Tuesday, October 27, 2015

.Getting Cozy With Little Me.
















{Clearly I had a really hard time picking my favorite pictures. They all turned out so cute!} 

Kennedy's Outfit

Sweater, c/o Little Me // Onsie, Carters // Jeggings, Old Navy // Moccs, Sweet N Swag // Flower Crown Headband c/o Snuggle Bugs Bowtique 

My Shoes: c/o Prima Donna {Best dupe ever!! Under $30 & comes in other colors}

Hallelujah, we finally fell below the triple digits here in Southern California!! I'm a little hesitant to type this, because I feel like I might jinx it. It's been rough guys. Having to watch most of America rejoice in the presence of fall, sipping their hot coffees, and wearing cute scarves kills me! I'm not kidding when I say our air conditioning has been on for 28 of the past 30 days. The struggle is real people!! Anyways, enough complaining about the darn weather :)

I, of course, took advantage of this mini cool down and busted into Kennedy's cozy clothes. I have been dying to get her into this striped Little Me sweater. Don't those little bear ears just kill you?! Not to mention it's polka dot and the softest material on the inside.

Little Me has been my favorite baby brand since the day I started building Kennedy's wardrobe. They make hands down the cutest sleepers. The prints and precious little details always melt my heart. Kennedy has a whole drawer full of them in her nursery. Every time she moves up a size, I have the hardest time parting with them. So she also has a huge box of them in the closet that I'm saving....for her little sister one day;)

Also, is there anything cuter than a baby in a flower crown? When I came across Snuggle Bugs Bowtique on Etsy, I almost bought everything in their shop! I've had a mild love affair with flower crowns for sometime now, but this precious ombre rose one takes it to a whole new level. I highly suggest you go check out their shop {here} and follow along with their new arrivals on Instagram {here}. She's been posting her upcoming holiday bows that are to die for!! This one being my favorite.

P.S. Little Me just released their holiday line online and it's the sweetest. I can't handle these pajamas for Christmas morning & oh my gosh these footie pajamas just about kill me with the cuteness!! There's something about a footie PJ with a ruffle. It gets me every time!!

I hope everyone is having a fab week!! Thanks for stopping by and the continued support :)

Xo, Kayla

Daily Doses of Darling:: Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest & Bloglovin'


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Friday, October 2, 2015

.Friday Favs.

Happy Friday, friends!! Today's the best kind of Friday because it's a holiday weekend :) I love when Tyler has extra days off with us girls.Friday Favs is something I used to do back when I started this blog in 2013. I always loved doing it and I thought since I have been a little MIA on here lately (thanks to maternity leave ending) I would shake things up and write one this week! 


The other day I busted out my fall/winter candles from last year. Is never too early, right?! I figured, since it's September, it was socially acceptable. I love, love Bath & Body Works candles this time of the year. They all smell SO good I could eat them. I had 'Spiced Apple Toddy' burning and our house smelled amazing!! They just released new scents and I'm going to pop into a store this weekend because this one sounds like it would smell divine. This pumpkin chai candle also sounds like it smells delicious!

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Speaking of fall, I'm ready to start dressing the part, like yesterday! I have and always will love fall/winter fashion the most. While browsing online I came across these shoes. Ummm, get in my closet, now! I love an open toed bootie. I love these even more because of the price tag! Plus they come in tan and black, which will go with everything. For that price I need both colors! Those shoes in tan, paired with this romper, would basically be the cutest date night outfit for transitioning into fall!

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I've also been loving all things military inspired, as far as fashion. Military vests in particular have really been my jam! I live in dresses year round, and sometimes I want a little something more without wearing a sweater or jacket. They're perfect for layering and look good with just about any outfit! I'm loving this one and this one. If you're not a vest girl, there's also this adorable jacket!

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Keeping with the shoe trend, you've probably noticed a certain pair of gold baby moccs with a giant bow on them that Kennedy wears often. I'm obsessed with them. I would really love the exact pair in my size, please! I've been thinking that Kennedy needs more variety, so I wanted to add more moccs to her collection. Girlfriend needs options when getting ready :) I just ordered her these rose gold colored ones. Oh best part, they are only $20!! If you have a mini, you'll love these. I can't wait to get them on her little toes.  I'm pretty obsessed with these as well. Every little girl needs a pair of kitty flats, right?? I think they would be perfect paired with this BOO-tiful onsie for Halloween time! 

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Lastly, I've talked about this on Snapchat {kotineru}, but this concealer is seriously my secret weapon and holy grail product!! I would look like a haggered mess without it, #teamnosleep. It's the best at covering up dark circles, brightening, and really making you look like you slept for 10 hours after having a spa day! I'm not even joking. That, paired with this under eye cream, have been saving my life and face for the past 4 months! They are a favorite this week and for the rest of my life most likely :) 


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Friday, September 11, 2015

.Friday Favs.

This week flew by! Got to love that. Here's a look at what I've been loving this week...

This week we made our own version of Chipotle burritos/bowls for dinner. I found a recipe for cilantro lime rice on Pinterest and it was delicious! I did use brown instead of white rice because that's what we had on hand, but there was no difference. We added chicken that I seasoned, black beans and all the fixins. It was SO good! Tyler was even going on and on about how much he loved it. {Let's be friends on Pinterest, follow along here}

Back when I was pregnant Bareminerals released their complexion rescue tinted hydrated gel cream. It's a tinted moisturizer that works well with dry skin. I was in Sephora and picked it up thinking it would be perfect since I do battle dry skin. It has sat in my makeup drawer barely touched for the last  6 months. Fast forward to this week, it has been SO hot and humid here in San Diego. I haven't felt like wearing an ounce of makeup! I have been wearing this everyday with just a little powder (my fav & under only $3.99) and my favorite concealer (that I mentioned here) . I put it on at 5:30ish am and it still looks great by the evening!! I couldn't love this product more for an easy, light and fast makeup day!




Every morning I look forward to my coffee. Heck, sometimes when I'm getting in bed at night I get excited thinking about only 8 more hours until I get to have my first sip. Please tell me I'm not alone in this kind of excitement?! Anyways, lately I have been drinking my coffee out of this sassy mug every single morning!! This week it has made my morning coffee that much better. It's the little things, right?


Old Navy really is one of my favorite places to shop for myself and most of all Kennedy. I feel like they are mentioned in just about ever post I do on here. They just carry the cutest stuff and at ridiculously reasonable prices. I'm seriously dying over this gorgeous hat! I love the rich berry color for fall. It's also on sale for $15! A serious steal. I'm dreaming of pairing it with fall floral pieces, like this adorable dress! 





Hope you have the best weekend! Thanks for stopping by.

XOXO, Kayla 

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Thursday, September 10, 2015

.Mini Style, Gap Sale.



Baby Gap is having the "biggest little sale" online & in stores right now!! Everything is marked down  up to 40% off and you can get an additional 20% off online. Um thanks, I will take everything! I linked all my favorites that I'm lusting over currently for Kennedy. This sale is simply too good to pass up. I had to share it with all of you :)

{Just click the pictures above to shop.}

Happy Shopping!!


XOXO, Kayla 

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Tuesday, August 18, 2015

.Kennedy Grace, 3 Months.




There were so many changes this month. It was a really neat month watching Kennedy discover new things. It seemed like everyday there was something new she noticed or started doing. She's a little ball of energy that just loves being with us every second of the day and doesn't want to ever stop moving!! 

  3 months, as of July 30th. I'm just a couple weeks behind haha! To be fair the last couple weeks I have been adjusting to going back to work part-time, so it's been a little hectic around here!

{Weight/Length/Clothing Size}

I am not a 100% sure what her weight is because we did not have a doctors appointment this month. If I had to guess I would say around 13 pounds. She definitely feels heavy now! No more tiny baby! It's weird, because some days I look at her and she seems huge and then other times she looks like a little peanut :) She's still wearing her 0-3 months dresses, leggings, and shorts. She's wearing 3 month & 3-6 month onsies and she can even fit in some 6 months onsies....tear!! It truly depends on the brand. She did move up to size 2 diapers this month and we are exclusively using Pampers!

{Sleep}

It was a great month in the sleep department!! Most days she stuck to her schedule of sleeping 3-4 hours at a time then waking up for a bottle, diaper change, cuddles then rocked right back to sleep. she does that about 2 or 3 times. She also got so much better at taking naps. She usually takes a long nap (1 1/2- 2 hours) in the morning then another great one in the afternoon with a couple little cat naps mixed in. It was a real treat having a baby that naps now more than 20-30 minutes! I was able to get so much done!!

{Features: Hair, Eyes}

She still has all her beautiful brown hair! I keep waiting for the day that it falls out, but I think it's here to stay. I did notice that there's blonde hair coming in on the top. So who knows we could have a little blondie baby in our future. Her eyes seriously change every single day!! They have lightened up so much. They're absolutely gorgeous!!

{Monthly Milestones}

A very exciting moment was when she rolled over on July 12th! I was filming her and actually caught it on camera :) After that, whenever I put her on her belly, she would just roll over to her back. She also started swatting at her toys when she's on her play mat and in her activity chair. Another really big thing was when she discovered her feet!! She's been munching on her hands for awhile now, but out of nowhere she started reaching for her toes. Now I can't keep those things out of her mouth either! Changing her has got a lot more difficult because she always trying to pull her feet up to her head. It's basically the cutest thing ever :)

{Eating}

She's still exclusively getting breast milk and eating like a champ! She eats about 3 ounces still at a feeding. She's our little milk monster :)

{Kennedy Loves}...

Eating her hands and feet
Cuddling with Mommy & Daddy
Bath time, I really think this may be her favorite thing! She could hang out for hours splashing around.
Her binky, she still mostly wants it only when she's going down or in the car
Music time with Mommy
Tummy time
Sitting in her bumbo
When we talk to her in funny voices or when we make weird/funny noises
Getting her clothes changed
Going for rides in the car or going on walks
Going shopping with Mommy
Her mamaroo {this is how I shower & get ready when I'm home alone, lifesaver!!}
Her rock-n-play, this is the only way she'll sleep! We will be transitioning her out this month.
When we help her stand, she pretty much demands this alllll the time now if she's on our lap!
She loves to dance to the music when she's standing now too! She drops it really low and does the stanky leg, haha!
Smiling, this girl is happy 99% of the time and more often than not has a big gummy smile when you talk to her.
Being rocked to sleep by mommy. If she's upset this is usually the one thing she wants!


{Kennedy Does NOT Love}....

Being hungry!!...still the number 1 reason she gets cray cray!!
Being in her car seat if she's not moving
Being still, this girls loves to move. I think she's going to be a dancer :)


On A Side note, I mentioned in my Baby Must Have post that I am loving zip front footed pjs. Well I have to share with you my all time favorite style!! Seriously after trying a ton of different styles/brands I have found the best. They are so soft, adorable and come in ever color. A must have for your little bundle of sweetness. You can shop them {here}. I am going to stock up for the cooler months before they sell out again! 


XOXO, Kayla 

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Tuesday, July 28, 2015

.Modern Wrap & Kennedy's Birth Story.










Baby Wrap c/o Modern Wrap {use code: KAYLA15 for 15% off}

This wrap is everything! It has made the last couple months much easier. Kennedy loves to be held so it makes it hard for me to get things done when it's just me! Modern Wrap to the rescue!! She cozy and close to mama. It makes both of us happy. I love it for around the house and when I'm out and about. It makes shopping that much easier :) If you're pregnant or have a little one, I suggest you get one in every color! 

I also thought it was about time I shared my birth story with you guys. It was such an amazing experience that was hard to put into words. It's a long one so you might want to grab a cup of coffee or tea :) 

The idea that I wouldn't know when and where I was going to go into labor was always exciting to me. I loved the thought that it was the ultimate surprise, and as prepared as we were, I had no control over her actual birth date. Towards the end of my pregnancy I would wake up and think "today could be the day!" With each passing day I would grow more anxious for her arrival. About a week and half before my due date, I had a normal check up with my doctor to see if I had progressed. I thought for sure she was going to tell me that I was at a 2 or 3, but sure enough baby girl was secure and cozy. We went ahead and scheduled an induction date for a week after her due date, just in case she decided to stay locked up tight.
April 29, 2015 was like any other day. Still no signs of labor and I was beyond uncomfortable! After a very laid back day spent going to breakfast with family and hanging around the pool, we were going to dinner because it was Tyler's sister's birthday. Everyone at dinner kept asking me when I thought the baby would be here and I truly thought we were going to have to wait until her induction date. I still hadn't experienced any early labor signs. No braxton hicks or bloody show! When we got home that night I had the urge to finish packing my hospital bag and make sure we had everything together in the diaper bag for Kennedy. I took a nice long bath and called it a night around 11:30.
April 30, 2015 I woke up with the intense urge to pee around 12:45 thinking nothing of it because this happened about 20 times every night! To my surprise, this was a little different than every other time. I had finally lost my mucus plug; I was so excited! This meant she would be on her way hopefully within the next couple days. I went back to bed with a huge smile on my face. It wasn't more than 15 minutes when I started having what I thought was mild contractions. Every time they came on, they felt even stronger. I was quite uncomfortable, but not wanting to wake Tyler since he had work in the morning I went in Kennedy's room to distract myself. After about 45 minutes of this I was growing more and more uncomfortable and decided to wake Tyler just in case. I told him he should get his stuff together just in case. Naturally, he thought I may be over reacting just a little and started to time my contractions. Before we knew it they were about 4-3 minutes apart. We gathered all our things, I did some quick dishes, and we were on our way.  I insisted that we stop, so I could get something to eat, because we knew how long it would be before I could eat again. Since it was about 2:00am there wasn’t many options. I had to settle with Jack in The Box. As we were waiting in the drive thru, my contractions were coming on harder and stronger leaving me silent for the duration of them. I was feeling them mostly in my hips and it was a pain like I had never felt.
Within 25 minutes we were checking in at the hospital. They put us in a room and we waited for the doctor to come check to see where we were at. The whole time in the back of my mind, I was so afraid that they were going to send us home. I knew that if I wasn’t at a 5, this was a very high possibility. After what seemed like forever and 8 contractions later the doctor was there and telling me I was at a 2. A whooping 2?! I felt embarrassed that I was in so much pain and only a 2. She gave us our options and strongly suggested that we walk around for the next 2 hours to hopefully move things along. Since it was still very early morning we took her up on that and started our trek around the hospital. At this point my contractions were about every 2-3 minutes and came on so strong stopping me in my tracks every single time. They were still exclusively in my hips. With every lap I would stop in the restroom to throw up and then keep on with our walk. I could not get comfortable at all. I tried sitting, curling up, standing and walking through them. Nothing was working! I was beyond defeated. The doctor mentioned that if I felt it was necessary we could get put in a room and I could get something for the pain. I want to tell you, that I never take pain medicine. It just doesn’t work well with my body, but at this point I was desperate for something to help me. On our last lap, I was in tears and told Tyler I couldn’t do this anymore. I wanted to take the doctor up on her offer. We went back to the room and sure enough, I was still a 2. They started processing me and we were on our way to a room for some relief. She warned that a lot of times the medicine slows things down and I may get sent home.
As we were getting settled in, I kept telling myself don’t get your hopes up she may not come today. As they were hooking me up to an IV, about 4 nurses came into the room. They started asking me what seemed like a million questions. One of them said “looks like we are having a baby today!”. Immediately I started crying. I think a little bit of it was from being overwhelmed and the other part was because she was finally on her way! Once the medicine started doing it’s job, I felt like a new women. It calmed down in our room and we were able to call our parents and tell them the great news. My mom and Aunt were on their way down and we decided to get some rest. After a nice nap they came in to check on me again. I was at a 4. Thank goodness!! I was very happy that my body was doing it’s job and progressing. By the time my mom and aunt got there, my medicine had wore off. I had it in my birth plan to wait as long as possible to get my epidural, so I could walk the halls to move things along. I had the nurses unhook me and the four us started our little adventure around the labor and delivery floor. My contractions were back in all their glory and coming on very strong. Again they were exclusively in my hips and stopping me in my tracks! Everyone was excited and taking photos and videos, but I was trying my hardest not to cry. This went on and on for about an hour. We got settled in again and the doctor was on her way to check me. I was a 5! Slowly, but surely we were getting there. I had been in labor for about 10 hours at this point, so clearly it wasn’t moving as fast as I wanted. The doctor asked me why I was torturing myself and waiting for the epidural if I was going to get one in the long run. She explained to me that even though I was having contractions, they weren’t as strong as they’d like to see. Again, I felt like a baby, what did she mean they weren’t strong?! She told she wanted to start me on petocin to speed things up and my contractions were going to be about 20 times more intense. I took her advice and agreed to getting the epidural. Best decision I ever made! Once it was in and working I felt great. I was able to enjoy everything that was going on and get excited. It was funny because Tyler would watch the monitor and tell me I was having a huge contraction, but I felt great! The next couple hours went by fast. They were spent hanging out and visiting with my immediate family. They came in to check me around 5:00pm and I was at a 7. The doctor then broke my water and told me she’d be back in couple hours to check again. Around this time I started feeling the contractions in my right hip again!! It ended up that my epidural only was working on my left side. They tried multiple times to fix it. It would work for a little bit, but within 15 minutes I would feel everything again on the right. Since at this point I was at a 9, I didn’t want them to have to redo my epidural. I decided that I could power through it. It wasn’t unbearable, but it did distract me again. It did cause me to get extremely nauseous and I would throw up when I had a big contraction. This had been the longest day of my life! I really wanted to get some rest before I had to push. I drifted off to Tyler watching the NFL draft anxiously waiting for the Chargers to make their pick. About an hour later I woke up in a panic feeling like I needed to go to the bathroom right this minute!! I announced to everyone in the room that I needed help because I needed to get the restroom right now. My mom and Aunt told me that meant she was on her way and they called the doctor.
The doctor was in within minutes and sure enough I was at 10 plus 2. It was baby time!!
This is where everything kicked into high gear. About 5 nurses were in the room setting everything up. I said bye to all our family because I was only having Tyler and my mom in the room. We started pushing at 8:00pm on the dot. I pushed with all my might because I wanted her out! I remember being so thirsty the whole time. Since I was having issues with keeping water down, I had to wait to have anything. This was also motivation! When I look back on when I was pushing it was such a blur. I tuned everything out except for my mom and Tyler counting. They were the best cheerleaders. I felt so much pressure and the doctor announced that Kennedy had so much hair. Yes, all that heartburn was worth it! I pushed and pushed and at 9:00pm we heard that tiny little cry and they placed her on my chest. Through tears and kisses Tyler and I kept saying how cute she was. We spent the next two hours and everyday since loving on her. She truly is our little miracle girl and we are in absolute baby heaven.

XOXO, Kayla
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Monday, July 27, 2015

.Striped Swing Dress.






Dress, ℅ Impressions Online Boutique // Sandals, Nordstrom // Sunnies, Anthropologie // Purse, Tory Burch // Necklace, J.Crew {old, loving this version even more & on sale!}

Recently, one of my favorite boutiques, Impressions Online, launched their very own clothing line-Merrit. I got the pleasure of a having a sneak peek and playing dress up with a couple of their items. Well, I fell in love with everything! The collection includes lots of leopard, a gorgeous flowy turquoise top, and this swing dress. I have worn this dress to death since I received it. Every time I wear it, I get so many compliments and questions about how they can get their own! This dress is one of those pieces I truly believe every girl should have in their closet. You can't go wrong with stripes and the fact that it has pockets just makes my heart happy. It looks cute with sandals, but throw on a necklace or five and a pair of booties and you have the cutest little outfit for a night out with your guy or girlfriends!

I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend! On Saturday we took Kennedy swimming for her second time. She loved it! She's such a water baby. It's the cutest :)

XOXO, Kayla

P.S. The bows that Kennedy wears almost every single day are on sale with free shipping right now! They come in a ton of colors. You can shop them here.









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