Mommy mind: what’s in a name

Post gender reveal we decided to dive into name world for baby B’s arrival later this summer. We figured there is no sense in starting down that road before we know the sex of the wee one. Plus, it helps weed out the options.

We were pretty much dead set on Everett’s name, so we had no problems whatsoever. Here is a little background on his full name’s meaning:

Everett // From a surname which was derived from the given name EVERARD. Means “brave boar”, derived from the Germanic elements ebur “wild boar” and hard “brave, hardy”.

Meyer // Variant of MEIR. Means “giving light” in Hebrew. It also coincides with a German surname meaning “mayor, leader”.

Everett was always boy name #1 on our list, and Meyer is after Marcus’ uncle Ron Meyer, whom we all loved dearly. A very fitting name for our strong-minded little cub.

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Now on to baby #2. I will say we have painlessly narrowed our boy names down to two contenders and middle name has been locked in. We are planning on staying pretty tight-lipped on this one until July, so if you see me don’t try to get it out of me (or Marcus for that matter).

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Little looks: rain, rain go away

April showers bring May flowers, right? Well, we’ve been getting some gloomy, windy and rainy weather here in Iowa lately so the wellies are out in full force. I’m a big fan of letting Everett play in puddles, but only if he has his rain boots on. Ain’t nobody got time for a mud-soaked kiddo when you are trying to get out the door in the morning!

On the hunt for new rain gear for your little ones? Look no further:

LittleLooks_RainRain2016

 boy: jacket // boots // umbrella
girl: jacket // boots // umbrella

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Life lately: Easter 2016

This past weekend was a whirlwind. A trip to Costco, a lot of family time, some pregnancy sleepless nights and we are into a new week that has me screaming for an extra day of rest. But, we truck on thanks to iced coffee and leftover Reese’s eggs!

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[stopped by Harvey’s Greenhouse in Adel to pick up succulents and meet the ducklings]IMG_2911
[his second basket of the morning]
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[his big cousin ‘Nidney’ showing him how things work]IMG_2905
[my three little chickadees]IMG_2908[looking dapper and hunting for eggs]

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[tough getting a good photo of all the cousins these days…]

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Mommy mind: boys

It’s been over a week since we found out baby B is a boy. After all the hype and planning of the gender reveal party with our family, it’s only now starting to set in that I will be outnumbered 3 to 1 (4 to 1 counting Karl, ruff!) come this July. And you know what? I’m perfectly okay with that.

First of all, I’m glad that after the ultrasound we found out that our little guy is growing and doing great. It definitely set this mama’s mind at ease going into my 22nd week of this pregnancy. A healthy baby is all I’ve ever prayed for and will continue to do so until he is placed in my arms.

BabyB2[he looks exactly like his big brother]

To be quite honest, our home in the country is the perfect backdrop for raising little boys. I already see Ev gravitating towards the outdoors, much like his daddy, and I know baby #2 will follow in their footsteps as well. Sure, that might mean more mopping/vacuuming for me, but also (hopefully) better naps and restful nights from being tired out.

This addition in July will complete our family and with every day that passes I am more eager to meet him. And should I ever need my “girl fix” I have two sisters and seven nieces that I can call up!

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The vote is in

and Baby Branstad #2 is a…

As you can tell, we are crazy excited about adding another little man to our crew.

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Obsessed: Spring wish list

Spring is right around the corner, actually the first day of spring is this Sunday?! And while I’m getting bigger around the midsection at the moment, it hasn’t stopped me from lusting after some pretty awesome accessories this season.

I was recently introduced to New York-based Spring and upon checking it out, picked a few must haves to kick off the season in style. Spring is a single shopping destination where people can discover amazing products and buy them directly from the brands and designers that make them… all in one place. Hello simplifying lives of all moms who like to shop but don’t want to take their terror toddlers to the store with them! They even have an app so you can snag items on-the-go. Obsessed? Yes.

The items below are from Spring’s accessories store:

Obsessed_SpringWishList2016leopard slides // sunnies // lariat necklace // tote // wrap // panama hat

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Little looks: somebunny loves you

Spring is in the air here in Iowa and with Easter only a couple of weeks away, we are in full on egg-hiding, basket-stuffing, pastel-wearing mode. Yes, Everett (and his father) love a good pastel ensemble.

When picking out cute kid clothes to wear for any/all Easter activities I tend to lean towards preppy for my little guy. But I can’t resist a bunny-inspired look from time to time. Here’s a pretty big round up of fluffy friend finds.

LittleLooks_SomebunnyLovesYou2016
mary janes // sleep set // hat // wrap sweater // overalls //  leggings
headband // grey hooded set // knit sweater hoodie // graphic tee // vest

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Life lately: March madness

This month definitely came in like a lion. We are almost half way through and I feel like our schedule has been jam packed with no intention of slowing down. But I guess that’s what happens when you have a toddler who won’t sit down for more than two seconds at a time. Here is a little glimpse into what we’ve been up to:

IMG_2709[what I get when I say “smile”]IMG_2719
[breaking in his Christmas gift from Santa]IMG_2722
[obsessing over the mailman and longer/lighter days]IMG_2743
[making new friends with his cousins]IMG_2748
[quick trip to KC to watch KU play in the Big 12 Championship game with my sis]IMG_2749
[the madness is already here]IMG_2751[Karl thinking how much he hates springing forward]

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Little looks: emerald everywhere

St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, and while I’m not Irish, I am Iowish. Har, har.

That being said, I make sure I’m always wearing green on the 17th of March and you can be darn sure Evie will have some emerald on too! Want to deck your little tikes out in green too? Here are some great options.

LittleLooks_EmeraldEverywhere2016

stripe top // snorkel set // leggings // sunglasses
headband // mint sleeper // swing dress // sneakers

 

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Bountiful baskets

With Easter being at the end of the month, it’s never too early to start daydreaming about what to include in your kids’ baskets this year. I love playing the role of Easter bunny so it should come as no surprise that I’m fully geared up for my duties, armed with lots of darling items for my little chickadee.

Still looking for a few last minute ideas? Look no further.

EasterBaskets2016

1 // Star Wars Jell-o mold kit: Do any of you remember the Jell-o Jiggler Easter Egg shaped kits? Thought I’d introduce Ev to a little bit of my childhood.

2 // Striped bow tie: My favorite Easter accessory for boys. Ev will be sporting one this year too.

3 // Bla Bla Kid’s Balthazar the Bunny: Distinguished (and mustached) bunny for the win.

4 // Beaded necklace: I know a few nieces that would probably never take this fun spring accessory off.

5 // Sandlot tee: The Valentine fairy brought this tee to Everett and I’m debating about whether to get one in my size as well. Sandlot is on my top 10 movie list. “I’m bakin’ like a toasted cheeser.”

6 // Bunny ears: Target does it again with these super cute wearable ears.

7 // Terra animals: Every time I make a trip to Target, I always want to pick up one of these to take home to Everett. On a recent trip the Easter bunny caved and snagged the moose.

8 // Annie’s organic fruit snacks: Ev refers to these as ‘newt nacks’ and I hope he never figures out how to say it correctly. If that makes me a bad parent, so be it!

9 // Metallic plastic eggs: These are super fancy and as far as I’m concerned could stick around the house as a hide-and-seek toy long after Easter is over. So pretty.

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