Weekend Update | Vol. 12

LIFE... Kicked off Spring Break by crossing 2 things off our Winter Adventure list - visits to the Maryland Science Center and the Original Playhouse. All in all, a great little weekend.

ALLIE... My apologies if your bracket was busted by my beloved Spartans. Not sure what happened there, but daaaang.

JARED... Considering how much he's been busting his butt at work lately, he's pretty darn elated to have a three day weekend this weekend. I'll be sad to have to work while he's playing with the kids on Monday, but I'm so glad he'll get some much needed solo time with them.

EMMA... Gave Jared the grossest wet willy of all time last night - bean soup finger right in his ear. It was amazing. For everyone except Jared.

JONAH... Take two with his big boy bed commenced Saturday. Considering this project is the biggest jinx ever, I'll just say it's going well and leave it at that. ;)

FAVORITE IMAGE...

OVERHEARD...

Emma (trying her first hard boiled egg): This smells really bad, but tastes really good.
 
Allie: Jonah, what's your cat's name?
Jonah: Squirrel.

Allie: I can finish this upstairs if you want to go up. You look tired. Or... did you want to finish this Dinner at Tiffani's?
Jared: I kind of want to see where this goes. I'm invested.

Weekend Update | Vol. 11

LIFE... The kids were up at 7:30, Jonah took his nap, and they were down before 8pm. Most successful Daylight Savings yet!

ALLIE... Victory for MSU! I'm not a huge sports person, but I so love rooting for my Spartans - especially during March Madness.

JARED... Has fully embraced Spartan basketball and I LOVE it. 

EMMA... Remember when I said she was craving more mama time? Yyyyeah, turns out she was being so needy because she was in a huge amount of pain. My poor girl was suffering from something called Toxic Synovitis, which sounds a lot worse than it is. It's this totally random thing than can happen to kids a few weeks after they get a viral infection and causes a ton of hip pain and inflammation. Thankfully it clears up pretty quickly with ibuprofen, but things were rough for a couple days there. She ended up getting that one-on-one mama time after all, and is now 100% recovered. Whew.

JONAH... Has become a singing machine lately. He doesn't always get the words right, but what he lacks in accuracy and tone he more than makes up for with enthusiasm (and volume).

FAVORITE IMAGE...

OVERHEARD...

Jared: I'm trying to get on board with the mayonnaise.

Emma: No. 
Allie: Excuse me??
Emma: Gnome. I said gnome.

Jonah (cheering for MSU): Go Skate!!


Weekend Update | Vol. 10

LIFE... It was an up and down weekend. Up in the sense that our kids are awesome and life is generally pretty darn good. Down in the sense that our kids are little bundles of insanity and we've begun to question our entire approach to parenting.

ALLIE... I cleaned out my closet, which felt amazing. I hadn't done a good cleanout since before we had kids and ended up getting rid of at least half of my clothes. I couldn't go full KonMari on it because if I only kept clothes that truly brought me joy I'd have like 4 things in my closet, but it's a start. I also learned that wedding knuckle tattoos are a real thing people actually get. So there ya go.

JARED... Made homemade Reese's bars, had friends over for beer and poker, and got to watch the Phillies. Jared had a good weekend.

EMMA... Really craving some special one-on-one time with her mama. Any suggestions for great mommy daughter dates welcome, as well as how to make sure the other child doesn't feel left out.

JONAH... Has started calling his humidifier his "fire" and it's ridiculously cute (in the way only parents of toddlers can appreciate.)

FAVORITE IMAGE...

OVERHEARD...

Jared: What is this game she wants you to play?
Allie: They're pets and I'm supposed to buy them at the shelter. Emma is a cat and Jonah is a dog, but they get along. Then I have to take them to the vet before we go home. And I'm also the vet. 
Jared: (completely unhelpful laughter)

Emma: I wish our house was taller. And more like a cake. And the whole family could sleep in the attic.

Jared: This looks like those electronica guys who never show their faces.
Allie: What does?
Jared: This blob of peanut butter.
Allie: ...

Weekend Update | Vol. 9

LIFE... Yyyyyyeah, this series is apparently the biggest jinx ever. After a great first week, a potty training regression with Jonah meant we stayed close to home this weekend trying to help him get back on track. But the weather was great, so we've got that going for us, which is nice.

ALLIE... Found a great new therapist this week, which is a big relief. I had been putting it off since my insurance changed last year, but 5 minutes into the appointment I remembered why I love therapy. An unbiased 3rd party who I can bounce my thoughts and problems off of with the goal of helping me be a better person? Yes please. (Also, people should talk about therapy more often. At least half of my friends see a therapist and it's kind of wonderful.)

JARED... Stoked that he made it home in time for dinner more often than not this week. Progress!

EMMA... The American Girl obsession continues to grow. The latest catalog came this week and she pored over it so much that I took pity on her and let her play with my 30 year old Molly doll. Cross what you've got that Olly Molly will survive until June when Emma gets the new Girl of the Year doll for her birthday (thanks Nana!)

JONAH... Kinda over this whole potty business, but he's sticking with it bless his heart. He's getting lots of extra snuggles and lovin' to ease the stress. 

FAVORITE IMAGE...

OVERHEARD...

Emma: Remember when it said "Boo Boo Butt"? I can't stop laughing. If you read that book again I'm going to have the hiccups!

Emma (talking about reincarnation): What if you come back as a bee and you sting me?
Allie: I could never sting you. I'd make you lots of honey so your life would always be sweet.
Emma: I don't like honey. It's too spicy.

Weekend Update | Vol. 8

LIFE... Every time we spend a day in Baltimore I start to feel a little more like Maryland is home, and Saturday was no exception. Perfect weather, a day at the zoo with friends, and lunch at Kislings was the perfect way to start shaking off these winter blues. 

ALLIE... Feeling the urge to purge and hoping I can find some time to actually do it. KonMari, I'm coming for ya! 

JARED... Took Emma on their first Daddy/Daughter date. They went to a fancy restaurant where Emma became obsessed with a trophy in the bathroom that was shaped like a pinecone. She went to the bathroom 4 times during their hour long dinner. The last time she admitted she just wanted to see the trophy. Afterward she said it was the best daddy/daughter date EVER.

EMMA... Already planning her 5th birthday party and stressing about starting Kindergarten at a new school in the Fall. Gotta get this girl to live in the now. Or at least, you know, in the current month.

JONAH... Potty training champ! Seriously so impressed with how great this kid is doing. I was nervous about how he'd do at school, but he did even better at school than he'd been doing at home. AND considering he'd never gone on a public potty, he didn't have a single accident on Saturday despite us being gone all day. (I'm sure now that I've typed this he'll have a major regression, so knock on all the wood.) 

FAVORITE IMAGE...

OVERHEARD...

Emma: How did Jonah get out of Mama's tummy?
Jared: ...

Emma: Stop taking them pictures of me and COLOR!

Allie: I just can't parent anymore today.

Weekend Update | Vol. 7

LIFE... Potty training + back to back concerts (Langhorne Slim and The Devil Makes Three). I'm not sure I've been this exhausted since we tried (and failed) to switch Jonah to a big boy bed. All totally worth it, but now I need a weekend from my weekend! Thank goodness Jared's parents were here to help us out.

ALLIE... Nothing better for the soul than some live music, and I've been desperately in need of a recharge - especially of the Langhorne variety. AND I did my very last load of cloth diapers. Dang that felt good.

JARED... Worked until 10pm on his birthday, and has decided he's too old to deal with wasted college kids at shows. 37 can only go up from here!

EMMA... We sure lucked out with this one in the big sister department. Jonah will refuse an hour of our potty prompts, and Emma just takes him by the hand and says "let's go together, kushy baby!" (That's what she calls him.) She sits on the big potty, he sits on the little potty, she helps him with his pants and makes sure he washes his hands. She's going to make an awesome mama someday (a very very very very very very very long time from now.)

JONAH... Potty training is underway! He's doing pretty awesome so far, all things considered. It's crazy to see him becoming this little boy right in front of our eyes. Thank goodness he still loves his snuggles or I'd be a puddle of tears right now.

FAVORITE IMAGE...

OVERHEARD...

Allie to Jonah: Okay, daddy will sit with you.
Emma: Yeah, daddy knows A LOT about pooping.

Emma: I love you.
Allie: Aw, thanks buddy.
Emma: I was talking to the squirrel.

Weekend Update | Vol. 6

LIFE... Jared was at the cabin with his friends for a few days, so it was just me and the kids this weekend. My sister and her boys came to visit on Saturday, and seeing my kids with their baby cousin was almost enough to make me want #3. Aaaaaalmost.

ALLIE... Let Emma talk me into making Valentines for her and Jonah's classes this year. Because why spend $10 on store bought Valentines when you can spend $30 on the supplies to make them? That's my motto, anyway. ;)

JARED... Had a great weekend with his friends. Just the guys, no kids, no wives, celebrating the last days of being 36. Not too shabby.

EMMA... Yyyyyeah, definitely jinxed her by saying last week she was coming out of a rough phase. A crap week at school ended on a high note and her hard emotional work was rewarded with us starting her first chapter book together. Gotta love a kid who sees books as rewards. 

JONAH... I'll admit I was a bit wary when he asked to hold his baby cousin, but for a kid who's always been a bit of a bull in a china shop, I was in awe of how gentle and nurturing he was with Ethan. I have a feeling those two are going to be good friends growing up.

FAVORITE IMAGE...

OVERHEARD...

Emma (singing): Put a bean bag on your head / back to the 1950s / when they had a medicine man / who helped them feel better

Kathryn: You need 10 hands... 5 for Jonah, 2 for Emma, and 3 for everything else.

Allie: Do you need a safe space to calm down for a bit? It's not okay to kick the furniture.
Emma: (toot)

Weekend Update | Vol. 5

LIFE... This weekend was all about celebrating family, from the oldest to the youngest. We drove up to PA on Saturday for Jared's grandmother's 90th birthday. We got to see so much of our extended family that we don't get to see nearly enough, and the kids had a blast. And on Sunday I finally got to take my nephew's newborn pictures. Spending time with a teeny tiny baby that I don't have to feed and change and stay up with all night is kind of the best.

ALLIE... I'm head over heels obsessed with quilting and sewing again. I have way too many ideas in my head and not nearly enough time to make them all. Pinterest problems strike again.

JARED... Wants to be a Barnwood Builder. Or have a cabin built by the Barnwood Builders. Or just watch a lot of Barnwood Builders.

EMMA... Knock on ALL the wood, but we *might* be moving out of her latest rough phase. All of a sudden this week she started throwing way less 'tude our way and... what's that word... listening! It's kind of amazing and I really really hope it's not a fluke. 

JONAH... Figured out how to put his pants on by himself. He's very VERY proud of this accomplishment.

FAVORITE IMAGE...

OVERHEARD...

Jared: Huh... haven't seen an urgent care in a Sheetz before.

Emma: Dada, there's like googleplex houses.

Allie: If anyone ever wanted to capture and torture me, this song would be a real quick way to get info out of me. (Mairzy doats, guys. Mairzy. Effing. Doats.)

Emma to me and Jared about Jonah: I'm glad you guys made him.

Grandma Shellaway: Can you believe Mariah Carey is engaged? And Miley and Liam are back together. Both men are Australians. They must like 'em crazy down there.

Weekend Update | Vol. 4

LIFE... Snow, snow, and more snow. Like, SO MUCH SNOW. We managed to dig out by Sunday afternoon but there are snow banks taller than Jared in our front yard. We're taking bets on when the last of this snow will melt. I'm guessing March.

ALLIE... Nothing like two days of shoveling to remind me that I haven't worked out in 5 years. I should probably do something about that. Just not today. Mama's sore today. So so sore.

JARED... Total beast when it comes to shoveling. He was working so hard that when he stopped to take breaks there was steam coming off of him. Literally my McSteamy.

EMMA... Was over the snow about 5 minutes after we first went outside, but once it finally stopped falling and she had huge mountains to climb she was happy as a clam. 

JONAH... Big fan of apres snow drinks, not a big fan of trying to trudge through snow as tall as he is. Next year, buddy. Next year.

FAVORITE IMAGE...


OVERHEARD...

Jonah: No sticky O's!!
Allie: You don't have to have sticky O's. What DO you want?
Jonah: Sticky O's!!

Emma: What a blizzard!

Allie: Maybe someday we'll watch a David O' Russell movie that lives up to the hype. Today was not that day.

Emma: Uggghhhh. I wish this was NOT a blizzard.

Jared: Suck it, Tom Brady. Go home and cry yourself to sleep tonight with your supermodel wife and your pillow made of money. (It should be noted that he SANG this.)

Emma: Knock, knock.
Jared: Who's there?
Emma: Cowboy.
Jared: Cowboy who?
Emma: Cowboy says he has a pickle on his face!

Weekend Update | Vol. 3

LIFE... Why can't every weekend be a 3 day weekend? Extra time with the kids AND I don't have to work? Yes, please!

ALLIE... My sister sent me 5 pints of Salt & Straw and I struck gold at Madewell when I found a dress on sale that fits me perfectly. It was a good week, my friends.

JARED... Had to work on Saturday and didn't get MLK day off. Was not nearly as grumpy about these things as I thought he'd be. 

EMMA... Is apparently perfectly capable of getting dressed in record speed, so long as we have plans to go see her cousins that day. She's also taken to sneaking into our room in the middle of the night, putting her face right up to mine or Jared's and saying - in a very creepy whisper - "I have to go potty!" She passes her bathroom on the way to our bedroom. 

JONAH... Croup has been followed up with a brutal head and chest cold. Sigh. Poor kid can't catch a break. Like, his whole life. But there's no keeping him down. He's still a smiling, dancing, mischief-making machine.

FAVORITE IMAGE...


OVERHEARD...

Allie: Look at the moon, guys! It's just a tiny little sliver tonight.
Emma: Yeah! It looks like an invisible taco.

Emma: You know what I say when Jonah burps? 'Now THAT is a burp, baby!'

"They're like these massive, terrifying beasts. A thousand pounds of muscle. And you're just like, 'Oooh, I'm going to get on its back and go for a little ride.' When it could easily trample you to death at any second." - Jared explaining his inordinate fear of horses

Weekend Update | Vol. 2

LIFE... So croup kind of sucks. The humidifier has been working overtime this week but our poor Jo is finally on the mend. We had to postpone the kids' visit to meet their new cousin, so we made it up to them by taking them to the Maryland Science Center. Big Bird on a planetarium screen is kind of strangely wonderful.

ALLIE... Having a grand time day dreaming not about how we're going to spend our Powerball winnings, but about how we're going to maintain normalcy and humility once we're obscenely wealthy. Don't get me wrong, there will be some nice camera gear purchases. And I'm absolutely getting weekly shipments of Salt & Straw. I'm just saying, I won't let the money go to my head.

JARED... Finally got to see The Revenant. Will now be rooting for The Revenant at every awards show I force him to watch.

EMMA... Has insisted on playing "Arctic Explorers" and nothing else after our visit to the Maryland Science Center. I have to keep watch over the stuffed penguins and when they ultimately get injured by passing Orca whales or leopard seals she comes to stitch them up. I don't know why she keeps letting me watch the penguins.

JONAH... I slept on the floor in his room the night croup hit and woke up to him holding my hand through the crib rails. It's heartbreaking to watch him be so sick, but dang if he isn't the sweetest little sickling that ever was.

FAVORITE IMAGE...

OVERHEARD...

"I hate so many people. But I'm pulling for Leo." - Jared

"You're like a Ninja Turtle!" - Emma to me. (This was not meant as a compliment.)

Allie: I gotta dry your tushy.
Jonah: Why?
Allie: So you don't get a rash.
Jonah: Why?
Allie: Because rashes hurt.
Jonah: Why?
Allie: No more questions!
Jonah: Why?

"She normally looks very attractive, but something about her eyes looks like she's been smoking a lot of pot. She looks TURNT, perhaps." - Jared feeling proud of himself for using new to him slang while critiquing Golden Globes style

Weekend Update | Vol. 1

New year, new project! Every Monday in 2016 I'll be posting an update from our weekend with photos, tidbits, and quotes. My goal is to document our life from week to week with authenticity and humor, and I'm so so excited to kick things off with Volume 1. So without further adieu...

LIFE... The big news of the weekend: our new nephew, Ethan! I'm on my way to see him this morning and am so. freaking. excited. How many times can I smell his head before it starts to get awkward? 

ALLIE... Decided my three goals for the year would be filling my walls with photos, making twin size quilts for each of the kids, and evicting the mama flab. Goal one is off to a smashing success, and I'm Pinning a lot about the other two. You know, baby steps.

JARED... Finally finished his basement bar (a pretty darn nice coffin keezer) and is happy as a clam to have Flying Dog on tap.

EMMA... Do NOT ask her to get her shoes or coat on. Or to change out of her PJs. I'm serious guys. It's apparently the worst thing you could ever ask another human being to do and full body flailing with promises of never getting dressed ever ever again will ensue. Otherwise, she's awesome, creative, happy, hilarious, and all around wonderful. 

JONAH... Big on asking "Why?", not big on accepting the answer. Big on snacks, not big on meals. Must do everything himself. Ready to be potty trained, Jared and I are still trying to psych ourselves up for Round 2 of that whole business.

FAVORITE IMAGE...

OVERHEARD...

"A mummy is a person that's wrapped up in toilet paper." - Emma

"Meyee Kissmiss, Mama." - Jonah nightly as he apparently now thinks that's what we say instead of goodnight

"We didn't even kill the Doritos." - Jared lamenting our NYE performance

"All the birds in your life flew to south." - Emma


/Letters to My Children 2015/ December

Dear Emma and Jonah,

It's the last day of December AND the last day of 2015! We capped off the year with an awesome holiday season filled with all things Christmas... lots of yummy treats, Christmas light peeping, fun new toys, and a bit of giving to those in need.

The best day of the month was, as always, Christmas Eve. It's become such a sacred day in our little family... just the 4 of us and traditions galore.

Breakfast donuts were followed by Duckpin Bowling, where I had a blast watching Daddy's faces as Jonah dropped ball after ball onto the lane. THUD! (Cringe.)

I kind of got engrossed in the day after that and forgot to take pictures, which I 100% don't regret. But we had our usual awesome dinner of white bean tuscan soup and santa-boli, followed by Christmas books and driving around to look at Christmas lights, and all was wonderful.

Christmas morning was pretty darn perfect. Being a little kid at Christmas is awesome, but I assure you being the parent of a little kid is EVEN BETTER.

We spent the rest of the day at Nana and Grandpa Ed's, hanging with family and enjoying the chaos, er, magic. All in all, another fantastic day/month/season/life with my two favorite kiddos.

I love you to pieces and pieces,

Mama

PS... I'm joined in this project by a group of wonderful photographer mamas. Please head over to Ally's blog to read her December letter to her boys.

/10 on 10/ December 2015

It's my last 10 on 10 of 2015! And sadly my last for a while as I'm starting a new personal project next year that will take its place. It's going to be weekly and hopefully awesome, so stay tuned for that! Until then, here's what a typical Sunday morning looks like in the nuthouse...


/Letters to My Children 2015/ November

Dear Jonah,

You, my child, are kind of ridiculous. And I mean that in the best way possible. You revel in your ridiculousness, and we - your ever obliging audience - just eat it up. You have taken to putting on the craziest outfits when playing dressup with Emma, and while I'm sure one day you'll roll your eyes at these pictures, for now you're happy as a clam to walk around the house in a tutu and beret.

Don't lose your weirdness, Jo Jo... all the best people are slightly mad. And paired with a smile like yours? Well, kiddo, that's just about the best combination I could imagine.

Love,

Mama

/10 on 10/November 2015

I'm going to be blessed with another nephew at the end of this year! I was honored to take some photos for my sister and her family this past weekend...

I'm joined in this 10 on 10 project by a group of awesomely talented ladies. Please head over to Carri's blog to see her 10 then follow the circle around until you land back here.

/Letters to My Children 2015/ October

Dear Emma,

We finally made it to Sesame Place! After our first attempt a couple of weeks ago got rained out, gorgeous fall weather last weekend meant that it was all systems go for a road trip to Langhorne, PA. You were equally excited about getting to stay in a hotel as you were to meet Elmo, Abby, and the rest of the Sesame Street gang - especially because Nana and Grandpa Ed were coming, too.

I'm amazed you had any energy left for a day at the park after a morning spent wrestling with Ed and jumping on the bed. (Oh that's right, you're 4.) I was a wee bit nervous how you'd do with the costumed characters after a Pete the Cat encounter when you were 2 had seemingly scarred you for life in that department, but you did GREAT. You were a little apprehensive at first, but once you saw your girls Abby and Zoe you were all about it. You went on rides, saw a musical, and steered your brother around the park showing him all the cool stuff he could do.

All in all, it was a fabulous weekend for the Shellaway crew and once again your bravery and enthusiasm left me feeling all kinds of proud. 

Love,

Mama

I'm joined in this Letters project by a group of fabulously talented photographers... I encourage you to head over to Ally's blog to read her letter to her boys.

/VIDEO/ Our Everyday Happy

I'm so excited to finally share with you what I've been up to the past month. I've been wanting to learn DSLR video for a while now, and when I learned of Emily Mitchell and her awesome workshop, I knew it was time to sign up. Let me tell you guys - this workshop is INTENSE, but so so so worth it. Whether you want to learn to shoot video for clients, or just to document your own family (me!) Emily teaches you in a way that's approachable, thorough, and supportive. You learn camera settings, stabilization and shooting techniques, editing, audio, music... the whole shebang. I had ZERO video skills when I started this class, but now I feel like I have this awesome tool to help me tell my family's story. I really can't recommend this class more highly.

The video above was my final assignment... a month of taking video and somehow it all came together into this sweet glimpse into life with my 3 favorite people. It's not perfect, but it's us and I'm so very happy to have it.

/Letters to My Children 2015/ September

Dear Jonah,

In 2 more days you will be TWO years old! And what a difference a year makes... you went from bald crawling baby to a walking talking little boy. Full of energy, curiosity, sweetness and stubbornness. At some point this year you discovered that if you're going to have a mischievous streak, it's quite helpful to also be very charming. We both know that sweet smile of yours makes it awfully hard to stay mad at you.

This year also brought some big changes... right after your 1st birthday, we moved into our new house. And just last month you started Montessori preschool. It's been a tough transition at times, but your teachers adore you and you love having Emma right across the hall. The teachers asked me if you guys ever fight because you seem to have such a strong and loving bond. I had to laugh at that one. While the strong and loving bond part is certainly true, you definitely know how to push each others' buttons. But I promise you no one will be there for you like your sister, and vice versa. I'm excited to see how your relationship continues to grow as you get older and can do more things together... you want nothing more right now than to be able to keep up with your big sister!

Daddy and I love you like crazy and feel pretty darn lucky we get to be your parents... we can't wait to see what the next year brings for you! Here's to another year of adventure, snuggles, and endless smiles.

Love,

Mama

I'm joined in this project by some brilliant photographers... please head over to Melissa's blog to read her letter, then follow the links around until you end up back here.