenda.com!)
18 Photos That Will Only Make Sense To Sisters
The Perfect Workout You Can Do At Home or On A Trip (Thank you to PopSugar Fitness for sharing my workout!)
Free Fitness Apps from Your Favorite Fitness Brands
8 Things Experts Wish You Knew About Yoga
- Friday Flashbacks
Crock Pot Garam Masala with Chicken and Chickpeas (A deliciously warm slow cooker recipe with hints of coriander, pepper, cumin and cinnamon.)
15, 30 or 50 Minute Treadmill Workout (A throwback treadmill interval workout from 2012 that allows you to make your workout as long or as short as you desire!)
- Giveaway Winners
Congratulations to Tara F., the winner of the KeVita giveaway and Irina S., the winner of the LuckyVitamin giveaway! Both giveaway winners were emailed first thing this morning. Thanks so much to all who entered both giveaways (and to those who already made the chocolate peanut butter chia seed pudding and reported back)!
Question of the Day
- What is one thing you are loving this week?
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Excellent round up. I need to try those Sriracha and Lime Pretzel Crisps. Love the site, thanks for the CA shout out.
Happy 6 Months Chase! Seriously, Julie, he’s adorable! I love that you post early in the morning! I love waking up and having my breakfast with PBFingers! Thank you for posting an Indian food recipe! I’ve been craving Indian food so much this week! Pretty sure I’ve had Chana Masala twice already :0
Happy 1/2 birthday Chase! You are sooo cute!
One of the things I’m loving this week is… My 6 month old baby started to crawl…:) nothing is safe anymore around here haha.
Julie I got a question, is there a jogging stroller you recommend? Which one do you use?
I’m in the market to buy one, but I would like your advise!
Thank you!!
A BOB is totally worth the money! I take mine on some really rugged terrain and it is great. It will not tip over for anything and is easy to handle!
Oh man, good luck to you and Chase on the flight! I’m sure it will all be worth it once you’re with your friends. Reunion trips are just the best. <3 Also, The Holiday is one of my favorites… any time of the year.
I’m sure you feel this way too, but how is he already 6 months old?? Will he be starting some solid foods soon? That gets really fun!
I’m loving my new iPhone case from Casetify (thanks for the recommendation!) and the stay-cation I decided to take today. Have a great trip!
P.s. I’m with ya on the #girlboss thing – had to put that book down after about ten pages 🙂
Happy, happy birthday to one of the cutest things on my fridge! 😉 I feel ya on the keychain — I have a tassel one from South Moon Under, and I praise Jesus every time I look for my keys, because I never used to be able to find them before the tassel entered my life. And have you tried the Buffalo pretzel crisps? I honestly probably have a bag a week…. it’s not good (but delicious). Happy friday and happy travels!
The Holiday is such a good movie! 🙂 How is Chase 6 months old?! Time goes by so fast! I am due in May with my 2nd baby, my first boy, and I am SO excited! I know it is going to be here before I know it! 🙂
Happy 6 month birthday Chase!
This week I’m loving Beekman 1802’s goat milk hand soap. I splurged on Black Friday and finally dug in. Can I say OH. MY. GOODNESS!! Normally this far into winter, I’m slathered in lotions, balms and everything under the sun trying to stave off dry, cracked hands especially between the fingers. Since I started using this soap, I haven’t had a SINGLE issue!!! I hopped online and bought 2 more jars and you only need 1/4 pump so it lasts forever! If you ever check it out, use the code BEEK15 for 15% off your purchase.
Good luck on the flight!! 🙂 Hope everything goes smoothly! I love the Holiday! I didnt get to watch it this December either, maybe I’ll watch it this weekend!
I always had about 6 pacifiers in the crib with my little one and that way there was easy access for him.
Also, make sure and either feed Chase as you are landing and taking off in the plane or have him suck on his pacifier. It will help with his ears popping
Wow, Chase is 6 months already!? Have you started introducing solids yet? I would love for you to do a post on it when you do. 🙂 My son will be 5 months on February 4 and we are waiting until 6 months to introduce solids.
Have a great flight – can’t wait to hear all about it!
Happy 6 months to Chase!!! 🙂 Hope the flight goes smoothly and you have a great weekend with your friends! <3
Yep that paci skill is AMAZING. OUr babe just learned that too. He has about 6 in his crib (3 glow in the dark) so he can always find one.
Happy 6 months to Chase!! I hope he celebrates his half-birthday with a super long nap on the plane! Travel safe & have a blast!
p.s. that paci skill is the best ever. I remember when our toddler learned that when she was a baby. I think we threw a party for ourselves. haha! My 2nd is almost that age…she’s getting close, wahoo!
Take advantage of the weather today and tomorrow 😀 Sunday is looking to be more Denver-winterish 😉
I just watched The Holiday last weekend! I didn’t get to watch it during December either and it’s too good to wait around another 11 months.
I’ve been dreaming of the day when my daughter can put her paci back in since she was born. Yay Chase!
I am loving the warmer temperatures that have been around this week!!!
I am so glad it isn’t just me that loathes the #girlboss thing! Thank you for sharing the link.
I am loving how I am feeling on my Whole 30 right now – the bad bits are hopefully all over now, and I feel great!
I also have an irrational love of The Holiday. My mom and I watch this, along with Love Actually, after every Thanksgiving dinner! Good luck on the flight 🙂
Happy 6 months Chase! Good luck on your flight! I’m sure you guys will have a blast 🙂 This week I’m loving the fact that I finally pulled the trigger on purchasing the NASM book through Amazon. I plan to purchase the whole package once baseball season is over in September-ish (I’ll have more time to focus and study in the off season). Enjoy your weekend!
Do I spy a Simplified Planner???? I was sure that was your favorite thing…. I love mine! I have the daily with the blue/white dots. 🙂 Have a safe trip!
Hope your travel day goes well! If you’re looking for a great restaurant in Denver, check out Root Down. They also have a fabulous airport location in terminal C. My husband and I go to the airport early just to eat there #obsessed! Love getting a reasonably priced and quick farm to table meal instead of eating sad airport food.
The Holiday is one of my favorite movies, too!
Happy 6 months to chase!
This week I am loving instant oatmeal. Since my newborn can’t handle dairy I have to come up with alternatives to cereal that can be made quickly. Thankfully, instant oatmeal is both quick and delicious!
Have a great flight. Can’t wait to hear how it goes.
That’s so funny you mention The Holiday! I’ve watched it like 4 times in the past two months.
I can’t wait for my twins to put their binkies back in on their own! That will be a mighty great day haha
Good luck on your trip! I’m sure Chase will do great!
Have you checked out our weather here in Colorado? Snow coming in on Sunday hard!
I hope your flight goes well! Chase is so cute that I don’t think anyone would be able to be upset if he isn’t enjoying the flight!
The Honest Company Healing Balm was on my favorites list too! I can’t get enough of it!
Did you dye your hair!?! It looks a totally different color!!
Nope! But I WANT to… I feel like it’s getting darker by the day!
I LOVE the holiday as well!!
The thing I’m loving this week is totally random…it’s middle eastern food!
The Holiday is just the best! For me it’s a Christmas staple along with Love Actually 🙂 x
Oh my god he really does have the cutest little face!!! Where the heck did those 6 months go!!!
I’ve always wanted to try Honest products and this time of year, I think the healing balm would be ideal for my dry skin. This week, I’m really loving Honey Bunches of Oats cereal! It is the ideal blend of granola bites and flaked cereal!
“Are you embarrassed by this game I’ve started to play?” Welcome to Denver! Shield Chase’s eyes from the airport murals. There are some creepy ones. And – on one of the trains – you’ll pass by axes stuck in the wall. And the creepy blue Bronco with red demon eyes. There are lots of conspiracy theories about that airport and it’s easy to see why.
How adorable is Chase. I hope you have a great time in Denver and that everything goes smoothly on the plane ride! I love the holiday such a great movie, I watched that and love actually on repeat around the holidays.
That keychain is so pretty and those pretzels sound insanely addictive – what a fabulous flavor combo. Happy 6-month birthday to Chase and have a great time in Denver!
I love that keychain! I almost bought a similar one at Target not to long ago but left it there, now I really wish I would have went for it!
There are… Wait for it… Glow in the dark pacifiers. We use Mam brand. Game changer for night time, once they know how to grab it and put it back in their mouth!!!
Our baby is a week older than Chase and we’ve been keeping a couple pacifiers in his crib along with his lovey. He can always find something in there to soothe himself, it’s awesome! I can see him rubbing his lovely now actually on the monitor 🙂
Hope the flight went well! We have yet to make a trip with our baby. Planning on March (to Boulder!).
I love that tassel keychain!
Happy 6 months!
Btw, loved reading that girlboss article. Interesting perspective!
Seriously Chase is just the cutest! My son is 12 now but I remember when he was finally able to hold his own bottle. My husband and I felt like we were on vacation! You are so right when you say it’s the little things that matter.
Hi Julie 🙂 Longtime reader, firsttime commenter. Just wanted to say that Chase and my 9-month-old son sound like kindred spirits. Energetic, squirmy, fun-loving (frequent night waker!). If it makes you feel less crazy, we put our baby to bed with 6 or 7 pacifiers in the crib! You should check out the glow-in-the dark pacifiers, too. They make it easier for the baby to spot them and pop them back in at night. Good luck 🙂
Chase is so cute! Happy 6 Month Birthday! The thing I’m loving this week are these delicious yet so simple buffalo chicken sandwiches that we made for dinner last night along with some crispy baked sweet potato fries. So yummy and perfect paired with a beer. Happy weekend!
Hi Julie,
I actually never comment on blogs I read, but had to in this case. It’s about the pacifier. Newborns lose them constantly and it’s up to you to give it back to them during the night. Congrats to both you and Chase on reaching a huuuge milestone of being able to put his pacifier back in his mouth (if he can find it within 2.2 seconds before he starts crying) I had twins so you can imagine the expletives i was spewing after six months of having to retrieve pacifiers for them during the night. I had no idea, even after reading lots of books about newborns and having known a bunch about babies already, that this would be a problem. People don’t talk about it for some reason. Now I try to tell any moms-to-be about this problem as a “head’s up” …..pacifiers can be great but I might have thought twice about it had I known ahead of time. P.S. I have heard of mommies putting at least 5 pacifiers around the crib!
Chase looks so much like you!! More and more each time I see him!
That key chain is beautiful! I cannot wait to check that site out. Good luck on the flight – I hope it went smoothly and that Chase was a good little dude. He is just the cutest. I’ve had baby fever for a while now but the timing just isn’t right – but seeing others share glimpses has me even more excited for motherhood in the future! Something I am loving this week is the new(-ish) Pure Barre studio that opened by my house!
I LOVE The Holiday! One of my all time favorites. Especially when the weather is cold and rainy like it has been here… it is the perfect movie to curl up on the couch and watch.
What I’m loving this week- I joined a new “boot camp” workout class. I have been unbelievably sore all week… and I am loving it 😉