My Kids Clothing

Over a week ago I had a conversation with one of my girlfriends about children's clothing and brands of clothing.  I had told her that I tend to be cheap, meaning I don't want to spend a whole lot on any one piece of clothing except for maybe a good pair of tennis shoes.  I tend to like deals and I really like to use store coupons to save even more money. 

But she had me thinking.  Is it wrong to spend a little more on my children's clothing if it means it will wash better and wear longer?  My thrifty ways always seem to catch up with me.  The clothes either shrink a size in the wash, the stains don't come all the way out, or the garment looks awful after a few washes. 

I have made a decision - I am going to buy better quality clothing and less of it.   I feel good about my decision and it certainly helps that I have two daughters who hopefully will both be able to wear whatever I buy at some point.  So I guess that means Maya will get the new clothes while Miss Makenna will have to wear hand me downs.  I assume this will work out just fine until Makenna starts catching on.  I should note that this doesn't mean I won't consider buying something at any random store because believe me, I love all kids clothing.  I am just going to shop smarter and get more wear out of everything I do buy.

I found a few sites that I am in love with that have the most adorable kids clothing.  I haven't actually purchased anything from these sites (except for Naartjie) but I have heard the quality is fantastic and they do have sales!!!  Yippee for me as I can save a little, get better quality clothing, and my girls will look adorable wearing the clothes.  It seems like a win-win situation to me!

Hanna Andersson	Tea Collection	Naartjie

What do you think?
I'd love to find even more sites, so do you have a favorite site or store? 
Does spending more money equate to better quality? 
If so, do you have suggestions on where to find quality at a decent price? 
Does it even matter? 

Let's get a discussion going!

My Book Came!!!

My Shutterfly photo book finally arrived today and I couldn't be happier. All 63 pages are about our amazing trip to Ethiopia. I included as many pictures as possible considering I took over 500 pictures and I tried to document everything. You think we were there for weeks versus 7 days as apparently I had a lot to say! I am just so happy about this book and can't wait to show it off. I love talking about adoption and about Ethiopia. Makenna likes the book too!

A Brother?

On our way home from daycare on Friday, Maya and I were in a deep conversation.  It started with a discussion of her day.  I usually ask which kids were at school, what she ate, and if she was good, etc.  Then are discussion turned and I'm not exactly sure how.  We were talking about her friend Noah and Noah's brother Cole. 

I then asked Maya "Do you want a brother?"  Her reply "Yes".  She then said she wanted us to take Makenna back to Ethiopia and bring home a brother.  She continued saying Grandma (Julie) would then come to stay with her while we are in Ethiopia.  If you recall, my mother did come and did stay with Maya while we were in Ethiopia.

My response to Maya was "You do not want her baby sister to go back to Ethiopia because you love her and she is apart of our family".  Maya didn't agree and thought Makenna should return to Ethiopia.  This continued all the way home.  I told Dave about our discussion and we talked to Maya some more.  We have agreed that Makenna will not return to Ethiopia and Maya agreed she wants a sister and a brother.  We'll see about a brother as two girls are enough for now!

Kids seem to say the craziest things in the most adorable way!  I love this girl.

Balancing work, kids, and everything else

Well I made it through my first week being back at work. I am happy to report it went smoothly and no one yelled at me. Makenna also made it through her first week of daycare but not without some grumpiness. She seems to be exhausted and restless. Poor thing. I know this transition must be hard on her. I am thankful we have a low key weekend planned as family time is very much needed.

I am finding being back at work has its challenges. It is going to be hard trying to find the right balance between working, playing "momma" to my two girls, trying to keep the house up, and everything else in between. Being home the last two months had really allowed me to keep up on the daily chores, run around doing errands, and have time to spend with my family on nights and weekends. I'm already feeling guilty that I don't have the time or the energy to clean up the kitchen or to fold the clothes that have been lying in the clothes basket since last weekend. I wish there was a magic formula on how to balance everything or a magic wand to make all the dishes sparkle and land in the cupboards or to give me 4 more hours in the day. Reality is - I must find the balance and realize I have to let go and not be so hard on myself. Clothes may need to be washed or folded, dishes may need to be washed, but that is okay. My family comes first and I don't want to miss spending time with my two girls. They are only little once and everyone tells me that I must treasure this time with them.

I'd like to know from those reading this - how do you balance work, parenthood, and everything else? Have you found a way that works for you and your family?

You NEED these necklaces!

Purchase of these necklaces goes towards Kolfe Boys Orphanage!

Jodi from JStudios created these awesome necklaces and the proceeds go towards helping all the boys at Kolfe. Who wouldn't want to help an orphan and have a beautiful unique piece of jewelry? I love mine and you will love yours too. I only have 4 left to sell so contact me if you are interested by leaving a comment or emailing me at ethiopiatofargo@gmail.com.

Means "Hope" and is $22 (with chain)

$22 (with chain)

Means "Faith" and is $22 (with chain)

a pendant only no chain, $10

JStudios has many other wonderful pieces of art including more jewelry so check her blog out as you won't be disappointed! Go here. And...if you don't feel you want to purchase a necklace, you can also help sponsor a pizza party for the boys. Check out Lindsey's blog for more details!

my first day back - not so bad

Last night I had a terrible headache, took some Tylenol PM, and went to bed early.  I was hoping for a good night sleep but I found myself awake at 2:15 am.  I then tossed and turned until I finally got out of bed. 

During my restless sleep, I dreamt my desk at work was moved into a closet.  On my first day back I was sitting in this closet and my co-worker who has been covering for me came in with his laptop.  He sat across the table from me and was just pissed.  All of a sudden another co-worker came in and she started to yell at me.  I have no idea why and I have no idea what she said.  I honestly have no idea why I dreamt this but Dave got a good chuckle as it reminded him of the episode on the Office where Dwight moved Ryan's desk into the closet or was that Jim that moved it?  I am happy to report my first morning back went well and no one yelled at me or moved my desk. 

I am at home now for lunch and it seems weird being here without Makenna.  I cried again this morning saying good-bye to her.  Everything will be fine and I'll be fine.  I just need a few days to adjust. 

My Last Day Home

Today is my last day at home and I'm sad.  It really hit me last night and I tossed and turned all night.  We must all adjust again to a new schedule and routine.  Unfortunately Maya's daycare doesn't have a spot for Makenna until the end of March but I found a great alternative.  I am relieved that I found a great place but sad that Makenna must adjust again and then again at the end of the month.  Too many transitions for a little one but what choice do we have?  I must get back to work. 

I had a few goals for myself while I have been home and I feel pretty good about what I have achieved.  My goals:

1. spend quality time with Makenna - done!
2. pull off a fun 3rd birthday for Maya - done!
3. complete my digital photo book of our trip - done!
4. send out baby announcements - done!
5. have professional photos taken of the girls - done!
6. create adoption video - not done :(
7. finally finish Maya's 1 year book - not done :(
8. complete some painting projects around the house - not done :(

Considering my #1 priority was getting to know Makenna and adjusting to a family of 4, I think I did okay.  So what if some things on my list didn't get done.  It doesn't mean they won't ever get done just not right now. 

I will miss spending my days with Makenna but I am excited to get back to the job I love and to see all my co-workers again.  Another transition for us and we can do it.  I have faith!