Things I’m Loving Friday #259

Hi friends! How are you guys!? I hope all my American readers out there had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

I cannot believe this is the first time I’m checking in all week. I definitely didn’t intend to step away from blogging for a full week but I didn’t want to isolate myself on my laptop or look through my phone when I was surrounded by family so an unintended break ended up happening. I missed you guys but the break was good for me! It allowed me to feel fully present as a mom, daughter, sister and mother and I didn’t realize how much I needed to disconnect.

Since I missed blogging all week, today’s Things I’m Loving Friday post serves almost more as a catch up recap with a few favorites thrown in the mix. It’s a little different than usual, but hopefully it works!

Thanks for checking in today and I really hope these past few days were filled with friends, family, love, gratitude and good food for all of you. Also, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I hope that you all know just how grateful I am for each and every one of you. I am under no delusion that my blog would be anything without your support, your readership, your participation and your kindness. I’m grateful for our friendship because that’s truly what I feel from you when I read your comments, emails and messages. You’ve lifted me up when I’ve been down and cheered me on through some of the best moments of my life and that’s not lost on me for one second.

I am so thankful for YOU.

Things I’m Loving Friday

• First Solo Flight with Chase and Ryder

First, I need to preface this  bulletpoint by saying that travel with kids is far from stress-free! Going into my first solo flight with Chase and Ryder, I kept my expectations LOW. I wasn’t sure how the experience would unfold but ended up feeling grateful we made it to Florida without too many hiccups.

The best part of our travel south was the fact that Chase was in HEAVEN all morning. He’s airplane-obsessed at the moment so everything from going through security and handing the TSA agent his very own ticket (and earning a sticker!) to the pilot of our flight inviting him into the cockpit absolutely made his day. He had a window seat on the plane’s wing which blew his mind and I don’t think I’ve ever heard him ask more questions in my life. (We talked a lot about “inside voices” on this flight. Ha!)

Ryder fought his morning nap all through the airport but once I swaddled him up in my arms and nursed him on the flight, he slept most of the time which was a huge blessing. (The fact that the flight was only an hour long was another blessing.)

I am crossing my fingers for a smooth flight home tomorrow as well!

• Callie Snuggles and Cousin Time

I’ve been living for the picture and video updates of Callie I receive all day every day from my sister and mother but nothing can even come close to seeing my sweet niece in person. Callie napped in my arms for a solid 40 minutes the first time I held her and I found myself studying her beautiful face and holding onto her teeny little legs and soaking up every bit of her sweetness. Our whole family is so glad she’s home and so, so grateful.

Chase was also really excited to finally meet his baby cousin and he’s been very into her and wants to help with everything. He wants Callie to join us for story time and thinks it’s awesome that they both have blue eyes, just like his t-rex toy.

And don’t even get me started on seeing Callie and Ryder together.

They are two babies we wanted so badly and prayed so hard for and watching them kick and coo next to each other — there is just nothing better. And I’m waiting for my sister to tell me to stop buying them his-and-her baby outfits because I just cannot resist. I mean just look at our little Christmas elves…

LOVE.

P.S. Just in case any of you are in the market for silky-soft baby onesies, my sister and I love the organic bamboo ones by Kyte! I gave Leslie one for Callie after she was born and then just ordered the red and green footies for our babies and the fabric is so soft and snuggly.

• Family Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving this year was a good one! We spent all day at my parents’ place and dug into tons of good food — turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, sweet potato casserole and all the usual favorites — and had fun with our crew.

I think everyone went back for seconds and we all ended up feeling overly stuffed which seems to be a Thanksgiving tradition over here. My sister actually snapped the below picture of me and the boys (Chase is playing with cars behind Ryan’s chair) and it made me laugh when I saw it because it was about 30 minutes after our feast and Ryan and I were “digesting” on the floor. Ooph!

And today we feast on the leftovers!

• Nike Training Club

I wasn’t feeling overly creative on the workout front this week and while I’ve taken more than a few days off from any exercise, I did manage to sneak in a couple of short workouts thanks to the Nike Training Club app on my phone. I mentioned this app on the blog years ago, but it’s still a favorite of mine for quick, effective workouts when I don’t feel like making up my own. The app is free and it’s a great one to keep on hand especially when you’re traveling or don’t want to put any time into coming up with your own workout.

• Black Friday Sales

For those who may be getting a jump start on holiday shopping and taking advantage of Black Friday sales, here’s a little roundup of some of the deals that jumped out at me:

Madewell: 25% off with code DEALWITHIT (Includes their flattering high-rise denim!)

Old Navy: 50% off everything (Love this long-sleeve dress — would be so cute with ankle booties, this sweater-knit hoodie and this slouchy turtleneck and they have the cutest baby clothes and Christmas pajamas)

American Eagle: 40% off + Free shipping with code (Includes my fav Cloudspun Sweater

Gap: 50% off everything with code BLKFRIDAY (Their pajama joggers are a personal fav!)

J.Crew: 40% off with code TOGETHER (Lusting after this parka in olive)

Minted: 20% off holiday cards, gifts and home decor orders $150+ and 15% off everything with code BF2018

Nordstrom: Up to 60% off (Includes this beautiful crossbody, this initial pendant necklace and the Dock-a-Tot in a few patterns)

Amazon: Assorted deals on tons of items from kitchenware and electronics to clothing and more

Nike: Extra 25% off select items with code THANKS

Question of the Day

What is one thing you are feeling particularly grateful for today?