tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22340298649197604512024-03-13T14:14:59.353-04:00Hux + LuluHillary Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323032406968864735noreply@blogger.comBlogger530125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234029864919760451.post-40601078128009325212016-05-10T16:26:00.003-04:002016-05-10T16:27:11.457-04:00The Devil's In The Details: The truth about postpartum after a cesarean. [Part I]<div style="text-align: center;">
Is there such a thing as a <i>perfect</i> birth story? </div>
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I've been wrestling with this question for years. The majority of mothers I have had the opportunity to speak with about their personal experience has left me to believe it's about as obtainable as clean home with toddlers.</div>
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This is sort of a follow-up to my not so sun-shiny birth story for Ellis. This is me being brutally honest, and finally speaking out about all the ugly truths of just what happened after the initial unplanned cesarean. This is me shamelessly using my blog as a dumping ground, and cleansing my insides of what has clogged the best parts of me for too long. </div>
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After the cesarean, and overly long hospital stay, Ellis & I were released back into the wild. There is nothing that could have prepared me for the recovery I was going through, but having a friend whom recently went through a similar birth may have saved my life. Her & I talked regularly, mostly about the longing for a better outcome, a different story, but also comparing how each other was feeling. She felt better by the day. I felt worse.<br />
<i><span style="color: #990000;">Red flag</span></i>. </div>
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I called my OB's office, and explained that the pain wasn't subsiding but rather growing more intense. So I went in to their office and was checked by a lady with long fake nails, a tattoo on her hand, and no signs of being an actual nurse. Based on her description, someone said that she handled scheduling. I remember her removing some of the tape, without gloves, and sending me home with pain meds.<br />
<i><span style="color: #990000;">Red flag</span>. </i></div>
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A day or two later my incision area begins to feel like I was stuffed with fiberglass. Aside from ever increasing discomfort there wasn't any concrete signs of infection (i.e. fever, vomiting). There was some redness around the area, however, and I knew something was off so I got back into my OB's--this time demanding to see an actual doctor. As soon as the doctor saw me she said I had cellulitis, and prescribed antibiotics stating it should begin to clear up in a day or so. </div>
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The next day I felt a million times worse. The burning, and uncomfortableness was overwhelming to the point I asked to go to the ER. From this point things get kind of blurry. I was admitting instantly, and they traced the red surrounding the incision to monitor how quickly it spread, and spread it did...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">It's insanely cathartic and equally difficult writing this out, so bare with me & check back for the continuing story of my personal journey after my cesarean. In the meantime you can follow along with us on Instagram <a href="http://www.instagram.com/huxandlulu">@huxandlulu</a> & my new more fitness/health/personal growth focused Instagram <a href="http://www.instagram.com/cleanslategreenplate">@cleanslategreenplate</a></span><br />
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xo</div>
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Hillary Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323032406968864735noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234029864919760451.post-38898093355702661512016-04-21T12:58:00.002-04:002016-04-21T17:10:31.083-04:00The birth of miss Ellis June.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is the story of a dream birth turned nightmare.</div>
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I hate to have written that.</div>
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But I did, because to me, it was, and sadly will always be in my mind, the furthest thing from what I had expected or hoped for my daughter's birthday.</div>
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Things started off pretty textbook.</div>
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My water broke 3 days before her due date around 2am.</div>
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In my head I was thinking, <i>"Oh, no-not in the middle of the night! This is going to happen fast. Grandma has to drive out here at 2am? Hux is sleeping. My sweet baby boy. This will be the last I see him as my only child--I better sneak in some kisses and last looks."</i></div>
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After getting Honey Mom Mom <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Hux's nickname for my Mom)</span> all tucked in for the night, we headed off to the hospital--on our way making a quick detour to Meijer for some muffins<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (Matt reminded me that they wouldn't let me eat as soon as we were admitted so this was my last chance)</span> and a cooler (<span style="font-size: x-small;">for the placenta...I opted to try encapsulation this time around)</span>.</div>
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As soon as you enter the hospital they have you by the balls.</div>
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By your maternal-instinct, printed-out-natural-birth-plan-clutching balls.</div>
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Being admitted was terrible. I had to have tests ran to <i>prove</i> my water had in fact broken, and that included an internal exam by some fresh out of college, bloated frat boy who <i>couldn't find my cervix</i> and I wanted to punch in the throat a million times. He also failed to document the results of said horrible tests so when I actually met the birthing doctor, <i>oh joy!</i>, I had yet another internal!</div>
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So what felt like days later, we were finally given a room--atleast it was one of the larger birthing suites with glorious jacuzzi tub that I immediately got in (despite not having any contractions or actual signs of labor). </div>
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Since I wasn't in active labor so I was cleared to eat. We spent the majority of the early morning/afternoon dining on hospital room service. Intermittently, a nurse would stop in to check my progress and calmly remind us our doctor would be there soon (he was in a marathon that morning--while I was in the middle of my own personal marathon...) When he did finally arrive he checked over my charts, and noticed that my previous birth had complications due to shoulder dystocia.</div>
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That's when the topic of a cesarean section was brought up for the umpteenth time. </div>
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I have should prefaced this by saying we were planning to deliver at a Birth Center in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania where they were fully aware of my previous delivery and thought nothing of it, and were confident I could birth naturally without complication. Well, we moved back to Michigan when I was 32 weeks along so I decided to get back in with my old OBGYN who was super crunchy and anti-pharmaceuticals...or at least that is what I had thought..</div>
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My first appointment with her, I kid you not, first thing to come our of her mouth was, "When would you like to schedule your cesarean?" Talk about being blindsided. I mean, 32 weeks of mentally and physically preparing for a natural non-medicated birth, and now having to advocate for myself against the woman I am entrusting to bring my daughter earth-side. Fairly certain I turned several shades of red as my face does not conceal my inner feelings at all (one of the many reasons I do not play poker).</div>
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So here I am at the hospital, riding out the beginning stages of labor as we have an hour long conversation with the delivering doctor who said everything from "you're selfish to want a natural birth" to "your baby could be born with cerebral palsy" or "worst case scenario, death". </div>
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He even said if we chose to birth naturally that he encourages us to video the event incase any complications arise and we threaten to sue. </div>
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[Basically, he wanted to cover his ass while mine was hanging out of a gown for all to see.]</div>
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Around 17 hours into labor I opted to go forward with cesarean, and from the moment I said, "go", it was a whirlwind of needles, tubes, catheter <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(which the put in prior to having me put socks on, so. not. cool.) </span>and I was then escorted across the hall to the operating room where I had to have spinal block placed while I began getting hit with real contractions. There's nothing quite like having to hold completely still while riding out waves of hell crashing inside your body.</div>
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The whole procedure didn't take very long, and felt like I was being rocked back & forth from my mid-section down. At that point I had the shakes, and shallow breathing. I remember looking at my daughter through giant tears hanging in my eyes, and thanking God she was perfect. </div>
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Ellis June came into the world, not in the way I had hoped and dreamed, but she was healthy and her father got to hold her and love on her first, which he treasures to this day. During recovery I asked if I could nurse her--even though my arms did not move they placed her on my chest and she latched instantly. At that point I was content. </div>
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Ellis and I stayed at the hospital for 5 days, basically because I didn't want to face reality. I was in pain, and scared of what life looked like at home with not one but two little people pining for our love and attention. Huxley was smitten with his sister from the moment he laid eyes on her, but we all knew life as we knew it was about to change. </div>
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We didn't, however, know the intense journey we were about to embark on. </div>
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Incase you haven't been following along with our blog you can find out what happens next by visiting <a href="http://lifewiththehux.blogspot.com/2013/07/meet-baby-sister.html">here</a>, <a href="http://lifewiththehux.blogspot.com/2013/07/my-babies.html">here</a>, <a href="http://lifewiththehux.blogspot.com/2013/07/our-little-lady.html">here</a>, <a href="http://lifewiththehux.blogspot.com/2013/07/when-will-it-end-begin.html">here</a>, <a href="http://lifewiththehux.blogspot.com/2013/07/home.html">here</a>, <a href="http://lifewiththehux.blogspot.com/2013/08/learning-to-breathe.html">here</a>, and <a href="http://lifewiththehux.blogspot.com/2013/08/6-weeks-letter-to-ellis.html">here</a>. </div>
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In honor of Cesarean Awareness Month I mustered up the courage to finally post our story. It's been a hard, 2+ years since Ellis was born, as I have hinted at here & there. </div>
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<a href="http://www.stevewiens.com/2013/03/06/these-are-the-lines-of-a-story/">This</a>, <a href="http://sarahockwell-smith.com/2012/11/04/5-reasons-why-your-birth-can-affect-your-baby-and-your-parenting/">this</a>, & <a href="http://birthingbeautifulideas.com/?p=142">this</a> article helped me work through some of my thoughts and emotions on having a cesarean.</div>
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Thank you for sharing in our journey. </div>
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This blog has been a safe haven to me along the rocky path I've been walking, and I cherish this community of people more than words can say.</div>
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xo</div>
Hillary Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323032406968864735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234029864919760451.post-49432137073200322912016-03-25T15:33:00.000-04:002016-03-25T15:33:27.752-04:00Our family has grown!<div style="text-align: center;">
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Where to begin?! So much has been going on in our home, hence the radio silence, but most exciting has been our newest addition of 6 baby chicks--sorry for those who thought maybe Hux & Ellis had a new brother or sister. Nope. Six fuzzy chicks are their latest obsessions. </div>
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Incase you haven't been following our adventures via <a href="http://www.twitter.com/huxandlulu">Twitter</a> or <a href="http://www.instagram.com/huxandlulu">Instagram</a>, I thought I should pop on and <span style="font-size: x-small;">[<i>finally</i>] </span>update this dust-covered blog considering my last post was before Christmas! Yikes.</div>
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I should preface with how we came about our new peeping, pecking family members.</div>
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Last week, Huxley's class took a little field trip to the Tractor Supply store to see the baby ducks and chicks. They have been learning all about eggs, where the come from, and what they're composed of...super exciting stuff for a curious boy like Hux. Before pick-up I thought Ellis might like to check the baby chicks out too so we stopped by for what I thought would be a quick visit, and ended up going to get Huxley and returned to the store to pick out our new family. </div>
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Although this wasn't planned, we've been considered raising chickens out back for quite awhile now--our yard is perfect for them, and I honestly cannot wait to have them do some pest control in our gardens! </div>
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Thankfully, these little guys have been super low maintenance and not as messy (or stinky) as I had thought. They still have their soft fur-like down, which kind of makes a mess of their back ends <span style="font-size: x-small;">(yuck.)</span>, but upon cleaning them today I noticed their feathers are starting to come in--this means they are getting ready to molt and as soon as the weather cooperates they will be integrated to the outdoors. </div>
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Little kids + little chicks has been an explosion of cuteness. Hux & Ellis are seriously enamored, and it's not uncommon to hear peeping from various places in the house, and find one of both of them carrying around a fuzzy friend. I think this has been and will continue to be a great learning experience for all of us---so far they've learned how to handle them gently, feed, water, and make their pen nice and comfy. Huxley also understands the circle of life part that comes with having non-egg layers. His thought process on it was very matter of fact, and he understands that when he has chicken nuggets they originate from said chicken.</div>
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Hope to be on here more as time and energy allows, but much catching up to do!</div>
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We hope you have a happy, healthy & blessed Easter weekend. </div>
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xo </div>
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Hillary Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323032406968864735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234029864919760451.post-41552273452650290502015-12-24T12:54:00.002-05:002015-12-24T12:55:10.212-05:00And to all a very merry merry Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you to <a href="http://www.madbomber.com/">Mad Bomber</a> for the snuggly warm & adorable Bombers!</td></tr>
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We are all dreaming of sugar cookies & dancing minions...</div>
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(well, I know Huxley is for sure!) </div>
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Mama is up to her ears in wrapping paper, ribbon & bows, and Daddy is working his tail off trying to keep our roof on (we had 45mph winds all night and into the day here in Northern Michigan). Pretty bummed it won't be a white Christmas, but also thankful to not have to be blowing snow everyday!</div>
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All I want for Christmas is our family & friends to be healthy, and happy and know they are loved.</div>
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That truly is the best gift there is & I wish it for every one of you as well.</div>
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Merry Christmas from our family to yours.</div>
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xo</div>
<br />Hillary Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323032406968864735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234029864919760451.post-47068126896574487942015-11-21T18:41:00.003-05:002015-11-21T18:43:20.922-05:00the era of the Milk Trucks has come to an end...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, I know I've been distant.</div>
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I've been quiet, and avoiding you.</div>
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It is <i>not</i> you it is <i>me</i>.</div>
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<i>Honestly.</i></div>
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Life has been just ass-kicking me and blogging about it would just be total Debbie-Downer drivel that no one wants to hear. </div>
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You want cute photos of our edible children.</div>
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To know they're growing way too fast, & are outsmarting us on pretty much everything.</div>
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<i>WHICH THEY ARE AND THEY AREN'T EVEN FIVE!</i></div>
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(Jesus, give us strength.)</div>
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We are all well, just got our first snow. </div>
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Kids=super duper stoked</div>
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Parents=not so much stoked on the 20 minutes of bundling & unbundling for 4 minutes of outside play...</div>
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Huxley is almost 5, going on 25 and I have a series of blogs to come on him and his mind-blowing intellect. </div>
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Ellis, is 2 1/2 and is keeping up with Hux in all things, and it is scaring the living daylights out of both mama and daddy. <i>Slow. Down. Child. </i></div>
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She is finally sleeping in her own bed, and is slowly but surely weaning from the "babas", which</div>
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as most extended breastfeeding mama's can relate is both joyous and incredibly bittersweet. Especially since she will most likely be the last to enter our tribe via my womb. </div>
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(We've been praying on Foster Parenting/Adopting, but that is long down the road, my friends.)</div>
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Here we are, just doing our day by day routines. </div>
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Growing little people, tending their souls, and crossing fingers & toes and praying to God that we are molding exceptional members of society.</div>
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We hope that you are well, and please drop us a line!</div>
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huxandlulu@gmail.com</div>
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Have been meaning to get a fun giveaway together but like I said...struggling over here!! Soon! I promise! </div>
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xo</div>
Hillary Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323032406968864735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234029864919760451.post-14853809048645576472015-02-25T16:52:00.001-05:002015-02-25T16:52:39.774-05:00a little (late) love. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Oh, wow do I ever stink at blogging! </div>
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It is honestly always something over here--this time we were knocked sideways with Influenza, thank you preschool!</div>
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Our Valentine's Day was spent huddled in bed with fevers, aches and general ick. Two weeks later we are just know starting to feel like our normal selves again. I swear, I tried everything the moment I felt the crud creeping up on us--I even went so far as to put onion peels in our socks overnight (um...YUCK...will <i>never</i> do that again.)</div>
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<br />Along with the gross onion trick that didn't seem to work I was diffusing essential oils, rubbing the bottoms of feet with Thieves Oil & lavender. Eventually we kind of just surrendered to the sickness and let it take it's long horrible course.</div>
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I was just at my computer & saw these darling photos from a little shoot we did and simply had to share as well as say a quick "hello, I know I suck, but I still love you!".</div>
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be well. </div>
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xo</div>
Hillary Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323032406968864735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234029864919760451.post-22774295339921329552015-02-08T19:26:00.001-05:002015-02-08T19:26:30.147-05:00...lately. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'll be honest---I <i>really</i> stink at blogging. </div>
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It's been super hard to prioritize sitting down and writing out our day to day or thoughts from my Mombie brain. </div>
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Definitely doesn't help when we keep getting knocked sideways with some form of flu, cold, sickness or injury. Which is where we are at this weekend. Buried under mountains of tissues, lost in the haze of our humidifier. </div>
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I truly am sorry. This once was a haven to me and I cherished sharing our little tribe with you, and I promise to work on carving more time out to come here and post photos of our little brown eyed dream babies.</div>
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Until then we wish you health & a full night's sleep. </div>
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xo</div>
Hillary Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323032406968864735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234029864919760451.post-15979016319762247742015-01-03T15:46:00.003-05:002015-01-03T15:46:26.264-05:00New Baby, New Year Kate Quinn Sale!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy 2015, lovelies!</div>
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Cannot believe another year has turned over & Huxley will be FOUR this month. Insanity.</div>
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Anyways, as you already may know--we <i>adore </i><a href="http://www.katequinnorganics.com/categories/home/">Kate Quinn</a>---we couldn't resist sharing the news of this amazing sale going on throughout the month of January!</div>
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Hurry & shop...items go quick!</div>
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xo</div>
Hillary Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323032406968864735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234029864919760451.post-43324275128425646042014-12-29T18:21:00.000-05:002014-12-29T18:21:28.906-05:00...basically.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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These photos sum them up nicely.</div>
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Wishing all a healthy, happy, joyous, peaceful & productive 2015.</div>
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xo </div>
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<br />Hillary Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323032406968864735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234029864919760451.post-44800292910244609492014-12-29T18:14:00.001-05:002014-12-29T18:14:08.434-05:00Christmas unwrapping madness!<div style="text-align: center;">
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Just a tiny glimpse of the magic that was our Christmas morning this year.</div>
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We hope yours was full of love & cheer.</div>
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xo</div>
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Hillary Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323032406968864735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234029864919760451.post-33123619331593653752014-12-08T23:43:00.002-05:002014-12-08T23:43:50.846-05:00A Minted Merry Christmas! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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'Tis the season to be scrambling to snap that perfect shot of your babe surrounded by twinkling Christmas lights, or your annual family tree cutting, but this year instead of printing your photos haphazardly at your local One-Hour how about choosing one of the many delicious designs at <a href="http://www.minted.com/">Minted</a>?!</div>
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I could literally spend days oogling through the beautiful designs of all different & unique styles, shapes and colors trying to find just the right vibe to go with our family shots this year. Which was definitely a unique experience in and of itself! Miss Ellis is cutting not one, not two but four molars & to top that off came down with her first stomach bug--the poor Pooks. She's been snuggling, sleeping and nursing on Mama all weekend...it's like having a giant newborn!</div>
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Still hunting for a funky, fun & artsy gift? <a href="http://www.minted.com/art?of=no&limit=100">Minted</a> has some amazing prints that would look so fab in an office, nursery, living room, etc etc. </div>
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Go & see for yourself---prepare to spend a few hours (days.) checking out all the goodness!<br />Here are my top three faves...</div>
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Here's to getting those cards out on time this year & I so desperately hope your family photo shoot goes far better than ours!</div>
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xo</div>
Hillary Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323032406968864735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234029864919760451.post-70243276579407333852014-11-05T17:08:00.001-05:002014-11-05T17:08:14.815-05:00Kate Quinn Semiannual $10 Sale!<br />
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Do you see the cuteness!? </div>
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What are you still doing here?? Go! Run! Shop! Such an amazing deal on one of our most favorite brands!</div>
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xo</div>
Hillary Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323032406968864735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234029864919760451.post-92072659470891428172014-10-13T10:27:00.002-04:002014-10-13T10:27:48.971-04:00Our growing girl. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Miss Ellis June has been totally dominating the growth percentages---at 99% for height, and 80+ for head & weight she is catching up to Huxley at a pretty fast rate!</div>
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She's also exploring words and has started to talk a LOT lately mastering the words "ball" "hat" "pumpkin" "more" "button" and "mama" & "dada". </div>
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Ellis loves to paint, play dress up, climb into things, play hide & seek, go for hikes and swim in the pool---she is a little fishie & completely fearless when it comes to putting her head underwater and kick and swim solo (with a life vest and parent nearby of course). </div>
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We are always giggling at the new silly things this sweet girl does on the daily-- our little clown, and we couldn't be any more fond of her!</div>
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We hope you all had a wonderful weekend, and send lots of love!</div>
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xo</div>
Hillary Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323032406968864735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234029864919760451.post-63522235878439258492014-08-24T18:26:00.000-04:002014-08-24T18:26:01.961-04:00these two.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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These two have such a bond.</div>
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Right from the beginning they were smitten with each other. </div>
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I am definitely not saying that they're perfect and never fight. Oh, they fight, and scream and sometimes Huxley isn't nice at all to Baby Sister, but at the end of the day they give hugs and kisses until my heart tears at the seams.</div>
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It's been so amazing to watch their relationship grow and I can only imagine how good of friends they'll be when they are older. I'm so thankful that they have on another---there really is nothing like the love of a sibling. It's unconditional.</div>
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We hope you had a magical weekend filled with hugs and kisses and lots of toothy smiles.</div>
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xo</div>
Hillary Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323032406968864735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234029864919760451.post-80137910103260542932014-08-22T10:35:00.000-04:002014-08-22T10:35:11.551-04:00our one year old little lady. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been one crazy year!</div>
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Two kids are no joke, and add on to that recovering from not one but two abdominal surgeries and you have a seriously interesting situation.</div>
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But, we've survived so far! & Ellis is just the sweetest little lady. Talking, walking, loving her baby dolls and driving her Power Wheel! She also is a total diva--loves her toe nails painted, putting on necklaces and head bands and getting all prettied up. </div>
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I apologize for letting the blog get so dusty-- it has been a struggle for me to find time to sneak away and update but I promise I will be posting an awesome giveaway soon (it was supposed to be a Spring Feature if that gives you an idea of how behind I am!)</div>
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Hope all is shiny and beautiful on your side of the screen.</div>
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xo</div>
Hillary Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323032406968864735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234029864919760451.post-62388157353875830402014-06-28T13:15:00.002-04:002014-06-28T13:15:56.523-04:00a little hello.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello! We missed you all so very much, and I hate to keep apologizing for my lack of blogging, but life is moving at warped speed and I am struggling to find time to myself to sit and post about all the happenings in our little world.</div>
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Can you believe that Ellis will be a one year old next Sunday?! Neither can we. It was the fastest year of my life! </div>
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She is such a little card, seriously has the best sense of humor this little girl. Ellis is also a water baby--we took her to the lake yesterday and she wanted to swim all on her own so very badly. It makes me so happy to see both her and Huxley enjoying what Michigan has to offer, and I am so thankful we made the move here.</div>
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We hope you all are well--and I will be posting soon---I owe you a fun giveaway and hope to have that up next week...until then,</div>
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xo.</div>
Hillary Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323032406968864735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234029864919760451.post-23980397462354301402014-05-27T19:03:00.002-04:002014-05-27T19:03:42.263-04:00a memorable Memorial.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I will catch up with words one day.</div>
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Until then photos will have to do.</div>
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xo</div>
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<i>(Will be posting a fundraiser for the Saldana family this week, stay tuned--it will be the most special even ever to grace this blog.)</i></div>
Hillary Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323032406968864735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234029864919760451.post-52563046151204189002014-04-22T16:56:00.004-04:002014-04-22T16:56:55.361-04:00celebrate the earth with ThredUp and Polarn O. Pyret<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">I love nothing more that upcycling, recycling, and trying our hardest to be more green every single day.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">Reselling your childrens (and your own!) gently used, outgrown clothes is a simple step you can take to give back to our planet while earning credit towards <a href="http://www.polarnopyretusa.com/">Polarn O. Pyret </a>clothing--my absolute favorite!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">By sending your pre-loved clothing to <a href="http://www.polarnopyretusa.com/">Polarn O. Pyret</a> they will sell them through <a href="https://www.thredup.com/">thredUp</a>--which is like an online consignment shop of sorts. To receive <a href="http://www.polarnopyretusa.com/">Polarn O. Pyret</a> credits you need to contact them directly via email at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="mailto:thredup@polarnopyretusa.com" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;">thredup@polarnopyretusa.com</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"> and they will send you as many free pre-paid bags you'd like---each bag will fit up to 10lbs of clothing, which is roughly equal to a laundry basket full. You can also receive free bags through the thredUp site--I don't know about you, but I'd prefer to earn credits for brand new POP clothing! You can also cash out your money--you will need a PayPal account and there's a small fee to do so but either way you are getting cash for clothes you have no more use for and someone else will be able to get some love out of them as well!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">If you go</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://www.thredup.com/r/GRLRUJ">here</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">, you can sign up for thredUP. By visiting from this link, when you first buy something, you get $10 off for using that link. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">(Use the link because it gives</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i>you </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">$10 off, which I don't think can be beat because the prices are already pretty good!)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">Now you have an excellent way to get a jump start on spring cleaning and stock up on clothing for next season!</span></span></div>
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Happy Earth Day!</div>
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xo</div>
Hillary Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323032406968864735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234029864919760451.post-49197978857311994192014-04-04T10:35:00.001-04:002014-04-04T10:35:26.086-04:00Huxley's 3rd Birthday (only a couple months late...)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was such chaos and madness I didn't even think I got any shots of Huxley's Pirate Party until I was going through my camera! We had SO much snow it took Daddy over two hours to blow out the maze for the "Treasure Hunt" out back, which I thought would be fun to have a dotted red line to follow like on all treasure maps--well, it looked more like a murder scene than a map. The snow was so deep the kids were out there for 2 minutes, found their booty and ran inside. </div>
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It was such a blast having little people there to celebrate with us--yet another reason we are so happy we made the move up north! Thankfully the snow is finally melting and spring may actually be around the corner--which is a good thing because we have an amazing Spring Feature + Giveaway coming at you next week!</div>
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love to all,</div>
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xo</div>
Hillary Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323032406968864735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234029864919760451.post-74453012256213286262014-03-28T21:15:00.000-04:002014-03-28T21:15:03.636-04:00Eight month Ellis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ellis is almost nine months old & I actually can believe it!</div>
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She's huge! </div>
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This chunk-a-lunk eats anything and everything she can get her sticky mits on. Although she is close to walking Ellis prefers crawling as it's much faster. </div>
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She's mastered clapping, babbling, picking up tiny bits of food, and the tambourine.</div>
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Yes, this girl can shake it!</div>
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Love to dance! Especially to Jerry Lee Lewis, "Great Balls of Fire", the song from Madagascar "Move It"--anything upbeat and swingy. </div>
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Huxley is starting to get a little envious of his baby sister since she demands to be held 98% of the day.</div>
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I make sure to snuggle him whenever I get the chance--if he had it his way it'd be 98% of the day.</div>
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Don't forget to vote for our cuties on Parents.com! Link below!</div>
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Huge giveaways coming your way--stay tuned!</div>
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xo</div>
Hillary Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323032406968864735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234029864919760451.post-79061948547887515282014-03-24T12:50:00.000-04:002014-03-24T12:50:20.842-04:00Parents.com Kid(s) of the Week!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hi! It's been awhile since I've asked for your vote since we no longer are affiliated with Topbabyblogs.com, but I entered Hux & Lulu in Parents.com Kid of the Week and this month's theme was "Style". </div>
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If you could take a moment to vote for our sweet babes that would mean the world to us--there is a $200 prize up for grabs and we could totally use that money--I mean, who wouldn't want a little cash money?!</div>
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Sorry for the never ending quiet. We have had bug after bug in our home. It's just been nuts.</div>
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I think I will have some time later this week to properly come on here and post a really fun giveaway, and next month there will be an EPIC giveaway for all your littles Easter baskets!</div>
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Stay tuned, </div>
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until then, links are below for voting!</div>
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Thanks in advance.</div>
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xo</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tPf2keVfIVk/UzBhKmvOhOI/AAAAAAAAI7c/cV_vjonZzBE/s1600/parent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tPf2keVfIVk/UzBhKmvOhOI/AAAAAAAAI7c/cV_vjonZzBE/s1600/parent.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.parents.com/photos/kid-of-the-week/2014-03-24/11vbx">VOTE FOR HUXLEY'S PHOTO BY CLICKING HERE!</a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vWjVwipZzM8/UzBhLbJVGnI/AAAAAAAAI7k/s2B1dAWI3Tc/s1600/parents2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vWjVwipZzM8/UzBhLbJVGnI/AAAAAAAAI7k/s2B1dAWI3Tc/s1600/parents2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.parents.com/photos/kid-of-the-week/2014-03-24/11vaj">VOTE FOR ELLIS' PHOTO BY CLICKING HERE!</a></div>
Hillary Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323032406968864735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234029864919760451.post-88676767412295073872014-03-10T14:33:00.001-04:002014-03-10T14:33:57.434-04:00Bunny Fluff Popcorn!!<br />
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On the fly we made a little Eastery treat after lunch--it was super easy, and fun for Huxley to help mix up with Mama--we called it Bunny Fluff Popcorn!</div>
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All you do is make some stovetop popcorn, I used coconut oil--add in a little bit of sugar and pop your popcorn. Then I heated up some white chocolate chips, and when the popcorn was ready I stirred it all together with sprinkles, coconut flakes, and marshmallows--so yum--feeling like I need to schedule a Dentist appointment...just a little goes a long way!</div>
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xo</div>
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[sorry for being so quiet over here...we're smack dab in the middle of teething & potty training...have a lot of fun features coming up so keep checking back!]</div>
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Hillary Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323032406968864735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234029864919760451.post-14736644663077336752014-02-19T20:37:00.001-05:002014-02-19T20:37:28.263-05:00& then there's this one...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Huxley keeps us on our toes.</div>
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Seriously. </div>
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24/7 this boy is. </div>
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He loves holding his Baby Sister, watching Kipper the Dog, playing on his iPad, helping cook, puzzles (seriously, like 25+ piece puzzles), coloring, making snowmen, and snuggling Daddy.</div>
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He's almost completely potty trained too, which is awesome. </div>
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Stepping in puddles of pee...not so awesome.</div>
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He also has a really cool "Gotta pee but don't want to stop doing what I'm doing" dance.</div>
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I hope to catch it on video so I have leverage when he is sixteen and has a girlfriend. </div>
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Hux, our sweet Wild Child.</div>
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We love him so.</div>
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xo</div>
Hillary Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323032406968864735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234029864919760451.post-12608961613492526682014-02-19T20:31:00.001-05:002014-02-19T20:57:54.862-05:00seven month young lady<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KM3IM9MlAyY/UwVZeLA2gmI/AAAAAAAAI4I/LMGBqVe-l60/s1600/DSC_0054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KM3IM9MlAyY/UwVZeLA2gmI/AAAAAAAAI4I/LMGBqVe-l60/s1600/DSC_0054.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[Ellis is rocking her headband c/o <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MissAinsleyMae?page=1">Miss Ainsley Mae</a> & Leather Collar c/o <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/minalovesbows">Mina Loves Bows</a>]</td></tr>
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Ellis June is astounding.</div>
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The way she has grown over the past seven months is absolutely mind boggling!</div>
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She's been eating like a champ since around 5 months, and is going "baby-led weaning" where she's eating what we eat, and hasn't had any issues at all! When Hux was a babe he'd choke and gag on the tiniest chunks in his puree. The differences between the two is night & day. </div>
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Ellis has been trying earnestly to stand up. She so desperately wants to walk, but is a very quick crawler, and is <i>fearless</i> when it comes to the stairs--so we keep an every close eye on that little dumpling, <i>all the time.</i> </div>
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The kids have been struggling with nap time lately--Huxley wakes Ellis up from hers, and refuses to go down himself, leaving Mama at her wits end around 2pm daily. Then out of no where they both konk out and I am left thinking, "Oh, that wasn't <i>so</i> bad."</div>
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It's not so bad. They're the cutest, funniest little duo. We love them beyond the moon.</div>
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xo</div>
Hillary Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323032406968864735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2234029864919760451.post-56540981845737272902014-02-14T17:32:00.001-05:002014-02-14T17:32:18.087-05:00Happy Heart Day (Giveaway winners announced!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We hope you are having a chocolate covered lovey dovey mushy gushy awesome and amazing Valentine's Day!</div>
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We spent ours at the doctor, sorting out new options for Mama's ongoing post-cesarean pain issues. Joy, oh joy! </div>
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I did however, get a really sweet Valentine made by Huxley, and an in-home massage while Daddy took care of the babes. Twas, <i>phenomenal</i>.</div>
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Thank you to everyone who entered to win the major Valentine's Day Giveaway, and to all the shops and businesses that worked with us. It was quite epic! So many new faces, and we hope you stick around to see what's in store next! </div>
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Without any further adieu, the Flying Hearts Giveaway winner was Kelley Dunlop! Congrats! Shoot me an email to huxandlulu@gmail.com to claim your prizes! </div>
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I also had to draw the winner for the Gilt.com giveaway still, sorry about that---life has been knocking me sideways lately, the winner of the $100 Gilt credit was MA Ruthie MD, whoop! Congrats! Shoot an email to huxandlulu@gmail.com to claim your prize</div>
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xo!</div>
Hillary Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323032406968864735noreply@blogger.com0