The great state fair

Posted on August 8, 2014 by tomorrowstodos

ISFnothingcompares

It’s no secret that I’m in love with our great state. And with good reason, there is so much beauty here. [Here’s proof: Des Moines was used as the backdrop for this awe-inspiring time-lapse video that I watched earlier this week.]

Another Iowa beauty to behold is our great state fair. Every August it comes to town and it is a must-see. (It’s even made the 1,000 Places to See Before You Die list.) My Iowa State Fair to-do list hasn’t changed in years, but with the little guy in tow I’m curious to see if it will.

Tomorrow we will be headed to the main concourse to grab some food on a stick and check out the sights and sounds. This year will be much different from last because I’ll be pushing Evie around, weaving in and out of the masses. Wish me luck!

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Close up: month three

Posted on August 6, 2014 by tomorrowstodos

So Aunt Mo has been a little busy lately, but it’s fun to look back at how little Evie was…

[password: everett]

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Mommy mind: weaning

Posted on August 4, 2014 by tomorrowstodos

LactationRoomToday was my first day of not pumping at work. (I will admit, I still packed up my pump but I left it in the car just in case.) I made it through the day without bursting, and for that I am grateful. Now get me a glass of vino!

I am in awe of all the mommies out there who are able/choose to breastfeed for so long. It’s a lot of hard work, dedication and selflessness. Breastfeeding has come quite easily for me, but I finally decided I wanted my body back. Sorry Ev, the store is soon to be closed.

I have been in the process of weaning down from pumping three times a day at work to zero and that day is finally here. And with it has come the flux of hormones again. Yeesh, I can’t wait until they level out because for me they have brought lightheadedness, fatigue, hot flashes, anxiety and more. If you breastfed, did you feel any of these when you stopped?

I have a few more weeks while I slowly take away his morning and bedtime feedings one at a time, but I’m ready to close this chapter. Adios lactation room!

 

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Weekend rewind

Posted on July 29, 2014 by tomorrowstodos

It’s Tuesday and I’m still thinking about last weekend while already looking ahead to next weekend. I love weekends. Mostly because I get to spend full days with this cute little bug.

Evie on wicker furniture

We made it to the National Balloon Classic early Saturday morning, but it was a little too windy for a mass ascension. Total bummer. We did get to see a few balloons brave the breeze though and I’m convinced that Everett is happiest outdoors.

National Balloon Classic with Grandpa Haas National Balloon Classic bear

Marcus spent his Saturday cleaning and staining the deck with my dad, and we are reaping the benefits this week finally spending time in our screened in porch.

Screened in porch

Here’s to hoping this week flies by and we get to the next weekend ASAP!

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Up, up and away

Posted on July 25, 2014 by tomorrowstodos

There are still plenty of things that I’ve never done even though I’ve lived in Iowa most of my life. One of those things is going to be checked off the to-do list tomorrow: Indianola’s National Balloon Classic.

The plan is to pack Ev into the car in his jammies and head to the balloon field for morning ascension at 6:30 a.m. (Shouldn’t be too hard since the little guy is waking up in the 5 o’clock hour these days…) Hopefully with a latte and donuts in hand!

The Classic runs through August 2 and features daily flights, live music and even a nite glow. Check out the full schedule here!

National Balloon ClassicHope you have an uplifting weekend!

 

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Obsessed: cool down

Posted on July 23, 2014 by tomorrowstodos

obsessions_cooldown

Cherry limeade sparkling water: I love water with fizz and practically lived on it while pregnant. I found this flavor via my mom and I can’t stop drinking it. Thirst quencher for sure.

Silicone ice cube trays: Chef Marcus has been making Evie’s fresh fruit/veggie purees this summer and he is eatin’ them up! These ice trays come in handy when freezing the goods because the frozen cubes are so much easier to pop out. Next up: getting more adventurous recipes from Weelicious.

Zillow: The real estate market in Des Moines is HOT, HOT, HOT and we are hoping to put our condo on the market within the very near future. With that in mind, I have been spending obscene amounts of time on this site/app. Real estate is intense.

Jean jacket: I run warm most of the time, but during the summer months you could hang meat in my office – it’s that cold. I will admit, I’m a newly converted jean jacket wearer. Pretty sure the last one I wore had metallic puff paint on it.

Other than hitting up the local pool or knocking back a cold one, what are your favorite ways to stay cool during the summer?

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And the livin’s easy

Posted on July 21, 2014 by tomorrowstodos

While dad was out of town this past weekend, the little guy and I had some bonding time.

Everett with zoo friend[Ev played with a new friend from his trip to the zoo]

Classic Hats for Men[we helped grandpa pick out a few hats from Classic Hats for Men]

the rooftop[had some fun on a rooftop]

Evie loves Target[made multiple trips to Target]

Summertime dinner[devoured the best sweet corn I’ve ever tasted]

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Air trip: Nashville

Posted on July 16, 2014 by tomorrowstodos

This past weekend I learned the difference between a trip and a vacation. Don’t get me wrong, I love experiencing new places with Ev, but I can finally say that I’m ready for a getaway for just Marcus and myself after this trip.

Our little guy did great for the most part. Just a five minute crying spell on the flight into Nashville, a couple middle of the night wake-up calls and some massive blowouts at inopportune times (i.e. Hard Rock Cafe and Grand Ole Opry). Other than that, he rolled through Nashville in style wearing cute outfits and a gummy, one tooth grin.

KitchenNotes[homemade biscuits at Kitchen Notes]

Adventure Science Center

[science is cool at Adventure Science Center]

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[the official party]

Pinewood Social

[the coolest place I’ve ever bowled – Pinewood Social]

Pinewood Social: cans

[cool can art next to the bowling alley]

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[oh you know, just hanging out with Carrie Underwood at The Hermitage]

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[grandpa’s favorite grandson]

IMG_7159[that gummy grin]

And no Nashville trip would be complete without dancing on the Grand Ole Opry stage. [Complete with commentary from dad.]

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Seven months

Posted on July 14, 2014 by tomorrowstodos

sevenmonths

Evie’s faves:

sticking his tongue out
attempting to crawl
karen katz’s Peek-a-Baby book
his cousin, Sidney

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Honky-tonk ahead

Posted on July 9, 2014 by tomorrowstodos

We are on the road again – well, more like in the air – as we take to the friendly skies tomorrow en route to the National Governor’s Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. The family had such a great time in Milwaukee last year, that we decided to head south to partake in the events.

evie_in_suitcase

Can’t wait to share stories when we get back. In the meantime, if you’d like to see what we’re up to in real time, follow me over on Instagram.

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