Happily Ever Mock

Elise Claire- 12 and 15 month updates

This poor neglected little blog.  I have goals to resurrect it over the Summer with some useful information, thoughts on life and a gosh darn photo or 2 of Hallie! It slowly became a place for me to dump info on Elise so that I wouldn’t forget it and then 12 months hit and I really just abandoned it all together for a while as I dealt with all of the changes and feelings regarding Covid and having a toddler.

So without further ado, Elise turns 15 months today.  Fastest 15 months of my life.  And yet, the last 3 somehow seemed fast and desperately slow at the same time.  I know other moms can relate.  Here is a little update on sweet Elise:

  • Age- 15 months
  • Weight-  We go next week for her checkup, so for now I will share her 12 month stats: 14 lb, 10.5 oz (Hallie was 15 lb 1.5 oz, so close, though E might pass her up for the 15 month numbers.
  • Length- 27 inches (.5 inches smaller than sister)
  • Size- At 12 month we were still rocking the Size 2 Diapers though recently I sized up to 3’s only because she was having leaks at night.  Then again this kid likes to down at least 2 sippy’s of milk right before bed, so I am not sure it’s the diaper…we shall see. I feel with clothes she is all over the place.  Mostly wearing 6 month clothes, but every once in a while can go up or down. Pjs 9-12 month for length
  • Eyes- Brown I think
  • Hair- She is our little blonde girl!
  • Teeth- We currently have 5. She had 2 by 12 months
  • Sleeping- She is a night owl and it takes her a while to give up the ghost.  She usually is out by 9, and  sleeps until 7 and we get a 2 hour nap in the afternoon.
  • Eating- We successfully made the switch to whole milk and she LOVES it! She still eats everything. Favors cheese, fruit (blueberries), and recently started asking for “coo-kies!”
  • Milestones- Talking a ton! Little phrases here and there. She started walking around 14 months, and is now on the go! For a while she liked to sit down if you noticed her trying to walk! So modest! Gives real kisses now and LOVES to show affection. Mimics animals.
  •  Memorable outings- Zoo trip, smash cake, 1st birthday party…then Covid hit, and we have just been home.
  • Favorite toys/activities- Recently she started coloring and LOVES that. Loves stuffed animals, the princess castle, her violet puppy and puppy from sister, blocks, cups, etc.  She loves her blankets.   Really enjoys books. For her birthday we got her a board book with our family photos and she absolutely adores it! Enjoys playing with Sister’s horses and vet set. She loves music and dancing with Momma. She is starting to dance on her own too!  Loves the baby shark song, pat-a-cake, head and shoulders and I’m a little teapot.  Sister is her favorite person ever and she makes her crack up! She loves Stella and other animals. Elephants are her favorite and she makes Elephant sounds and makes a little trunk with her hand as she does it.  Mommy plays Rolly Polly with her which makes her laugh. Absolutely loves to cuddle and be kissed and hugged.
  • Words/sounds- Exclaims “Mo Mail”- No mail every time we check the mail, even if we do have mail. Legitimately sings the songs from Frozen 2, Told my father in law recently “Pop, I colorin!”, Says “Mo! Mmm Mmm” when she doesn’t want or like something.  Asks for “Coo-kies”.  This age is so fun!
  • Nicknames-Peanut or Peanut Butter, Chicky, E or E-Claire
  • Funny moments- ANYTIME she sees Elsa or anything from Frozen she sings “OOOOhh Oooooh!” In her sleep the other night she started singing it too! So funny!
  • Looking forward to- Leaving the house and having experiences with her again! She is just a dolly!

Coloring Pages

I definitely owe this blog an update on Miss Elise.  If nothing else than for me to have one day to look back on.  But life guys! Covid 19 came in with a vengeance and shook things up real good.  Now I am juggling Mom, Teacher, Wife etc.  Oh and to make matters more fun (SPOILER ALERT) Elise is officially walking and into everything but at the same time just as clingy as ever.  It’s a lot.  I have nothing left some days. You feel me moms?

I didn’t intend for this to be a therapy session, but actually to share with you something fun I have been doing to deal with the stress and anxiety of the Shelter in Place order.  Drawing.  I decided to dust off my old sketchbooks and make some fun coloring pages for Hallie.  I must say she is loving it and can’t wait to see my newest additions.  She even likes to give me ideas for what to draw next.  (ANOTHER SPOILER ALERT) There’s a fun zoo theme coming at you soon with a drawing of Hallie’s all time favorite animal, a cheetah!

For now, here are 4 fun coloring pages I have made.  Feel free to print them out for you or your kiddos to color! Share with your friends and family. And pretty please tag me in your artwork @Happilyevermock I would LOVE to see your creations!

Puppy Party

 

Brain Freeze

Monster Mash

Mother’s Day Floral

Now these are by no means perfect, but they sure we therapeutic!

I hope you enjoy!

Elise Claire Smash Cake

I have been slacking in the update department.  Elise Claire is 1! I can’t believe it. 1 year update coming at you soon. For now here are the adorable photos from JC Photography & Design of Elise’s Smash Cake session.  Just like big sister, Elise loved her cake! Having a sweet tooth must run in the family!

Hope you enjoyed these photos as much as Elise enjoyed the cake.

Elise Claire-11 months

I do not understand how a year can fly by so quickly! We are (Less than) one month away from your 1st birthday sweet Elise and I just don’t know how it happened!

Age- 11 months

  • Weight-  We were excused from a weight check this month, but if I were to guess about 14.5
  • Length- No check this month
  • Size- Size 2 Diapers. I Just pulled out 9 month clothes, so we are wearing a mix of 6 month and 9 month clothes.  6 Month still fits perfectly, but we had a lot of winter 9 month clothing for Hal, so its nice that I didn’t have to buy anything new…poor 2nd kid!
  • Eyes- Grey
  • Hair- She is our little blonde girl! She is finally getting more hair too!
  • Sleeping- 10-11 hours at night, and during the day Starting to give up naps except for in the car.  With Sister I had such a set schedule but this kid just naps on and off all day.  I usually get one solid nap out of her.
  • Eating- 22 oz a day, though we are really uninterested in formula. However, girlfriend LOVES solids. She eats and loves everything! Eggs, Peanut butter, yogurt, veggies, meat, fruit, cheese! We did finally find a food she dislikes…beans. Of all things! She eats more than sister!
  • Milestones- Mimicking everything we say!  She is cruising a ton and can stand alone for a few seconds at a time.   She still adds new words almost ever day!
  •  Memorable outings-First Christmas!
  • Favorite toys/activities- She is OBSESSED with looking at photos of her family. Especially ones of sister.  Dolls and stuffed animals. Especially Olaf and her Puppies! LOVES the bath. She likes her walker and  Baby shark. Enjoys the princess castle!  She wants remotes phones and all of sisters toys much to her dismay.  She likes her toy phone and laptop and LOVES being read to.  Especially Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and Baby Giggles and animal books!.   She loves music and dancing with Momma. She is starting to dance on her own too! She loves music! “This is Big”. Loves the baby shark song, pat-a-cake, head and shoulders and I’m a little teapot.    Sister is her favorite person ever and she makes her crack up! She loves Stella and other animals.  Mommy plays Rolly Polly with her which makes her laugh. Absolutely loves to cuddle and be kissed and hugged.
  • Words/sounds- Momma, Dada, Haha-Hallie, Hi, Hey, Bye Bye, A Dog, more, all done, up, woof, pup, night night, nom nom, stella, good girl, stinky toes, again, no, Oh!, uh oh, eyes-while poking you in the eye, yes, hat, BOO! . She also pretends to sing! She can actually kind of sing to baby shark saing “Doo Doo”
  • Nicknames-Peanut or Peanut Butter, Chicky, E or E-Claire, Sweets
  • Funny moments- She will grab her head and shake it as if to say “You’re making me crazy!” She has serious FOMO especially with food.  One night she was (I thought) asleep in Christopher’s arms.  I went to open a chocolate kiss and she heard the wrapper, sat straight up opening her mouth wide like a baby bird!  She’s a camera hog! Loves looking at herself in the camera and also pictures of loved ones.  This one is more scary than funny….girlfriend can get out of anything.  One day I had her strapped into her highchair while I was cooking dinner.  I turned to flip the chicken I was cooking and when I turned back around her was sitting on top of the tray with one leg over the side! I almost had a heart attack! That little Houdini now requires 24/7 supervision even when strapped into something!
  • Looking forward to- Celebrating her birthday and watching her go to town on her smash cake!

Sweets you are the silliest happiest little girl who loves to laugh and smile.  Though hearing no breaks your little heart and you give me the saddest fat lip I have ever seen! You love your family something fierce and Momma is LOVING watching your little personality shine! 11 months is bittersweet has you transition from babe to toddler.  You’re so loving though and even the busier you get, you are always still up for a cuddle! I love you so!

Elise Claire- 10 Months

We are in the double digits now…what?!

  • Age- 10 months
  • Weight-  We were excused from a weight check this month, but if I were to guess she’s not quite 14 lb
  • Length- No check this month
  • Size- Size 2 Diapers. Onesies and shirts 3-6 month very few 9 month mixed in.  Pants- We are sort of in Limbo-Mostly 6 month…but really only 1 brand fits…otherwise we just still use high waters 3 month because that’s what fits her wiast  PJs-mostly 6 month or 3-6 month however I have pulled out the 9 month but they are still pretty long
  • Eyes- Grey
  • Hair- She is our little blonde girl!
  • Sleeping- Really well! 10-11 hours at night and during the day she naps a lot.  With Sister I had such a set schedule but this kid just naps on and off all day.  I usually get one solid nap out of her.
  • Eating- 22 oz a day, though we are really uninterested in formula. However, girlfriend LOVES solids. She eats and loves everything! Eggs, Peanut butter, yogurt, veggies, meat, fruit, cheese! We did finally find a food she dislikes…beans. Of all things! She eats more than sister!
  • Milestones-Clapping and Pointing. She also will say “Who’s that” or “Whats that” when she is pointing at something.  She loves Playing peek-a-boo which is the most adorable thing ever!  She is cruising a ton and can stand alone for a few seconds at a time.   She still adds new words almost ever day!
  •  Memorable outings-First Thanksgiving and First Mock Family Christmas!
  • Favorite toys/activities- She is OBSESSED with looking at photos of her family. Especially ones of sister.  Dolls and stuffed animals. Especially Olaf and her Puppy! Enjoys stacking cups and bath toys. She wants remotes phones and all of sisters toys much to her dismay.  She likes her toy phone and laptop and LOVES being read to.  Especially Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and Baby Giggles.   She loves music and dancing with Momma. She is starting to dance on her own too! She loves music! “This is Big”. Loves the baby shark song, pat-a-cake, head and shoulders and I’m a little teapot.    Sister is her favorite person ever and she makes her crack up! She loves Stella and other animals but calls them all “A-Dog!” and barks at them!  Mommy plays Rolly Polly with her which makes her laugh. Absolutely loves to cuddle and be kissed and hugged.
  • Words/sounds- Momma, Dada, Haha-Hallie, Hi, Hey, Bye Bye, A Dog, more, all done, up, woof, pup, night night, nom nom, stella, good girl, stinky toes, again, no, yes, hat . She also pretends to sing!
  • Nicknames-Peanut or Peanut Butter, Chicky, E or E-Claire
  • Funny moments- I always say that her toes are stinky because it makes her laugh. Now she will pick her foot up and ask me, “Stinky toes?” so I will say “Oh they are so stinky!” and she just bursts into giggles.  When she points at something saying “Whats that” it sounds like she is saying “Whatsup!” like that old Budweiser commercial. She also disobeyed Momma for the first time. I was telling her “No no.” because she was crawling toward something I didn’t want her getting into. She looked back at me, said “Yes” Nodded her head and kept crawling!
  • Looking forward to- Watching her open Christmas presents tomorrow…Momma got her a Mommy shark! Also just slowing down these next two months to savor the last bit of her first year.

Sweet E,  you are the happiest baby who is always smiling and loves to laugh! Momma, Daddy and Sissy love you to pieces and can’t believe that time can pass so quickly! We love watching you grow and learn and can’t wait to see you you are going to be.

 

Elise Claire- 9 months

We are getting dangerously close to the 1 year mark and this momma’s heart just can’t bear it!

  • Age- 9 months
  • Weight-  13 lb .5 oz (1 lb smaller than Hallie at the same age)
  • Length- 26.5 inches (.5 inches smaller than sister)
  • Size- Size 2 Diapers though they are still very roomy. Onesies and shirts-3 month with some 6 month mixed in.  Pants- We are sort of in Limbo- She is starting to outgrow size 3 in length but anything else is WAY too big   PJs-mostly 6 month or 3-6 month
  • Eyes- Grey
  • Hair- She is our little blonde girl!
  • Sleeping- Really well! 10-11 hours at night and during the day she naps a lot.  With Sister I had such a set schedule but this kid just naps on and off all day.  I usually get one solid nap out of her.
  • Eating- 22 oz a day, though we are really uninterested in formula. However, girlfriend LOVES solids. She eats and loves everything! Eggs, Peanut butter, yogurt, veggies, meat, fruit, cheese! We did finally find a food she dislikes…beans. Of all things! She eats more than sister!
  • Milestones- She loves giving hugs, pat pats and HUGE open mouthed kisses.  She loves Playing peek-a-boo which is the most adorable thing ever! She hides under a blanket or puts her head into the bed until you say “where’s Elise” and she pops up. I remember Hallie doing this too! It’s such a fun age! She is trying to stand on her own and will probably master that this month.  She still adds new words almost ever day!
  •  Memorable outings- Grandpa’s 98th birthday party! First trick or treat.
  • Favorite toys/activities- Dolls and stuffed animals. Enjoys stacking cups and bath toys. She wants remotes phones and all of sisters toys much to her dismay.  She likes her toy phone and laptop and LOVES being read to.  Especially Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and Baby Giggles.   She loves music and dancing with Momma. She is starting to dance on her own too! She loves storytime and the songs we do there, especially “This is Big”. Loves the baby shark song, pat-a-cake, head and shoulders and I’m a little teapot.    Sister is her favorite person ever and she makes her crack up! She loves Stella and other animals but calls them all “A-Dog!”  Mommy plays Rolly Polly with her which makes her laugh. Absolutely loves to cuddle and be kissed and hugged.
  • Words/sounds- Momma, Dada, Haha-Hallie, Hi, Hey, Bye Bye, A Dog, more, all done, up. She also pretends to sing!
  • Nicknames-Peanut or Peanut Butter, Chicky, E or E-Claire
  • Funny moments- She yells “BYE” when someone leaves the room.  She also pretends remotes are phones to call dada on!
  • Looking forward to- savoring each and every moment! They are going too too fast! First Thanksgiving and Chrsitmas.

Peanut Butter you are the happiest baby and always so sweet natured! You have the biggest smile and most precious giggle! I am going to miss these days that you love being held and snuggled! I love you so and can’t believe that time can pass so quickly!

Elise Claire- 8 Months

Didn’t I JUST write Elise’s 7 month update? Somehow another month has passed.  Elise Claire you are now 8 months and time is just flying by!

  • Age- 8 months
  • Weight-  12 lb 9.5 oz
  • Length- not checked
  • Size- Size 2 Diapers though they are still very roomy. Onesies and shirts-3 month with some 6 month mixed in.  Pants- We are sort of in Limbo- She is starting to outgrow size 3 in length but anything else is WAY too big   PJs-mostly 6 month or 3-6 month
  • Eyes- Grey
  • Hair- Coming in Blonde or maybe strawberry blonde
  • Sleeping- Really well! 10-11 hours at night and during the day she naps a lot.  With Sister I had such a set schedule but this kid just naps on and off all day.  I usually get one solid nap out of her.
  • Eating- 24 oz a day, though we are really uninterested in formula. However, girlfriend LOVES solids. She eats and loves everything! Eggs, Peanut butter, yogurt, veggies, meat, fruit, cheese! We did finally find a food she dislikes…beans. Of all things! She eats more than sister!
  • Milestones- Cruising around, she’s waving and saying Hi and Bye Bye.  She adds new words almost ever day!
  •  Memorable outings- First Pumpkin Patch trip and First time traveling out of state! She went with me and my aunt Jane to visit my cousin Karley in Missouri!
  • Favorite toys/activities- Dolly and stuffed animals. Enjoys stacking cups and bath toys. She wants remotes phones and all of sisters toys much to her dismay.  She likes her toy phone and laptop and LOVES being read to.  Especially Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and Baby Giggles.   She loves music and dancing with Momma. She loves storytime and the songs we do there, especially “This is Big”.  Sister is her favorite person ever and she makes her crack up! She loves Stella and other animals but calls them all “A-Dog!”  Mommy plays Rolly Polly with her which makes her laugh. Absolutely loves to cuddle and be kissed and hugged.
  • Words/sounds- Momma, Dada, Haha-Hallie, Hi, Hey, Bye Bye, A Dog.
  • Nicknames-Peanut or Peanut Butter, E or E-Claire
  • Funny moments- Loves when Mommy sniffs her and pretends she is stinky! She also covers us in the sweetest open mouth kisses. She is scared of balls!
  • Looking forward to- savoring each and every moment! They are going too too fast! Also can’t wait to celebrate her first Halloween!!

Peanut Butter you are the happiest baby and always so sweet natured! You have the biggest smile and most precious giggle! I am going to miss these days that you love being held and snuggled! I love you so and can’t believe that time can pass so quickly!

Fall Style {Mom, Big Sis and Little Sis}

Fall is finally coming to North Texas! Pumpkins are everywhere and the weather is just now starting to cool! It’s time to pull out joggers, jeans and sweaters! I couldn’t be more thrilled. To be honest with it being so hot, I haven’t bought a ton for Fall yet.  But, here are some of my picks for this season! I tried to make sure to add some coordinating pieces for the girls and I, because I love matching my girls!  Also you are going to love me.  A TON of these pieces are currently on sale! Hallelujah! 

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For me, the key for Fall in Texas is light layers.  I recently wrote a post for Dallas Moms about Texas Fall Wardrobe staples which you can read here.  There are a ton of great styling ideas and specific pieces I shared, but I figured I would still share a few of my favorites here!

Like I said, a TON of these pieces are currently on sale! Those adorable flats, UNDER $10! Also they have them in a ton of colors! The jeans, currently $15 and my favorite cardigans that I stock up on each year are right now $18.50! The denim jacket is also on sale, along with so many other pieces!!

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Hallie is currently really into matching Momma and sister which I think is precious! That’s why I was sure to find several coordinating pieces! We all have a jean jacket that I love! This one is currently on sale, so be sure to check that out! Also when I bought my flats, I picked Hallie up from school wearing them, and my animal loving girl demanded leopard print shoes of her own! I love the adorable sparkle leggings paired with the cute Thankful top, and of course I was sure to pick a ton of dresses because my girl loves a good dress! Top the list off with a plenty of Ashlilium clips because they are so darn precious and your girl’s Fall wardrobe is set!

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Well if we are all going to have leopard shoes, baby girl is going to need some too, amiright? She also has this darling jacket, and I can’t wait to snag her those coordinating dresses and sparkle jeggings to match Hal! I love a good one piece! They make school drop off super convenient because I can let her sleep in them the night before but then wake her up, add a cute hat, and she’s ready to go!

What pieces am I missing?

Elise Claire- 7 Months

Sweet Elise, time flies so quickly! Even more so than with big sister.  You are 7 months old and I am trying so hard to soak up all the sweet baby moments because they are fleeting little girl.

  • Age- 7 months….somehow
  • Weight-  11 lb 14 oz
  • Length- No length check this month
  • Size- Size 1 diapers though I just stocked up on size 2s.  We are still using the Hello Bello and I didn’t want to be stuck with unusable diapers if she grows in the next month. Onesies and shirts-3 month with some 6 month mixed in.  Pants- We are sort of in Limbo- She is starting to outgrow size 3 in length but anything else is WAY too big   PJs-mostly 6 month or 3-6 month
  • Eyes- Grey
  • Hair- Really light…almost blonde maybe?
  • Sleeping- Really well! 10-11 hours at night and during the day she naps a lot.  With Sister I had such a set schedule but this kid just naps on and off all day.  I usually get one solid nap out of her.
  • Eating- 24 oz a day, though we are really uninterested in formula. However, girlfriend LOVES solids. She eats and loves everything! Eggs, Peanut butter, veggies, meat, fruit, cheese! Last night she ate more than Hallie! Smoked BBQ turkey, avocado, cheese, peanut butter and even one of mommy’s brussel sprouts!
  • Milestones- Crawling EVERYWHERE! Adding more foods, sitting up, Pulling up to standing.
  •  Memorable outings- We took family photos this month which was really fun! She also went to her first Fall Festival at our Church.
  • Favorite toys/activities- The Exersaucer!! Dolly and stuffed animals.  She wants remotes phones and all of sisters toys much to her dismay.  She likes her toy phone and laptop and LOVES being read to.  Especially Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and Baby Giggles.   She loves music and dancing with Momma.  Sister is her favorite person ever and she makes her crack up! She loves Stella and other animals.  Mommy plays Rolly Polly with her which makes her laugh. Absolutely loves to cuddle and be kissed and hugged.
  • Words/sounds- Momma, Dada, Haha-Hallie.
  • Nicknames-Peanut or Peanut Butter, E or E-Claire
  • Funny moments- Loves when Mommy sniffs her and pretends she is stinky! She also covers us in the sweetest open mouth kisses.
  • Looking forward to- savoring each and every moment! They are going too too fast! Also can’t wait to celebrate her first Halloween

Elise Claire you are such a joy! You have the sweetest happiest demeanor, but you can stop growing up so quickly Mkay?

Baby Must Haves 0-6 months

**This post contains affiliate links and was in part sponsored by Hello Bello

6 months have somehow passed since Elise was born. I am not sure how time can fly so quickly, but alas I have a 6 month old.  In the past 6 months one thing I have noticed is that baby stuff has just gotten better and more convenient in the short 5 years since having Hallie.  Today I am sharing our must have products that have been the most helpful these passed 6 months.

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Feeding

The Dr Browns Pitcher and Sterilizer both saved so much time for us! If you have been following you know that I exclusively pumped and bottle fed both of my girls.  You also know our journey of getting more calories for Elise, and how I had to fortify my breast milk with formula.  The pitcher was great for mixing the breast milk and the formula each day and just pouring each feeding into bottles.  We are still using it now that we have switched to formula.

The Sterilizer was such a God send! With all the bottle and pump pieces it was used daily to keep everything clean and sanitary.  Once everything came out of the sterilizer I let everything dry out on the Boon Lawn.  We also cleaned everything with the Dapple Soap before putting it in and it made such a difference keeping the bottles looking like new!  My sweet Sister In Law told me about it, and I am so thankful! As far as Breast Storage Bags go.  These have been the best I have found.  They are thick, cheap and I didn’t lose 1 to spilled milk in the 6 months I pumped.  They have a hole for hanging but I used them to slip my finger through when filling them and it made it so easy!

Sleeping

We still love this Pack N Play.  It has been perfect for each stage with a bassinet and diaper changing insert and a higher sleep setting for those earlier days.   Speaking of sleep. These sleepers are awesome! They zip from the bottom so late night diaper changes are so much easier!

Play and Diapering

I can’t stand normal bath toys and how quickly they mold! These Clean Squeeze toys totally rock! They open in the middle so you can dry them completely and they stay mold free!

If you are an avid reader you know my obsession with Freshly Picked! Their Diaper Bag is AMAZING! It has so many pockets including in insulated one which I use to keep bottles cold! I also love that I can carry it as a backpack leaving my hands free for everything else us Mom’s have to lug around!

Lastly but most importantly, Hello Bello you guys! Literally EVERYTHING from Hello Bello.  The price for the diapers has been unbeatable yet the quality doesn’t lack. They are softer from every other diaper we have tried but hold up well, even over night!  We do the bundle and get 7 packs of diapers and 4 packs of wipes every month! I love that they come right to our door! Recently we were gifted a few of their bath products and they smell so good and are made of quality ingredients leaving our girl so fresh! Check them out y’all! You’ll be glad you did!