Seven Months & Major Milestones

This little lady is seven.months.old. Time flies when you're having fun, I suppose. We are soaking up  all things glitter, gold and hair bows. She give me the look above when she want to show off her newest hair accessory. ha! Girl after my own heart.

Being a second time mom, I have these ideas in my head of when she is going to hit certain milestones. For example, Briggs started crawling around 10 months old and walking at 17 months. When I was pregnant with Kerigan, I 100% believed that these milestones would be fairly close for the second babe. However, Little Miss K had to write her own book. Although Briggs impresses us every day with his 8-year-old level vocabulary, his wit and "good ideas," she refuses to be in his shadow. So she decided that she was going to crawl. Enough of this stationary stuff. One day, she just up and took off towards Briggs's toys. As you can imagine, this didn't bode well with him at first but now I think he is enjoying his tag-along.

She also can easily sit up without assistance. I use to be worried to leave her side when she was sitting up because she would immediately topple over as soon as I took my eyes off of her which then resulted in kissing away crocodile tears.

Another milestone for lil Ker, is that she is saying "na-na" At first I thought she was just babbling, but then I figured out that she is referring to me as na-na. Her first attempts at mama- queue heart melt.

At seven months, I can guarantee you that life with Kerigan (and my sweet Briggs) is absolutely sweeter. They have a way of making me see the sunshine brighter. I think it is fair to say that they do this for all that love them.  Their aunts, uncles and grandparents are crazy about them. Children teach us that when we live our lives for others, it becomes so much fuller and definitely more meaningful. They are so little still, but the impact that they have had is infinite.

Happy seven months, my Sweet!

Why Men Can't Be Moms (A Father's Thoughts)

A big biological DUH... Of course men can't be moms. We lack the necessary Dos Equis (XX) sex chromosome, the reproductive organs to bear children and the ability to not utter phrases like "watch this" or "what could go wrong" before our actions. But please spare me the cynicism and understand that I mean this in a completely cerebral manner.

Let me explain where I'm going with this.

Krista sent me a message today that details the random thoughts going through a woman's/mother's head on a daily hourly minutely (it's a word) basis. You can read the article here, but if you don't have the time and you're a woman, it's probably on a similar scale to the thoughts going through your head for the last 5 minutes up until you read this sentence. Men, you won't understand (and never will) so just read the article.

After I read the article, I politely said to Krista, "that was pretty good." She replied with "I know, and it is so true. You know what I mean?" You can imagine the look on my face as I responded with the confidence of a freshman on the first day of high school, "Of course honey, I know exactly what you mean." Little did she know that I had no idea. Not a clue. I hardly have that many thoughts going through my head in an entire day, and I'd guess that half of those are because she reminds I need to complete one of the tasks on her list so she can stop worrying about it. 

If we're being honest here, my rudimentary thoughts are still in the first paragraph above and how good a Dos Equis sounds right about now (and how I wish Krista would go to the store to get some already and stop talking about the grocery list. It's like she doesn't even think about these things ;-). But seriously, back to that first paragraph... bear children. If bear were a noun in this instance, we would be talking about cubs... and man do the Cubs stink. I can't help but take delight in the misery of my friends who cheer for those "Lovable Losers." Speaking of losers, I need to start getting in shape. 30 is right around the corner and I'm ... 

And there in lies the difference between men and women, mothers and fathers. Women's thoughts eventually populate in a manner that reflects the needs of others and men tend to find their wandering minds in a state of self-centered exploration. I can't say for certain that this is the case for all spouses, but I am certainly able to block out certain factors and let my wife take sole responsibility of head household worrier, especially for our kids. It's no one's fault (Krista may beg to differ), but she is naturally more concerned for the well-being of our children on a daily basis. It's ingrained in her DNA, perhaps because she physically provided everything for our little ones inside of her for the better part of a year. She has felt their every move since conception. She hasn't been able to forget for one second that her main purpose in life now is their protection, growth and development.

Me? I could honestly go to work and forget that we were even pregnant with Briggy or Kerigan for extended bouts of time. I would be dumbfounded when I received emotional calls from Krista about how the world was going to end because we didn't have salsa for the tortilla chips or enough size 2 diapers. I had to stop putting her on speaker phone because my co-workers were concerned that I was talking to a mental patient. "It's going to be okay sweetie, the baby won't hate us because we didn't finish the shelving in the nursery a month early. Of course I'm just as upset as you that McDonald's breakfast ends at 10:30, we should definitely call the corporate office and complain..." These kinds of things become normal conversation when you have a little canteloupe (or whatever other fruit size your baby is supposed to be that week) sucking the energy, rationale and emotions out of you. That may be why moms have such a connection and always will. Babies put their moms body's through hell so they might experience a glimpse of heaven when they finally get to meet them.

For men, that is when reality sets in. The birth of your child is that first real 'oh crap' moment when the doubts flood in and that fight or flight mentality kicks on. You continue to assure your wife everything is going to be okay and in your mind you start questioning whether that is true because everything is a first time experience for you too. Fatherhood is a funny thing in that it assesses how manly you really are while the testing criteria is how well you can provide for God's most precious little creatures. Being a father is the most exhilarating and difficult thing I have ever been asked to do, but I'm glad I was chosen.

I don't like to take a back seat in my kid's lives. I love hearing about every new accomplishment and funny thing they did when I wasn't with them. I love seeing them think, play, learn, interact, succeed and even fail. I enjoy every second of it. But if they solely depended on me, they'd probably have a few more bruises and a little less sense. I'd like to think that if child rearing were all on my shoulders, I could develop into some kind of super mom/dad combo akin to the likes of how certain senses evolve when one sense is no longer available. If I were to ever have to watch my rambunctious little babies by myself for more than a few days, you would probably find me looking like Kevin McCallister post after-shave. It's intimidating to even consider but I could probably make due. I just don't think I could ever be as good at it as my wife and a lot of moms are. They drink the green juice, stop the villains and rarely get the recognition they deserve.

So from the bottom of this father's heart, thank you Krista and to all of the mothers that spend countless and thankless hours worrying about the well-being of their kids. Hopefully your kids grow to understand just how much thought and effort you have put in to the person they will become, and are ever grateful. There are many times since having my kids that I have been overwhelmed with appreciation for my mom (dad too) and everything she has done for me and my brothers. Other times, I think back on how badly I behaved and wonder why she didn't leave me at the Grand Canyon with Joe Dirt.


P.S. I should have written this as my gift for Mother's Day, then I wouldn't have had to spend so much time making that collectible coffee mug and coordinating the purchase of that purse... See what I mean about only thinking about myself (shaking my head). I will do another post detailing my love and relationship with Briggy and KerBear, dependent upon the quality of gifts they get me for Father's Day!

And now what you've been waiting for and probably skipped over this incessant rambling to see... Cute Baby Pictures!!

- Ryan

Six Months...Is this real life?

Happy HALF birthday Miss Kerigan!! Our girly, smiley, happy and all things glittery girl is six months old! Her personality is SHINING. For a while there I thought she would be my shy one, but she has proven herself to be quite the socialite.

Sometimes I have to pinch myself because I can't believe that this is my life.  If you know me to any degree, you know that I am essentially an optimist. Because optimism is part of my very essence, I don't blink an eye when it comes to taking my babies on adventures by myself (Ryan has been working a lot of hours + army obligations). The kids and I venture to the grocery store, the mall, the zoo, park, real estate appointments, pools, etc. Believe it or not, 99.9999999% its a success. We go prepared, we go with a positive attitude, we go with appropriate strollers and/or baby carriers...and the most crucial element- snacks. Then after our adventure, we come home and talk, learn, play, snuggle, eat, sleep. While all this is taking place, I think is this real life? 

The joy of the Holy Spirit then washes over me and my soul bursts with warmth. Now, I'm not saying that we don't have our meltdowns, temper tantrums, exhausted babies or emergency doctor visits....but we take it with a grain of salt. A very good friend of mine once told me, THIS IS JUST A SEASON OF LIFE. Her advice penetrated my heart. With the wonderful, the good, the bad, and the ugly...this is a season.

This season, my Kerigan's personality is really showing itself. She is a happy little girly girl. She loves to spin like a ballerina in her jumperoo, she loves jewelry and anything sparkly. She thinks her puppy Lola is hilarious. She watches every move her brother makes. She loves that boy (as do I). Lately, she has really been into music. Right now, her favorite track is Jewel's lullaby soundtrack. She is definitely becoming a daddy's girl (both in her heart and in her looks).  She can roll over from her tummy to her back and then vice versa. Her mode of transportation as of late, is barreling across the room. She is such a content little girl and as long as I give her a play mat or toys (or brother) she will sit and play while I make dinner or work on business. Her entire face lights up as soon as she hears my voice....and mine lights up too when I hear her squeals. 

She is still a spitter....but as you will see, she's gaining weight. Just something we are still watching.

Now this really is real life....

Going, Going....GONE!

Measurements

6 Months

Weight: 15 lbs 1 oz (40th percentile)

Height: 26.5 in (80th percentile)

And her brother...ahhh. I love this child. Lately, my sweet assistant has been giving the best kisses. He kisses me, daddy and Kerigan mostly. But he won't hesitate to share more if you ask. This kid helps me clean, he helps take care of his sister, he patiently eats his PB&J while we are in a 4x5 little nursing room at the zoo while I am attending to his sister. He craves learning and "reads" as much as he can. On rare occasions, we will let him stay out late and party with us and he rocks out like a champ.  I.CANNOT.GET.ENOUGH.OF.THESE.CHILDREN.

There is so much joy to be felt every day with these two. Someday I hope they read this and appreciate how much their mommy enjoyed these precious moments with them. After all, this is for them. They will see how much I love the booboo kisses, the "spit up" shirts, the butterfly kisses, the toothless smiles, the umpteenth PB&J for the week, the play dates, the dance parties and the late night treats. This real life of ours....I'm soaking up every moment, day & season. 

Happy Half Birthday, Sweet Kerigan! You add so much joy to our lives!

A five-month-old babe.

What are these things you call "toes"? Why is it so bright? Who is this Briggy guy that keeps touching my face? And why are you so hilarious, mom? These are just a few of the thoughts running through Kerigan's mind at 5 months old (or at least I like to believe so). At 5 months, Kerbear is curious, funny and beginning to understand the power of pouting. 

She's still our Lil Bit and goes with the flow (especially since her brother is constantly conjuring up daily activities for the two of them). However, when she's hungry- watch out world. 

She is finally getting to explore this world in less than 12 layers and 4 hats. She likes the sunshine and warmth. She never fusses when we go to the park, zoo or neighborhood walks. She really demands that we treat her like the rest of the family now. If we are eating at the table, she won't accept anything other than sitting at the table with us. I use to be able to rock her to sleep in her swing during dinner or social gatherings- but she knows now when a party is going on. 

She is still exclusively breastfeeding. (I know I'm late to the party in introducing cereal and baby foods). My excuse is bad. Convenience. I really want Ryan to be there when she tries cereal for the first time. However, with her feeding schedule, we can never seem to line "the first feeding" time up with him being home. I promise that she won't be breastfeeding when she's five- but for now, it is what is working for our family. She is still spitting up but it doesn't seem to be as often or as much. I think she has also been eating more frequently. For a while she was sleeping 10+ hours a night. Now the most is 7 (which is still good). I am curious to see what she weighs next month because I believe she is gaining weight. There are at least some baby rolls now. 

I'm getting a little anxious about the fact that 6 months is right in the horizon. I love having this baby in my arms.AT.ALL.TIMES. I love wearing her in my Ergo or Bjorn on walks whether it be in the neighborhood or at Target. I feel this crazy connection with her and that I NEED to be touching her at all times. I love her baby smell. I love her giggles and I'm crazy about her smiles. I love the way her brother treats her and how he is already teaching her about Jesus. She loves her brother. No one else can make her light up like he does. He loves to hug her and snuggle with her and I under blankets in the morning. I want them to always love snuggling. Maybe that's why I am anxious about 6 months. Don't stop snuggling your mommy, baby girl. Like, ever.

#becauseimhappy

#grump

Happy 5 months, my sweet girl! You make my heart siiiiing.

I am a MOMpreneur (Contest + Giveaway)

Hello. My name is Krista and I'm a MOMpreneur. Ever since I was a little girl, I have collaborated the creative side of my brain and the entrepreneurial side. I remember sitting in my 5th grade class, taking orders from my peers to create their name in 3-D block letters for a quarter (what a deal, right!?). I remember feeling so fulfilled when I saw my classmates happy with the finished product.

I believe this balance of my brain is what helps me be a successful Realtor. I truly love what I do and love that I have the flexibility to creatively market and sell homes. But the creative juices do not stop there.

I have recently been asked to hop on board as a Stylist for an incredible company, Stella & Dot. Stella & Dot sells beautiful accessories (such as jewelry, bags, scarves, tech accessories and more) while also doing some amazing charity work such as fundraising for the HollyRod foundation for Autism Awareness.

As of late, I have also been asked to photograph babies, families, friends and more which has jump started KristaKPhotography!

So here is the dealio friends, I have been wracking my brain for a new blog name. I want it to encompass a page for my family blog, my real estate page, my photography page and stylist page! Something very simple but makes an impact. I am also going to be changing it to a .com and get rid of the blogspot.com to make it cleaner. [Clarification: I want the family blog to be the main hub- so this is the one I am essentially wanting to rename. The real estate page, photography page and stylist pages already exist and will just have buttons off of the main hub- hope that narrows it down for you!]

(I know this seems like a lot but the beauty of being a MOMpreneur is that I get to create my own schedule. So the zoo dates, swimming pool days and park play are still at my fingertips at any time)

So here's the contest: Comment below or email me at krista@carlvargasteam.com with your blog name ideas! The winner will receive a $25 Visa gift card 

Thank you all so much for your support! (And if any of you know any web designers out there to help me organize everything in a wordpress.com- I could do a photo shoot for them as collateral!)

XOXO

-Krista the MOMpreneur

**UPDATE: WE HAVE A WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER....WORKING ON THE NEW LAUNCH-STAY TUNED**

The Big Outside

You may be wondering why the blog posts have been a bit Kerigan-heavy lately. Well, I would love to give you more of Briggs, but this is what most of the pictures of him have been looking like lately...

He is a boy on the run. Every day for the last 3 months or so, he has been asking me, "Mommy, I go big outside?!?" When he started adding the "big" to it, I'm not sure, but it makes total sense.

I'm not sure if I would have quite understood a boy's need to get out and get dirty if it weren't for the book Wild at Heart by John Eldredge. In college, I read the book's counterpart, Captivating by his wife, Stasi Eldredge. Ryan read John's and recommended I read it once we knew we were having a boy. Any of you mom of boys out there, should go pick it up right now. It gives you an inside look at a male's inner working and soul.

So as soon as the weather got above 40, we have been outside every day. We have been playing practicing our alphabet via sidewalk chalk, playing soccer, sliding down slides, running, jumping, picnicking and more- all with little sister in tow.

Not many things bring more joy to this boy's heart than "the big outside." Well, perhaps daddy. 

Our 4 Month "Lil Bit"

Hello Four Months!

Miss Kerigan is a ball of giggles this month. She thinks its quite hilarious when big brother gets in her face and attempts to give her kisses. His new passion in life is to make her laugh, so Little Miss K, I think you're in for a real treat growing up with your big bro.

Why, hello Mr. Pooh.

She is still a pretty easy baby to figure out. She is either hungry, dirty or tired. Once in a blue moon she will be miss fussy. 

The one thing that bums me out that is different about her versus Briggs is that she doesn't let me rock her to sleep. I know this is probably a good thing when it comes to sleep training, but some of my favorite memories were in the rocking chair snuggling my little boy as he drifted off. She will snuggle with me when its play time and we are making faces at each other or if we are all gathered at the dinner table (she doesn't like to miss the party). 

I am also very impressed with how aware she is of her surroundings. She has been able to consistently roll over from her stomach to back. She too, gives us the biggest smiles in the morning when she first wakes up. And when she smiles...my world is right. There is a twinkle in her eye that is like none other. 

Every day, I discover more and more what wise woman my Grandma Vargas is. She always told me, "Love multiplies, it does not divide." I thought I had given my heart to Ryan. Then when Briggs came along he opened the door to a whole new kind of love that I thought could never be matched. But love is a funny thing, because this girl sure has figured out how to weasel her way right there next to my Briggy in this little heart of mine.

Measurements

4 Months

Weight: 13 lbs 6 oz (40th percentile)

Height: 24.5 in (50th percentile)

Her percentages have gone down a bit this month. Party of the reason for her slower weight gain is that she spits up....a lot. She isn't on any medication for it right now but it is something we are keeping an eye on. She's just petite which has earned her another nickname, "Lil Bit". It's hard to fathom that at 4 months she is 13 lbs 6 oz and Briggs was 14 lbs at 2 months! Although his rapid weight gain tapered off eventually (even now I have been trying to feed him enough to hit the big 30 lb mark- but he has been a shy under for about 5 months now but he is going through a growth spurt) I believe she hasn't hit a huge growth spurt yet. Maybe this will be the month? 

She is a fun, laid back chica that adds such a great dimension to our little family. 

Newborn, 1, 2, 3 & 4 Months! As Briggs would say, "my oh goodness!"

Happy four months, Lil Bit!