Photoshoot Style

It's been almost two whole years since Christian and I have had a family picture taken. And since we've had three whole kids {plus an extra thumb} during that time, I think we're ready for another. I've been talking to a local photographer whose pictures I absolutely love, and also thinking of who in our extended family I can drag along to help keep our kids happy during the whole thing. Because I forsee meltdowns in Max's future if we take him outside and then try to keep him still for too long. That boy loves to explore! {Maybe our photographer can get some good shots of him with his stick collection?}

I'm a little embarrassed of how excited I am for this opportunity. {I mean, it's not that big of a deal, really.} And I've spent way too long thinking about what everyone is going to wear. I'm picturing blue and red in different graphic patterns, with gold and brown leather accents. I want everyone to look nice, but also comfortable, like we don't take ourselves too seriously, and like I didn't pick out Christian's clothes for him {even though I totally will}.

While the truth is that we'll all probably end up wearing clothes we already own, I put together an inspiration board of ideal outfits for everyone:

{for Christian: shirt, jeans, shoes // for Me: dress, bracelet // for Maggie: dress, shoes // for Max: suspenders, shirt, shorts // for Lucy: sweater, dress, shoes}

What do you think? What did you wear in your most recent family pictures? And do you have any tips on how to keep kids happy {and clean} during a photoshoot?

Beach Advice

{ image via }

If there's one thing I've repeated again and again to family members who have asked "how are you doing?" {and maybe to some who haven't asked... these days when other adults are around, I tend to do most of the talking}, it's "I'm ready for things to go back to normal again." By which I mean, I'm ready for the stage of my life where I can't do anything except survive to be OVER. I've been in that stage for about 18 months, ever since I went on bed rest when I was pregnant with Max and Maggie, and it's lasted much much too long.

One way I've combating the cabin fever that I feel almost constantly is to encourage family outings -- it's too hot for the park {and even our older two don't get it yet}, but we go on walks in our neighborhood, and we've tried the library and Marbles Kids Museum. I've also been insisting on a family beach trip in September. I'm at the point where I don't really care if it's a disaster, I just miss the ocean and some semblance of freedom in my life so we are going end of story. If I sound selfish and a little whiny, I think it's my turn.

As much as I'm resigned to the idea that our beach trip might be a disaster, I plan on doing quite a bit of work to make sure it actually doesn't turn out that way. I'm only looking into vacation rentals that are right smack on the beach, because I don't see Christian and I carrying three babies and all our stuff across a busy road every day. No thank you. And I'd love any advice you have to share. I've heard the thing about baby powder to get rid of sand, but how much do I need? I have a trial size container; should I buy an industrial size? And do I shake it directly on the skin, or should I pour it in my hand first?

I'd also love advice about what baby gear has been excellent at the beach {and in the pool}, and which you wished you'd passed on, along with any recommendations on places to stay in Atlantic Beach or thereabouts. I've already done quite a bit of research about what might be the most fun aspect of preparing for this trip, which is buying a new swimsuit for Maggie. {More advice needed: should I get her a tankini for easy diaper changes?} I love all of these, and, awesome bonus! because summer is almost over they're all on super-sale:

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9

Thanks in advance for all your help!

A Massive Post About Clothes

One of the things I've been looking forward to about {finally!} having these babies in April is getting to kiss their roly-poly feet. The other thing is losing baby weight and being able to fit into normal clothes again. I'm only slightly kidding -- I really do daydream about my ideal spring wardrobe, and how I could be such an awesome, cute yet practical yet really really cute mom in new clothes. Indulge me in my fantasy world for a few minutes, and let me share what I've been thinking. I'm loving reds, blues and yellows right now, and I've been trying to focus in on clothes that would really work for my new life with babies. Behold, my brainstorm:



1.  Several {not nine, but maybe like three} button-down tops. I'm especially in love with the red & blue plaids. My reasoning is, they're easy to move around in, the buttons provide easy nursing access, and they're cotton, so it's no big deal if I get them dirty. I also think that they could be a quick go-to outfit for when I have five seconds to get dressed in the morning. Add a few accessories {belt, statement necklace, scarf}, and I'm halfway to an awesome outfit.
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2.  Stylish and comfortable flats, so I won't look awkward pushing around my tandem stroller or running after kids at the park {I have the tendency to look awkward just while walking in heels}.  I'd also love a pair of gladiator sandals, so that my feet don't get sweaty in the summer, but I couldn't find a picture of ones that I like.

3.  A couple of cardigans to add some color and pattern. I don't know how long I've been drooling over the idea of a red cardigan -- maybe since last Valentine's Day? It's probably about time I got my hands on one.

4.  A few pairs of skinny cropped pants. I can't imagine taking care of two babies in skirts, and it's hard to find shorts that are both cute and modest. I love the idea of cropped pants because I can quickly roll up the cuffs as the weather gets warmer, and they definitely fit the magic bill of fashionable + easy.

5.  A pencil skirt in a bright color. {Ooh, and I would totally pair it with this blouse.} This is just because I am head-over-heels in love with the teal pencil skirt that I have now; I wore it to church constantly before I got pregnant.

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6.  A couple of floaty cotton dresses, just for fun. I can barely keep myself from purchasing the first two {the main thing holding me back is the fact that I don't know what the heck size I'll be after the babies come, and I don't want to splurge on an adorable dress just to have it not fit me}. Obviously these would be impossible to nurse in, so they're less practical and more eye candy. A girl can dream, right?

Thank you {those of you who stuck around} for sticking around and sharing my dreams with me. Thinking about the future makes the present better, even though the present is already pretty darn awesome.