A letter to my kindergartner.

...because I just need to put this out there. Some moms are excited for their kids to go back to school. I am not. :(

Dear Olivia,

We just measured you and you grew two more inches! No wonder all your clothes are too short. At this rate we may have to get second jobs to keep up with your closet conundrum. Also...where did you get this height because I'm pretty sure your dad and I are lacking in that department?!

We just finished your first Kindergarten Round Up. You were excited before we left...couldn't wait to leave the house. When we got there you were a little reserved but you jumped right in when it was time for a picture or when asked your name. I was so proud of you. You were, in fact, a very brave little girl.

When they asked the kids to come back for a classroom tour without their moms and dads...you trotted right along; never looking back. That made me a little sad. But happy, too. On one hand, I'm so happy you're confident and independent! On the other hand, I wasn't ready to let you go completely. You're such a big girl. I feel like it was just yesterday that we were searching for preemie clothing and trying to figure out your sleep schedule. Gahh....now I'm becoming one of those moms!

At any rate, I know we will look back at this time and smile because you've become this little human with opinions and questions and a kindergartner sense of humor, no doubt. You tell some real knee-slappers. Your dad and I are so proud of you! And while we wish you'd eat more vegetables and not wake us up at 5:30am on the weekends - we've just been having the best time with you. You surprise us constantly with some of the things that come out of your mouth. I love seeing you protect and take care of your sister, too...even though I agree, she can be a little bossy sometimes. You're loving and nurturing when you need to be but you don't put up with her tantrums. Smart move, little lady.

We're so excited for you to explore Kindergarten and make even more new friends. But, I'm still not putting you on the bus until next year because I would shrivel up and die inside thinking of you on the bus all by yourself. Mom's not ready for that! This is your year, Olivia...we know everyone will see the shining star we see everyday at home!

We love you,

Mom + Dad

P/S We totally think you could really become a pop star. You've got killer air guitar moves.

Check out today's link ups: Fizz and Frosting, Style Elixir, I Do deClaire, Garay Treasures

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Spring edit.
Spring edit.

It's always fun to look back and conjure up creative ways to reinvent your wardrobe. It's also a best practice. As my husband so aptly put it the other day, "Are we in the 'wear once' mindset or what?" He asked this after I rented a dress from Rent the Runway. And he's probably right...I have many dresses in my closet but that's a different story for a different day!

Lola and The Boys.
Lola and The Boys.

Twinning is the new black. I'm sure you knew this! Well, looks like I'm on-trend again because this past Easter my girls and I dressed from head to toe in Lola and the Boys. And it was awesome! We wore their leaf dresses which were more than comfortable to entertain in and play in.

Pipp Pipp Hooray!
Pipp Pipp Hooray!

When it comes to little lady dresses...I am rendered useless. Just absolute mush. I melt for my girls in dresses and it just so happens that Easter is around the corner, my friends! Meet Pippa & Julie: you're go-to source for the most darling dresses ever!

The Best of Instagram - February
The Best of Instagram - February

February is always such a whirlwind. In some aspects, I like that it's a short month because it signifies the end of what usually is a long winter. On the other hand, everything feels rushed. So, today, I am taking a moment to stop and smell the roses sharing my favorite moments from the month. A ton of QT with our little family and some welcome mail surprises. All in all, not a bad month…filled with color, of course. I think that's the Chicagoan in me - always seeking color on the grayest of days!

Twinning.
Twinning.

Olivia is such a ray of sunshine. I think you can see it in these photos. This year has been such a big year for her growth. She's one of the funniest and brightest kindergartners I know. Naturally. Being her mom is one of the most rewarding jobs of all time. I wish I could take credit for her personality but I think Livie just has all sorts of goodness in her. She is caring and protective of her sister. She adores her father. She is thoughtful and makes little gifts for her grandparents. She works hard on her school work and she is a gifted little artist. I love seeing her creativity blossom.

My little babes.
My little babes.

We have fun. It's the main ingredient in our home life. And with my little babes...breathable play clothes are an absolute necessity. Enter Little Babe Designs!

To you + yours...
To you + yours...

Wishing you and your families the coziest, happiest of holidays! 

Thank you for all the love + support in 2016! xo

Underneath the Big Top.
Underneath the Big Top.

Quality time with my kids is somewhat a challenge before the holidays. There's a lot of craziness and running around...and events. We usually average about two weekends of "absolutely nothing" before we turn into spinning tops. Sound familiar?

Well, recently we got to hit the "pause" button and take our kids to the circus for the first time. Honestly, we had forgotten how good it was! Or maybe as adults, we've come to appreciate what a production it is. And our kids...they loved it!

A very "October" October.
A very "October" October.

If you know me at all...you know that I am a huge October advocate. Everything about the month is perfect from food to weather to activities to the clothing! This is the last hurrah before Chicago turns into the frozen tundra. I'm not kidding and I hear we are in for a doozy this year.

"I don't know how you do it all."
"I don't know how you do it all."

What you see here is not reality. It's a moment in time captured by a very talented photographer. But that's what family pictures are, right?

I've been getting the same question pretty frequently lately. I must be giving off this vibe like I've got it all handled..and I don't. So when people comment:

"I don't know how you do it all."

FamilyJohanna GrangeOlivia, Family, fall, blogging, Kiddos6 Comments