Climb Kids Climb!

Yesterday we went shopping for new snowboard boots for the Mr. 

At the store, they have a small climbing wall for kids. Mine crushed it. 

And worked up a crazy appetite. 

It was a good morning. 

XO

Sleep. Glorious, Glorious Sleep.

Sleep. Oh, glorious, glorious sleep. As the kids get older this topic (or the lack of this topic!) gets less uber-present in our parenting but it sure does remain our constant friend-enemy. 

We, the parents, celebrate sleep like we once celebrated an excellent dance track. 

And our beloved kids still haven't quite figured out how glorious sleep really could be. But we are getting there. 

And I have proof:

PJ goofing around that he doesn't need to go upstairs into a bed to sleep. He'll do just fine in this plastic box, downstairs. Oh and could you just go ahead and flip on Mickey Mouse? 

Frequently we still start each morning with four Steinbachs in one bed. See those few centimeters on each side of our sleeping beauties (and aren't they just beautiful?!)?

Not sure how but the Mr and I occasionally find we really can sleep in that space alone. 

Listening to my mentor moms and my own heart tells me that as our kids grow and stop stealing our sleeping space (by choosing to sleep alone in their own rooms) we are going to look back on this time with no regrets. 

While Jelly Bean has always had the knack to knock out when and where she needs, PJ is starting to do that too. With adorable results. 

Of course little man all cuddled on his little bed, under his handmade quilt, and snuggled against his dolphin is pillow is equally adorable. 

 

Sleep. Glorious, glorious sleep. Amiright?

XO

My First Whole 30

This week I finished my first Whole 30. It was generally a good experience considering I was really freaking sick the entire time. 

I learned a lot more about food and cooking. I also learned how to spend more time thinking about, preparing, and enjoying the fuel of my body. 

Isn't it sort of strange how rarely we thing - really consider - how we fuel the only body we have for our entire lives? 

Some of my yummy fuel wins:

I lost a few pounds and a few inches and the composition of my body changed some. This would have been greater I think had I been able to work out and exercise instead of laying around sick. I fit a lot of my pre-kid clothing. The most exciting is definitely my wedding dress!

Although I was sick, my skin has gotten better, my sleep slightly so, and generally I have less bloat and inflammation. 

The funny thing is that doing the Whole 30 when I did was a bit of a double sword. Since I was eating so well and removing the known and potential irritants, I missed just how sick I was. That's a blog for another day. The road was bumpy but the results are good. 

The last official day of my Whole 30 was also St Patrick's Day. Paddy's Day is a big deal around here and we made our traditional trek to the Irish pub. There I enjoyed a few sips of an well poured Guinness. 

Then today I had my first coffee with REAL full-fat milk. It was glorious. 

So far I haven't had a reaction to the milk reintroduction. Fingers crossed! Long story, short: Whole 30 was worth it. I suggest giving a shot if you are struggling with bloat or digestive issues or just want to learn more about your relationship with food. 

XO

Jelly Bean!

The Steinbach clan has expanded by one healthy little girl! We welcomed Jelly Bean into the fold on the International Day of the Girl Child and during the Germany vs. Ireland football game. 

She's 50 cm long and weighed in exactly like her brother at 3010 grams. 

Speaking of PJ, he is a very proud big brother. Within three minutes of meeting her, he demanded to hold "mein baby" (my baby). Then he smothered her with kisses, kisses, and more kisses. 

After a rocky 40 weeks, it's amazing to see her, rosy and completely healthy on the outside. I'm also doing well. Alls well that ends well, right? 

XO