Dear Harrison, {v. VII}

Posted on by Lauren Lane

My sweet boy. Happy fourth birthday, little man. Four years have gone by faster than I could have imagined. While the sharpness of the memories of your birthday have softened, I remember snapshots in time of those first few days. Pictures etched in my memory of your daddy holding you for the first time, the weight and seemingly perfect way you fit on my chest, moments alone with just you and me, figuring out this new world together. 

It doesn’t feel possible that it’s only been four years with you in our lives. You bring so much laughter and joy to the world, and it’s hard to imagine that the world existed before knowing that joy.

Watching you grow, expand your mind and your heart is pure delight. You are so tough but with the kindest of hearts. I see this amazing little man in you. In the way that you watch out for your brother and friends. In the deepness of the hugs that you wrap us in each morning. In your cleverness and curiosity. The way your eyes sparkle with delight day in and day out. 

I am the blessed one, Harrison. Blessed to know your sweet tenderness and your resilience. To know your heart.  I can’t believe it’s already been four years. It’s an honor to watch you grow, little one. Like I always ask you, ”How much does Mommy love you?” ”So much.” Happiest of birthdays, my little boy. 

Love,

Mommy

Let’s Look At…How We Plan & Do Date Night

Posted on by Lauren Lane

First off, thank you so much for understanding the need for a break last week! Everything just seemed to go haywire, and I needed some time to catch up. But I missed you guys! My week felt like it was missing something the whole time, so I’m so happy to be back!

Given that tomorrow is Harrison’s birthday, and my post will be fully dedicated to my little guy, I’m posting ”Let’s Look” a day early! I love this link up. A fun little prompt sharing a little part of our lives. As usual, the link-up is hosted by two of my favorite blogs (Shay @ Mix and Match Mama and Erika @ A Little Bit of Everything). Before we get to this month’s prompt…a look back at what we’ve looked at this year:

And today, we’re talking date night. You guys, I love a good date night…or date day. 🙂

Here’s the guy I go on date night with for the past 10 years…

A couple of things about this topic as I thought about our seasons of life.

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Life Catch Up

Posted on by Lauren Lane

For many reasons, of which I won’t bore you with, life was hectic and not as planned last week when I work on a majority of my blog writing for the upcoming week. I’m taking this week to catch up and get ready for the week ahead, which includes a very important four year old birthday! (i.e. googling how to make chocolate frosting for a birthday cake.)

I always appreciate your understanding for needing some time away occasionally, and for always popping back in the week after!

My 3 Favorite KC BBQ Restaurants

Posted on by Lauren Lane

Kansas City is known for BBQ. It’s arguably in the same league for BBQ as places like Texas and Memphis in the discussions of top BBQ in the country. Having grown up in KC and eating KC style BBQ my whole life, I certainly have a preference for it’s style. All of that being said, if you come to KC, BBQ must be on your list of must try things while you’re here.

Today, I’m sharing my top three bbq restaurants in KC!

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What’s Up Wednesday {March 2022}

Posted on by Lauren Lane

This might be my favorite post of the month. They’re the most fun to go back and read, it’s a little bit of food, a little bit of my Timehop addiction, reading, watching, all wrapped up in one post.

As always, I’m linking up with Shay and Sheaffer to share with you what’s going on in our life!

1: WHAT WE’RE EATING THIS WEEK:

We did steaks over the weekend, Tikka Masala, and Chicken Pot Pie!

2: WHAT I’M REMINISCING ABOUT:

When we moved into our house. We bought our home several months before our wedding. We had been house searching for close to a year when we finally found our little home. It was such a big overwhelming decision, and I wondered then if we’d love it as much as I thought we would…

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March 2022 Book Review

Posted on by Lauren Lane

In March, my kids went to school most days, life was mostly normal, and the weather started to get nicer, which meant I took more opportunities to pop in my AirPods and go for an afternoon walk…and listen to books. I read three books in March…

And my goodness. They were all GOOD. In fact, if at least one of these doesn’t show up on my top three books of the year this year, I’ll be surprised.

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5 Things to Know When Flying with Toddlers

Posted on by Lauren Lane

There’s this special age range of little kids where they are old enough that they don’t sit still. They’re exploring, maybe even walking…scratch that, running…, and they don’t listen to a single thing you tell them. This is also that special age range where they also don’t sit still long enough to watch a movie, TV show, YouTube video. It’s a really tough age to travel with them, particularly on an airplane. They, generally speaking, don’t have their own seat yet – because who wants to pay for a seat when they can fly for free still? And man, they are a force of nature in and of themselves.

I’ve flown with these special little toddlers several times now. First when Harrison was little, and then just a few months ago with Jonathan all by myself. Here are five things that I’ve found that make traveling with these toddlers easier:

-1- If you don’t need it, check it. Even if you’re going for a short stay and you’re only taking what would be a carry on with you, if you’re traveling with a young toddler, check the carry-on. Your hands will be so full dealing with your little one!

-2- Snacks are life. You run out of snacks, you run out of entertainment. Bring lots and bring a variety. Yes, half of them will end up on the floor. But it’s truly the only thing that keeps their attention an their booty sitting for a long period of time. Bring all the snacks and have them with you underneath the seat in front of you.

-3- I know I said check it all, but bring the stroller and gate check it at the plane door. You need to get a gate check tag from the agent working your gate, but when you’re hauling through an airport, or waiting for luggage at baggage claim, or just need to stand in the Starbucks line for a MUCH NEEDED cup of coffee, you’re going to be glad you have a device to strap them into that they can’t run away from.

-4- 9 out of 10 people on your flight are not going to be upset with you if your child is a disaster. Most people have been there already, whether recently or in the distant past. It won’t go perfectly, but you never have to see these people again. If they have the worst flight of their life, they’ve got a good story and you never talk to them again. Children flying is just part of the cycle of life.

-5- Have their comfort object for take-off and landing. Whether it’s a paci, lovey, blanket, it’s worth it to have when their whole world is being turned upside down during this change in routine.

Happy flying, friends!

My Wash Day Routine for Curly Hair

Posted on by Lauren Lane

It’s been a journey learning how to do my mostly naturally wavy hair. I’ve shared the products I use for my curly girl method hair. I still use all of these, except I’ve switched out my Leave-In Conditioner and Gel. but I’ve never shared the exact steps before. So that’s brought me to this place.

It’s taken me a couple of years to really perfect this step-by-step process, and the products that work for my hair. Hopefully you find something that helps you too, if you’re taming your naturally wavy hair looking for a curl defined look!

On wash days, in the shower…

-1- I shampoo using my curl safe shampoo, and then condition immediately. During this conditioning treatment, I use a Wet Brush to brush through my hair. Immediately rinse out conditioner.

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Friday Favorites {03.18.21}

Posted on by Lauren Lane

Happy Friday, friends! We’ve been surviving with Nathan gone most of this week, but he comes back tomorrow! And I’m so excited to have my guy back. Life is just better and easier with him.

I’ve got a hodgepodge of favorites this week. My favorite self-tanner, some BIG NEWS on the house front, a cute new spring dress, and of course, pictures of my babies. This wouldn’t be the Lane blog without pictures of the Lane boys! Hope you have a good weekend!

Last Sunday, the gray cold winter finally went away, and we spent all of the time outside! It’s always amazing to me how my attitude changes when I can spend some time outside, and when the boys can run around and play ball, go on walks, and explore outside. Yay for spring!

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