In the mail we got a sweet little onesie from a family member for the little man on the way. Go Bengals!
Had my brother/sister in-law come over for dinner. Hadley’s Christmas gift was on a delayed shipment, so it finally came in and they were sweet enough to bring it over to her! American Girl Doll! The doll looks just like her, soo cute!
Saturday, January 22
We went to the boat show with the whole crew! MasterCraft is still our favorite, and then Malibu. Hadley played on the trampoline and the playground sets for a little bit. We were hoping to see Twiggy the Squirrel, but I guess he wasn’t ready for his show yet. They have this squirrel that skis!
Came home and watched the Bengals game! And they won!!! WHO DEY!
Sunday, January 23
Hadley and I went to church, and then came home and chilled. I feel like an old lady, but I just love to relax and get things ready for the week on Sundays. Being ready for the week ahead just helps me so much in feeling ready to go. Laundry done, uniforms ironed, food prepped, smoothies pre-made, etc.
Hadley and I went to Kroger after church, and on our way out we tried to catch some snowflakes on our tongue. It didn’t snow enough to stick, but it’s still pretty!
After Hadley went to bed, I watched the rest of the Bills / Chiefs game and oh my goodness these games are nail biters! The Chiefs won, so that means the Benglas play them next weekend. Cannot wait!
Our weekend was good, lots of hanging out and chilling together. Fun times.
With my due date approaching, we ordered lots of baby things that we still need. I was starting to get a little nervous thinking we don’t have all that we need, I think I over ordered but better to be safe than sorry. I keep thinking if I don’t have it all now, I won’t ever get it. I know that’s not true, probably just a hormonal feeling I have.
The bathtub has this hook on the end to hang after each use. We used a command hook and hung it on the inside of the kids bathroom closet.
Hadley had her last basketball game of the season, and she scored seven baskets! Her coach brought all the girls ice cream for the last game of the season, it was a nice little treat. After the game, we stopped by Raising Cane’s for a late night dinner. Hadley and I had never had it before, and it was pretty good! The cane sauce was excellent!
Saturday, January 8th
Picked up some clearance flowers at Kroger Saturday morning, I always find that the cheapie flowers last the longest!
Amazon sent a goodie box full of baby items! It was nice and as we get things in the mail, Hadley loves to help me open them and put them away in the babys room.
Saturday night, Hadley had a soccer game. She gets so excited at any sporting event she plays, just love her enthusiasm.
Sunday, January 9th
The baby’s room is coming along! We hung the mirror, put the dresser together, and the changing pad covers came. We don’t really have a “theme”, just doing colors for the most part.
My night time routine lately consists of a sleeping mask for my face, sleepy body lotion for my legs, tums as a precaution for acid reflux, and lotion for my dry hands.
Our recap from last week. Not too busy, other than getting all things baby ready.
Happy Monday everyone! Hope you have a great week!
Hadley lost her second tooth of her little seven year old life! When she lost her first tooth, she was a little scared of the thought of a tooth fairy coming into her room to get her tooth so I made this little sign to hang on the wall outside her room. When I was growing up, I remember the tooth fairy leaving a quarter, now a days it’s up to a dollar!
When my husband is working at the firehouse, I just love it when he sends me selfies at random times. This particular photo, he had to help someone into the ambulance, while he was on the engine. Isn’t he just so cute? ♥
The weather was unseasonably warm for this time of year, so Hadley had this great idea to do water balloons on the driveway while I worked inside. This girl should’ve been born in the summer, she could be outside all day and all night.
We had movie night practically every night during Christmas break. I don’t mind movie nights ever because I’m the type that can watch movies over and over again. Yes, even kid movies!
Tuesday, December 28
Keeping up with a workout routine for this entire pregnancy just has my mind blown. When I was pregnant with Hadley I never worked out, maybe went on a walk or two, but nothing of this caliber. I’ve worked out almost everyday for the entire pregnancy!
Posted my 32 weeks update on Instagram! Click on the link to read more about the update.
My love for planners continues, and for this year I went with the Happy Planner again! Four years and counting. I wrote an in-depth post here if you’re interested in my 2022 planner.
Thursday, December 30th
With Hadley being on Christmas break, she was able to go to one of my doctor appointments, she got to see her baby brother on the ultrasound! She still doesn’t really understand how there is a baby in my belly, but it was fun for her to go and see everything with me.
Started the whole “nesting” mode around the house, and cleaned out an entire cabinet to make room for baby stuff in the kitchen. Three years we’ve been in our house, and I still have room in cabinets which I just love! I don’t want a crammed kitchen!
For our little Keurig corner, I bought two mugs with the initials “K” and “M” for Kevin and Mandy for us to use for coffee and tea latte’s. I put a little Happy New Year sign in this corner for the new year.
Friday, December 31st
We did not have anything big planned or New Year’s Eve this year, being pregnant and Kevin getting over a sickness we just chilled for the most part. We went over to my parents to watch the Bearcats play in the Cotton Bowl! Too bad it was a loss, but still an exciting time for our Bearcats.
After the football game, we headed home for our own little New Year’s Eve celebration. We had sparkling grape juice, and added some gummy bears to it, and toasted to a new year! Hadley wasn’t a fan of the juice, but I sure was!
Was surprised to see the top nine Instagram posts for 2021 were majority baby related!
Saturday, January 1st
Christmas decor started to come down! Being pregnant, it takes me a lot longer to do things now so it was a slow process and lots of sitting down, but I managed to get all the decorations down, and Hadley helped taking the ornaments off the tree.
After Kevin was feeling poopy for a few days, he finally felt good enough to put together the baby dresser. It took him all day with lots of breaks, but it’s done!
Sunday, January 2nd
33 weeks in, and still on the workout routine. Some days like any days are a struggle, but once it’s over I feel so good! I’ve been sticking with the same YouTube video prenatal workouts. Nancy Taylor is my favorite, they are easy and get my heart rate up.
Grandma and Grandad sent Hadley a cute little stuffed animal in the mail for Happy New Year! She loves getting things in the mail with her name on it.
We made it to church for the first time since Covid has been around. I’m so glad we went, it was packed! They recently re-did part of the church, so it was nice to see the updates after two years.
Last workout of the year! Another YouTube video. I have this idea for 2022 to try and keep track of how many workouts I do for the year, so at the end of the year I can look back and say I did 300 workouts out of 365 days or something like that. It would be neat to do!
Well, there you have it! Our recap from last week of Christmas festivities, and the end of Christmas break. The kids are back in school, and it’s been an adjustment sleep wise, plus a late soccer game the first day back, but after a few early bedtime nights we’ll be back to normal.
Happy Tuesday everyone! Hope you have a great week!
Our weekend started off with cheering for the last home football game! Hadley lead the crew down to the field, which she was super excited about. And it was a “pink out” game for Breast Cancer Awareness month, so they all wore pink and the coach gave the cheerleaders a pink sticker for their cheeks.
After the football game, I got a walk in. I love to go to this trail by our house, it’s the perfect spot and it’s so pretty to walk through. I usually get in a three mile walk, but lately part of the path has been closed due to construction so I’ve shortened the walk to 2.5 which is better than no miles!
Saturday night we went to a wedding, it was beautiful outside! The ceremony was outside, and the reception was partially outside/inside. The reception was in a barn type building that had these huge sliding doors that opened to let the fresh air in. It was a great date night!
Sunday morning, I went to the trail for another walk. My partner in crime joined me on her bike. I just love it when she wants to come with me, it gives her exercise and she has fun riding her bike. I just wish she would try and learn how to ride without training wheels one of these days.
Sunday afternoon, Hadley had her last soccer game for the outdoor season, and they won! I’m so proud of this girl. She went from not knowing much about soccer, to learning how to dribble in and out of other players, and just learning the basics of soccer for her age. She had the best coaches, who were so patient yet determined to teach these girls. Her team learned how to play together by the end of the season, and it was so fun to watch.
We had a busy but fun weekend! Now back to the grind.
Friday. Started out with a walk on our favorite trail, and Hadley riding her bike. I just love it when she wants to come with me. It gives her exercise, and fresh air! She was off school for her festival set up. The first day of the festival! We were so excited to go this year! Last year it was cancelled due to the pandemic. I’ve waited so many years to go to our own school festival, and it was finally here. We played games, rode the rides, listened to the band play, and just hung out with friends. Hadley and her bestie! We had the best time, and the weather could not have been more perfect!
Saturday. We went to see the big kids all dolled up for Homecoming. Brady is a junior, and Natalie is a freshman. They were taking pictures with their dates at a park near downtown. I’m glad we were able to see them and got a few photos! Even Dad got to stop by while he was hard at work. Hadley and I came home and washed my car, the weather has been just gorgeous.
Sunday. More festival time! Face painting, rides, games, and more food. Natalie joined us for a little bit, she even tried the famous west side Pizza from Trottas and her picky little self loved it! So good. I’m so glad we have this community at school and in our parish, it’s been fun getting to know the parents and kiddos. I can’t wait for many more festivals!
Saturday morning we spent half the day at two high school volleyball games for Natalie. I have to say, they are way more exciting to watch in high school verses grade school. Hadley was a trooper sitting inside a gym all morning, and then when we got home everyone chilled on the couch. Welcome back Natalie haha
While Natalie and Hadley chilled inside, like a crazy person I decided to vacuum out my car and Kevin’s truck. He was outside with me cleaning the floor mats, it was gross hot out! But, we hadn’t cleaned our cars since before we left for our Destin beach trip and they needed it!
We are slowly doing some house updates! Painted the fireplace white, and it looks soo good! Got rid of the carpet in the family room, and put down hardwood floors. We ordered a new couch and ottoman also. Now I need to find a new rug, and things to put on the walls! We got rid of our kitchen table, well it’s actually for sale on Facebook Marketplace if anyone is interested, let me know! We replaced the table with this small white one with two chairs. It’s the perfect size for this space in our kitchen. The other table was too big and made the kitchen look over crowded. When all of the kids are home, we usually eat in the dining room anyway that has six chairs so we can all fit.
On Sunday, Hadley had her second soccer game in the hot hot heat! She lost 2-1. I love that she loves sports so much, and hope she continues to want to play. So far she has played indoor soccer, softball, outdoor soccer and cheer are happening now.
We had a busy weekend, now back to the grind of the work week and all that entails. Soccer practice, cheer practice, work, laundry, grocery shopping, yada yada yada!
Friday started out with a movie night in the dining room. Sometimes we watch movies on the computer monitor, and put a bunch of blankets and pillows on the floor and snuggle up. After the movie, Hadley went to bed around eight o’clock. Around 9:15pm or so, we started getting heavy winds, thunderstorms, and the local sirens started going off for tornado warnings! I had to wake up poor Hadley, and we went to the basement. Luckily, she fell back asleep when we got to the basement. I lit some candles in case the power went out, and about 45 minutes later the warnings were gone. Woke Hadley back up, walked her back upstairs to her room, and she went right back to sleep again. I’m so so thankful for such a great kiddo that sleeps so good. Saturday morning, she didn’t remember a thing from this!
Saturday morning we went to Bob Evans for breakfast to celebrate my Dad, brother, and Kevin for Father’s Day. Poor Kevin had just two hours of sleep from working the night before. It was nice to see the whole fam, and the breakfast was so good! Haven’t had an omelet there in forever, I got the bacon and cheddar cheese omelet, so so good!
Saturday afternoon we went to the lake to celebrate Father’s Day with my father-in-law. We all ventured out on the new gator, it drives like a car and is so smooth!
Saturday had some boat rides, tossed some baseball, and just hung out. Hadley made this little wooden block with a photo of her holding a sign “I love you” up, they made these at her daycare. Soo cute!
Sunday, Brady did some wakeboarding before it got too crowded. And by Sunday night when we got home, little Miss Hadley was out. And I mean out. She probably fell asleep in less than a minute.
It was a great weekend spent with family, and really great weather after the tornado / thunderstorms went away on Friday!
Friday had dinner with the girls. Margaritas, tequila, and girl talk. Fun fun!
Saturday had my cousins baby shower. It was so nice and great to see everyone! My Aunt Cindy from Florida came in town for it too!
Saturday pictures from the fire fighter never get old.
Sunday went to the zoo with my Aunt and Uncle and family visiting from Mississippi! It was a beautiful day.
Sunday had a volleyball game at night, since Kevin was working my cousin Becca filled in for him. Hadley is just the best kid. Sitting there entertaining herself, until after each game when she can bump the ball in between games.
What a busy weekend it was! I met my steps goal both days just about, and man my feet hurt! Lots of walking, lots of talking, and lots of patience. We had great weather, and it looks like the next few days are looking to be amazing too. Looking forward to a great and hopefully easy low key week!
Friday the drive into the office was just beautiful!
Friday at the office was not really a fun day. Had to pack up this office that has not been used in over two years. A new person is moving into this space and I was assigned the lucky task of cleaning it up!
Friday while I was at work, Kevin started on the front yard pavers. And oh my goodness, it looks amazing!
Friday night went to my parents house to celebrate my Dad’s birthday!
Saturday spent the morning outside.
Sunday had our first indoor volleyball game. Natalie is on our team this year! Hadley had a blast playing in between games, she’s getting so good at bumping the volleyball!
Sunday night, little Miss Hadley was just exhausted. She had a busy busy weekend!
We had a good, calm but busy at times weekend. The front yard is coming along nicely, we have big plans for the landscaping and we can’t wait to see it all come together. We all had fun getting together for my Dad’s birthday, all the kids love playing together. And we had fun just talking with all the adults! Of the big kids, just Natalie came over this time. Brady had baseball, and he went to the lake to do some yard work for Grandma and Papa. Natalie was so excited to play volleyball with us. It was a fairly late game, so we were all exhausted come Sunday night. Especially Miss Hadley. It was a great weekend though!
Before school on Friday, Hadley looked so cute with her hair. She has been wanting to do different things each day for school and I love that! She used to be an all hair down or all hair up type of kid. Now she’s branching out with new things.
After school and work, we visited Daddy at the fire house. He picked up an extra shift so it had been two days since we had seen him! We love going to the firehouse!
After dinner, we had a movie night! We made a fort, with pillows and her favorite blanket. The movie was Yes Day, and we watched it on Netflix! I made a small candy charcuterie board for us, a few new things she’s never had before and loved. One being unicorn marshmallows, yum!
Saturday morning after her shower, she’s been really into this Kindergarten workbook we got her when she was in preschool. Doing school work on her own? Awesome.
Saturday we worked on our front yard. After living here for almost three years now, we’ve been wanting to rip out all of the shrubs and old pine trees. In the top left photo, the tall half dead tree came out, the green weird tree behind the lamp post, and lots of other things. All came out!
The before photo on the left, is a great photo of all the random things that were planted we think when the house was built. The after photo on the right is a great shot of how much you can actually see the house now!
We are obsessed with how different the house looks! It’s only been a few days, and every time we come home or leave, we still look at the house like wow look at the changes! We have more to do, but the big things are pretty much done. With the exception of the huge pine trees that are not pictured here. Those bad boys are coming out this week!
Hadley was excited she can reach the garage door pad. She still looks so little though! She stayed outside with us all day, helping, playing, etc.
On Sunday, to end the weekend we did the Heart Mini! We ran most of it, and little Miss Hadley rode her bike for the entire three miles! She was such a trooper!
The weather was so nice over the weekend, and we got so much accomplished and had fun doing it. Huge thanks to my BIL/SIL for all the help! We have so many plans on sprucing up the front yard now, can’t wait to start!
mandyjoyloves.com 