Think Happy Be Happy | A Link-up

"Happiness is letting go of what you think your life is supposed to look like and celebrating it for everything that it is." -Mandy Hale 

Hello friends! This link party was created as a way to create some inspiration and happiness as we begin our week. It can be hard to find the happiness in our day to day, and I believe it truly does help to take a second to find the positive. Please take a second to visit all of my wonderful co-hosts who will be sharing this link party as well!

• Kristen of Whiskey Tango Foxtrot
• Kristen of Blissfully Insane
• Autumn of Our Blended Home
• Corianne of iCorianne
• Jessica of Kozy and Co
• Liz of Lizz And Co
• Kristen of Love, Lipstick, and Pearls

I am so excited to be joining in with some of my favorite bloggers for this new weekly link party.  I am a huge believer that making an effort to think positively, and then spreading that joy and happiness to others, truly helps all of us to focus on what really matters in life.

It is so easy sometimes, to get caught up in negative thoughts and feelings we have, and to focus on what is going wrong in our own lives and in the world around us, but when you take the time to think about the things you have to be thankful for, for what you've been blessed with, both you and the people around you can truly reap the benefits...

So, what am I feeling truly thankful for and happy about this Monday???

At 36.5 weeks pregnant with baby number 3, it's been incredibly easy lately to get caught up in how uncomfortable I am, how yucky I am feeling, and to focus on all of the things that I am having a hard time doing at the moment.

I have a huge belly, I can barely bend over, I'm not sleeping at night, the list goes on and on... but here's the thing...

I am blessed.

God has blessed me with another healthy pregnancy, and when you really think about it, that's a beautiful thing.  Sure there are plenty of unglamorous, less than wonderful things about being pregnant, but at the end of the day, what our bodies are capable of, and what they can do is truly amazing.

I am blessed to have the ability to carry this child.  I am blessed to feel his kicks and punches, and one day, in the very near future, I will be fortunate enough to hold him in my arms.

So, on this Monday, I am so very happy to be able to be in the position I am in... sleepless nights and all!

What are you happy about?  What are you thankful for?  Feel free to write your own post about your personal joy, to kick off the week, and join us in this link-up.

   

Rules of the Party:

• Leave a link to your actual post and not your homepage. A link back to your host, is greatly appreciated. Feel free to grab our link party button to add to your post.
• Please link up only your happiness related posts.
• Don’t link up and run, please visit other bloggers. Make new friends or say hello to old friends.
• Please follow your hosts and guest hosts in some way.
• Have fun with your posts! I truly hope it helps with starting your week off on a positive note!

An InLinkz Link-up

Swoon Worthy

I'm not sure how the weather was the past week where you are, but around here, it was pure perfection.  A total preview of the spring weather that will hopefully soon be here to stay.

We opened the windows and let the fresh air in, bought spring blooms to decorate the house with, sipped iced coffee (me, not the kids), and headed out to the playground as much as we could... it was literally about as good as it gets!

Now the weekend is here again, we're springing ahead (don't forget), and I'm trying to get as much done as possible while I have the chance... which is easier said then done these days.

I had my 36 week check up yesterday, and all is well in baby land...

So, let's jump right into the list of things I am swooning over as of late...

1.  I am so ready to ditch the boots in lieu of cute ballet flats, I'm loving this budget friendly striped pair.

2.  Chicken tenders have always been one of my favorite foods, even as an adult.  We tried this recipe the other night, and it was amazing.

3.  If you missed it, I already posted some fun Easter basket ideas for both girls, and boys, but then I saw these adorable slippers, and I kind of wish they came in my size.

4.  I will always be a candle lover (sorry Melissa), but my sister has totally turned me on to using this with little ones around, and this scent, totally has me feeling springy.

5.  I am honestly nowhere near ready to think about bathing suit season, and most likely will be rocking a one piece this summer... but, I have my eye on this one.

6.  Millennials, want to relive your childhood, whip up a batch of this incredible dip, and plop yourself in front of the TV to watch Fuller House and you'll instantly be transported back to the 90's

7.  I am a self proclaimed cookbook collector/addict, and I have been hearing nothing but good things about the recipes from this new one, consider it ordered.

8.  I love toys/things that inspire creativity in kids... how cool are these?

9.  Oh how I adore a good tunic.

10.  I am dying to take on a good DIY succulent terrarium project, and these terrariums have me swooning big time!!!

Have an amazing weekend, and don't forget to set your clocks ahead!

Easter Basket Ideas | For Little Boys

Pete the Cat Book | Ninja Turtle | Magnetic Blocks

Peep Socks | Bunny PJ's | Sunglasses | Super Hero Legos

As promised, I'm sharing some of my Easter basket ideas for little boys.  My son is 3.5, and currently OBSESSED with all things super heroes, Ninja Turtles, and he loves to build things and take them apart on repeat.

As previously mentioned, I always like to throw in some sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and candy treats too, but books, a few toys, and some things that my kids can actually wear/use get tossed in as well.

It's worth noting, that if your boys are really young, you may want to avoid these type of Lego sets and stick with the larger Duplo variety.  We ONLY play with these when younger siblings are napping, and always at the kitchen table.

Hopefully this provides some fun inspiration for you!

Easter Basket Ideas | For Little Girls

bunny purse | bow | jelly shoes

chick socks | sidewalk chalk | sunglasses

bunny book | stuffed bunny

Easter is fast approaching, and with so much going on around here in the next month, I am trying to be proactive and put together Max and Ella's baskets ahead of time, just in case baby decides to arrive before or around the holiday!

I'm sharing some of my favorite ideas for what to put in a little girl's Easter basket today, and will be sharing some ideas for little boys (what's going in Max's basket), sometime this week.

I stumbled across the little bunny purse the other day, and almost died when I turned it around and it had a tail on the back.  It was so cute, I couldn't pass it up.

I always like to put sidewalk chalk and bubbles in my kid's basket to play with as soon as it starts warming up, and of course, there will be some candy treats too!

Swoon Worthy

Good morning friends, and happy Saturday, once again.

These days, I'm living for the weekends, when my husband is home and can help me with M&E, because to tell you all the truth, I am beat!!!

My days of being pregnant are numbered, as our little man should be gracing us with his presence, God willing, sometime over the next few weeks. For now, I'm hoping to keep blogging as long as possible, and optimistic that I will still be able to find the time, as I adjust to taking care of three (yikes) tiny humans!

So, while I'm still able, let's jump right into what I'm swooning over this week!

1.  Since food rules my world right now, let's start there... I made these baked chimichangas the other night, and they were seriously AH-mazing.

2.  I'm about to be a mom to 2 boys, and as much as I love little boy's clothing, I will always swoon a little more over little girl's stuff. I picked up this adorable top for Ella the other day, and I can't wait for it to be warm enough for her to wear it!

3.  Have you guys seen the Alphabet Soup line at Michael's?  It's so fun, and a bunch of the pieces remind me of something you might see at Anthropologie, but obviously, they cost much, much less.

4.  This baked oatmeal recipe is my latest obsession.  I top ours with macerated strawberries, and a drizzle of light cream.

5.  I am looking so forward to spring fashion and (fingers crossed) fitting into real clothes again.  I think this dress is super cute, and would look great paired with a denim jacket.

6.  I haven't made it to the salon for a gel mani in quite awhile, but I'm making it a point to get there for a pedi before this baby arrives.  In the meantime, I've been giving myself manicures at home, using my all time favorite, go-to, nail polish shade.

7.  I always adore a good cuff bracelet... especially when I find one on sale!

8.  Caprese sandwiches and salad have been one of my biggest pregnancy cravings this time around, so when I stumbled upon this toast recipe, I couldn't make it fast enough.

9.  Zara seriously has some of the cutest kid's clothes... these tiny knit trousers... dying.

10.  Last, but most definitely not least, my latest obsession in handmade baby accessories, is Ollie & Tate, and if you happened to miss it, I'm giving away a $25 shop credit on my Instagram account (@kozyandco).  It ends tonight, so if you haven't entered yet, check it out.  Their stuff is adorable, and the quality is amazing!

Have a great weekend!

These Last Weeks of Pregnancy

I am officially 35 weeks pregnant... in other words, this means that sh** is getting real, real quick.

I always find the last few weeks of a pregnancy to be particularly chaotic and full of mixed feelings, but this time, the impending arrival of baby number three is adding to the already unstoppable flow of disarray and anxiousness.

On the one hand, I am huge and feeling incredibly uncomfortable.  I don't sleep well, I have to pee all the time, and daily tasks are becoming nearly impossible.  I miss being able to bathe my kids without feeling like it is a serious workout, I am not enjoying the crippling leg cramps that wake me up at night, I can't wait to wear normal clothing again, and Lord knows, I am in desperate need of a glass of wine.

Being able to eat, let alone drink a glass of water, without getting heartburn is something I am looking more forward to than you can imagine... but most importantly, I am getting so incredibly excited to meet our newest addition and hold him for the first time.  Those first magical moments of hearing him cry, getting to finally see what he looks like, and breathing in that amazing newborn smell, are all blessings I know full well that I will treasure for a lifetime.

The unknown is what always makes me weary.  Not knowing when exactly he will decide to make his way into the world leaves me feeling nervous.  How we will adjust to being a family of 5, scares me a little bit.  What kind of baby he will be, good tempered or not, has me wondering.  How he will handle the craziness that is our normal is certainly something to ponder.  Of course, I know that it will all be okay, that we will make it all work no matter how many balls I have to juggle... but the feelings are palpable either way.

At the moment, I am treasuring these last days with just Max and Ella.  It feel like they've gotten so big suddenly, that they've made it easy for me to forget just how little new babies are... until I started organizing newborn sized clothes and the first box of teeny tiny diapers arrived on our doorstep.

They have both been so sweet throughout my pregnancy.  Rubbing and kissing my belly, whispering "Hi baby brother, we can't wait to meet you" to it, and just being generally affectionate in all things baby related.  Max only caught me off guard once, when he asked my how the baby was going to get out, leaving me speechless for a minute, before Mike stepped in and replied that it was magic... thankfully that answer satisfied him, and he did not ask again.

In so many ways I hope these next few weeks go fast, but as any mother knows... you quickly learn not to wish away time as soon as you become a parent.  It goes by fast enough as it is.... So I'm living in the moment, and preparing for all of the amazing moments to come, and in the blink of an eye, they surely will.

We can't wait to meet you baby boy... whenever you decide to enter this world!

Baby Registry Favorites | For the Nursery

It's been a little while since I published a new post in my "Baby Registry Favorites" series, but today I'm back with some of my personal favorite items for your baby's nursery.

Of course in addition to what is pictured/mentioned here, there is the furniture, bedding, glider, crib mattress, changing pad, etc., but those items are generally a matter of preference, so I decided to stick with some products that pertain to all genders, and work in most nurseries.

Diaper Dekor- Some people are fans of the Diaper Genie, but this is the diaper disposal system we decided on when our first was born, and it has worked for us through 2 kids and more dirty diapers then I care to count, so far.

Boppy Pillow-  This item may not necessarily seem like it should go under this category, but I often found myself using the boppy to help me nurse in the early weeks while sitting in our glider, so that's why it's here. I also love the boppy for tummy time, sitting assistance, and as a lounging spot for babies.  There are tons of fun covers to match any style, in stores like Target, Babies R Us, or on Amazon, but also from lots of great handmade Etsy shops.

Cloud B Sleep Sheep- Another item that we've had a for quite some time now and love.  This sheep is a great sound machine, that can be attached right to the crib, however it's also small enough for travel use as well.  A sound machine is a necessity is you live in a noisy house, especially one with more than one child!

Prince Lion Heart Wipe Warmer-  This item is definitely more of a luxury than a necessity, but for some reason, when my babies are really little, I feel better wiping their bums with warm wipes.

Owelet Baby Care Monitor-  I don't own this product... yet!!! However, I am totally fascinated by it.  This thing would have saved me a lot of worry after giving birth to my first... who I constantly checked on to make sure he was breathing at night #firsttimemomproblems. It's a sock that you put on your baby's foot, and it monitors their heart rate and oxygen levels while they sleep.  It also links to an app on your smart phone, where you can check on these numbers... basically, no more baby spying necessary, sleep easy new mom!

Crib Mattress Protector-  This item, or one similar to it, is worth all of the money in the world.  Between explosive diapers, leaks, spit up, etc, you will most definitely want something to protect your crib mattress, that you can simply throw in the wash... you may even want to register for two.

Stay tuned for a few more baby registry posts, including some of my most loved items for moms, and my favorite small business baby items.

Also, if you follow me on Instagram (@kozyandco), I've got a fun little giveaway coming your way tomorrow!