Monthly Archives: February 2016

I is for Ivy and Innocence

February 29, 2016

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Do you remember the first lie you told? How old you were? I don’t either (thankfully), but I assume I was approaching my “difficult kiddie years.” I feel like it’s right around the corner for Ivy. She’s going to eventually learn that if I tell Mom this, I’m going to get in trouble and I don’t want to get into trouble, or I am going to lie because I don’t want to do something. It’s inevitable that someday (hopefully later, much much later), she will lie to me. And that already breaks my heart. Or worse, is she ever going to say “I hate you Mom.” OMG I can’t even THINK about that. I will probably die if she ever says that to me. 

The point is, is that, this age, two, is so innocent still. So sweet, so vulnerable, so loving, so carefree, that they don’t even know what a lie is. Can you imagine not knowing what a lie is? Or how to lie? We all need to channel our Jim Carrey selves for a minute and not lie. That would be a little scary! I might have someone telling me to get rid of that excess gut! ;) 

Anyways, I’ve been noticing Ivy’s innocence lately more and more now that Leo’s around. Or maybe because she’s getting older. Either or. But there have been a few instances that I have been like, if you were older, you so would have lied about that. And I hate thinking that! For example, I was in the kitchen cooking dinner and the kids were in the living room playing. All of a sudden, Leo let out a little scream, so I went and checked it out. Ivy was sitting there while Leo was now knocked over on his back lying there. Curiously, I asked Ivy, “Did Leo fall over or did you push him?” She responded, “I pushed him over with my foot and he falled over.” I chuckled, because of how specific it was, but explained to her to not push him over and yada yada. She just says, “Ok Mom.” All cute and stuff and probably not comprehending a single word I just said. Fast-forward another year or so, would she still tell the truth? So nervous about her first lie!! 

So I googled it. I found this article about the ages and stages of lying, and the fibs start happening as early as toddler age! While they’re pretty innocent little fibs, it starts that early! Yikes! I’m basically at the doorstep of the first fib. Deep breath. Wheeeew. I definitely want my children to be honest human beings. In fact, this article states that the most desirable character trait for children is HONESTY. It beat out self-esteem, kindness, good manners, and strong work ethic. That’s pretty awesome. Lead by example, parents! Indeed, honesty is the best policy, after all.

Meanwhile before I get a little heart-wrenched from that first fib, I’m just going to go ahead and soak in this innocence age, and enjoy that my little girl, is still really just that… a sweet little innocent girl ♡

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Photography by Amie Hansen Photography

Friday Finds // 2.26.12

February 26, 2016

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Photo by Amie Hansen Photography

Hello! We are rounding out February this weekend! It’s gone by so fast. With leap year (Feb 29) on Monday then March 1 Tuesday! Holy moly! The weather is looking up and I am SO ready for Spring. I just want my flowers to pop and the grass to grow. I hate this ugly in between winter and spring part. Surely it will come soon enough! Meanwhile, I decorated for Easter this week with a trip to Target. So many cute eggs (like these and these!) and baskets! I love pastels and they’re so cheerful after a dull winter. Anways! No plans for us this weekend. Leo started crawling yesterday so I’ll be keeping my eye on him every second now! EEEEK! Hope you have a fabulous one!


Fashion Finds

Bringing it back to my elementary school days with these chic overalls

And Ivy proooobably needs these pink ones or denim ones to be my mini me. Weren’t overalls the best as a kid?!

I NEED THIS. Long enough for a dress, or tuck it in to be pretty! And the color is “ivy combo” so… yeah.

Linen shirts are the soooooftest

This flowy kimono top will look so pretty in the Spring

These heels are the perfect striped and floral combo

H&M SS2016 is out and I’m in love with this skirt

Can I just wear this and diddle daddle down the streets of Italy with a glass of wine in my hand?

I love mustard yellow color in anything, especially this shirt

This is exactly the style I love for Leo. Bought it!

This rad striped hooded cardigan for Leo too!

Please please. I want to see SOME baby girl wearing this or this for Easter. JUST BEAUTIFUL

Your man needs these shoes

Links I Love

Pastel colored walls are REALLY pretty in these homes

If you have a newborn baby or are about to, you MUST get these adorable monthly stickers!

The next big kitchen trend? Loving it!

I got these super cool Easter eggs at Target and just put them in a clear vase for decor. Easter decorating! Yay!

I’m still really into the copper trend and I love this weave basket on sale!

This floating wellness trend? WEIRD! But looks so relaxing! You literally FLOAT on this salt water. Check it out. We even have one here in Sioux Falls!

These 35 speakeasy bars make me want to do a bar tour in NYC

These wooden dolls are so adorable. You can even buy custom made ones that resemble your family!

How to be more decisive – and stand by your choices

Oh my gosh look at this adorable tooth fairy pillow! Along with a ton of other cute stuff on their site!

Ivy proooobably needs to wear this for St. Patty’s Day – follow the rainbow :)

9 ideas for decorating a nursery on a budget

News on the Net

Ryan Reynolds: Sexiest Dad Alive

Adele wins big at BRIT awards

Facebook’s new Like button

Man charged in death with capital murder. Death penalty?

Oscars this Sunday at 6pm central! Here are the nominees

Apple files motion denying FBI request

Zika virus and the Brazil Olympics. Scary


Happiest At Home

February 24, 2016

Since becoming a stay-at-home Mom, it’s been such a whirlwind. Leaving my teaching job to be able to stay home with our kids was a difficult decision, but watching our children grow up right in front of me, and me being able to raise them each day, has been the greatest gift I could receive (thanks Hubs!). I am soooo very happy that I get to spend so much time with them and teach them about life. Being with them makes me so incredibly happy.

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Getting the chance to see their personalities take shape has been the highlight. We had the opportunity to take in-home photos with Amie Hansen Photography. I was so excited to be in our natural environment at home and for her to really capture what it’s like in my daily life with Ivy and Leo. I’ll have to say I am SO happy with the photos! There are so many special moments captured from our days at home and interactions between the kids and I and Ivy and Leo together. They turned out AMAZING! She truly captured Ivy’s spunk and hilarious antics, while also capturing sweet Leo and his loving side. And the biggest capture… a Mother’s love. I think they are PERFECT! We are definitely HAPPIEST AT HOME :)

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Ivy has become so spunky and is a gazillion miles an hour! She’s so hilarious and I just can’t get enough of her! I mean, that smile is contagious :)

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 And then you get her to sit for like two seconds and get a tad of a cuddle, and then I’m drawn in even more. LOVE.
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Sibling interaction… I CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF IT!!! Ivy is pretty sweet on Leo and she is always trying to copy him, it’s so funny! The baby things she does are hysterical!
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Come on Leo, crawl crawl! Milestone captured! CHECK!
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Mama and son moments. So cherished.

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Hehe, Ivy being her silly self. Quite the entertainer! All eyes on her! Passing time with an easy game of peek-a-boo full of laughter :)

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And then there’s “Mama’s bed,” as Ivy calls it. A warm naturally lit room where everyone can cuddle and play together in a comfy spot. koch0101koch0104koch0097koch0099 koch0066 koch0105 koch0079 Onbed

And that’s why I love being a Mom. The hugs, kisses, cuddles, and laughs are what makes my days joyful. I can’t get enough of these two and indeed, I’ll cherish these captured moments between mom, daughter, son, sister and brother… forever.

Photos by Amie Hansen Photography


My white tee // Ivy’s dress (old from Tea Collection, similar here and here) // Hairbow // Leo’s onesie // Leo’s pants


 

Spring Style

February 22, 2016

Spring is IN THE AIR! Caaaaaaaan you feeeeeel the looooooove toniiiiiiight… ok I’ll quit with the Lion King but it HAS ME ALL GIDDY INSIDE! I can FINALLY see the grass in our yard! Goodbye snow! I have been eyeing so many pieces as every shop has flooded with their spring stock. I cannot WAIT to wear flats and sandals again after boot season. But first a pedicure ;)

Here are some items that have me singing!


Spring Style 2016

hooded parka // wool hat // pink tee // coral flat // cheetah flat // floral blouse


Those flats. LOVE. I’ve been seeing that “t-style” flat everywhere and these flats are sort of the situation where you miiiiiight just have to get the same shoe in two colors :/ (guilty) There are several other different colors too! There are pink ones that are 40% off right now! So pretty.

And that hooded parka, screaming at me in that rust color. Perfect for Spring weather!

The pink tee is just so simple and pretty. Pair it with a cool leather jacket to spice it up or with a light denim jacket to make it cool. A vintage plain tee is so so so easy. And it is 20% off right now with lots of colors to choose from! Kinda loving the vintage gold too.

I’m trying to get more feminine in my old age. I’ve been a (wanna-be) hippie forever and I’m a tad over that. I am in a big blouse phase because I love you can dress it up or make it easy. I bought this pretty floral blouse last week while it was 50% off! I love it. And right now, it’s buy one get one 50% off! TONS of blouse colors and prints. Diggin’ this deer one!

And lastly, a hat. God I’ve wanted a wool hat for the last YEAR and I FINALLY got one! Anthro had it on sale big time (50% off! And still is!!!) last week while I was browsing and I snatched it! If you follow me on Instagram (@kayleemaykoch), I baaaasically wore it every day this last weekend, even Leo, hehe! :)

Happy Spring shopping!!!! xo


 

Friday Finds // 2.19.16

February 19, 2016

Hello! It’s me! ;) I’ve been LOVING this warmer weather. I’m hoping all of the snow is gone soon! I’m definitely ready for winter to be over. Not much planned for us this weekend. Low key sounds about right. Time to get out and enjoy this heat wave for the time being. I am dreaming of times on the lake and boating again! Soon enough :) Oh and I’ve become obsessed with Snapchat, now that I finally actually understand it! Follow along with me – Snapchat – Kaylee.Koch – Hope you have a good weekend!


Fashion Finds

The T-strap flats are totally IN and hip for this spring I want these and these

This denim and knit jacket LOVE (and 50% off!!)

Kinda want these Nike kicks

These high-waist shorts. WANT

Anxious for spring and flowy skirts again

People magazine said light pink is in for spring – like this trench coat

God I’m dreaming about summer with this outfit

Blazer me for this spring

This brand is pretty awesome. Love these leggings for Leo

This romper is probably the cutest vintage thing ever

Pretty much DYING over this brand for kids – this bear romper is just toooo adorable!

Easter planning – dying over this bunny sweater for Leo – and this beautiful eyelet dress for Ivy

Ivy would be totally hip in this color-block dress

Is it too early to buy Ivy a swimsuit? SWOON

Links I Love

Do you ever look at wedding dresses? I do, they’re just so pretty!! I love this one

Oh Joy! has baby stuff now at Target! I’m obsessed with it. The swaddles are so cute and this backpack diaper bag looks perfect

This mod metal planter (only $10!). Must have for some cute little spring plants!

23 must-follow feeds in the world of design

8 cool Instagram accounts to follow

EYEBROWS – we all need help

These woven baskets for baby are SO darling! They’re often sold out but I see them all over Instagram. They’re so cute!

MY GAWD this floral blanket for baby is soooo gorgeous

For every girl and her Mom who played sports. This post is like, HELL YA. (Who run da world, GIRLS)

This post on love was heart-warming

Sleeping babies – so damn cute

BRAND SPOTLIGHT – Little Unicorn: Obsessed with their blankets! I would order this one for Leo and this one for Ivy. They are all so gorgeous. And did you know they have diaper bags too?! >>>>Well this weekend they’re having a Pop-Up shop on Baby Cubby – use code LUPOPUP on this site for 15% off! <<<< And they’ve teamed up with T’Nees Teepees, if you’re looking for a super cool teepee, this is the one to buy!

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News on the Net

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover reveal! 3 different model covers! First time for a plus-size model

Apple and privacy debate with the FBI

Paying respect for Justice Scalia

Affluenza teen could be moved to adult court