If I had to choose one thing that is amazing about having a sister, I don’t think I could do it. There are too many wonderful attributes to count! Here are my 10 reasons why having a sister rules!

1. You have an unconditional love for one another. You might fight like cats and dogs one day, but then you are back to being besties the very next day.
2. You understand each others “looks” and “languages”. My sister and I used to have funny sayings and words for things when we were growing up…some of them even stuck until now. We can also just look at each other and know what we are thinking.
3. You can share clothes (hopefully!). Luckily we are similar in build, so we can actually share each others tops, bottoms and shoes!
4. Who else can you talk about your other family members to in confidence that they won’t repeat what you say?!
5. Even if you haven’t talked to each other in days, weeks or months, you can still pick up like no time has passed at all.
6. You help each other in times of need….love, finance, life goals…no one has your back like your sister, even if they don’t agree with your choices.
7. You trust no one with your children but them! A sister just knows you and your crazy ways of doing things. You make them your children’s godparents and protectors.
8. You never want to see them hurt or unhappy. You protect your sister like a mama bear and no one will hurt them or bring them to tears.
9. You influence each other: to work out more, eat better, or get out of the house more. You’re having the most fun with them when you enjoy life events together.
10. You can’t imagine your world without them. They are your blood, sweat and tears. Your bond will last forever. You are sisters for life and no one will take that away from you.

I look forward to the day that these kids realize how much they love and need each other. They are forever united in life. They are forever each others best friend.

Do you have a sister, or have daughters that are besties? Share below your stories or best memories with them!

-Kim and Jamie

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You know that we love products that are free of toxic ingredients (Sulfates, Parabens, Phthalates, PEG’s, Synthetic Colors and Fragrances), etc. When I discovered that babo Botanicals®  made a 3-in-1 Shampoo, Bubble Bath & Wash I was really excited to try it out! I have used their Calming Body Lotion with Lavender for the last year and it’s my go to lotion for my hands before I go to bed at night.

I’ve now used the 3-in-1 Shampoo, Bubble Bath & Wash for my 2 year old and baby and I have to say that the smell is very calming and invigorating! I am partial to the smell of lavender, but this is not overpowering at all. It also produces a lot of bubbles, surprisingly. I didn’t think it would. So naturally my daughter loves it.

Benefits:

Pure Flower Extracts

Sulfate Free

Paraben Free

Tear Free

Hypoallergenic

Gluten, Dairy & Soy Free

No PEG’s or Mineral Oil

Works for the entire family, not just kids!

Head over to my INSTAGRAM PAGE for a chance to WIN your own bottle of  “babo BOTANICALS® Calming Shampoo, Bubble Bath & Wash”

Have you tried any of their products yet? If so, which ones?

-Kim

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My parents just visited from California for a whole week. My mom is BORN to be a grandma. She spent the majority of her waking time either cooking for us, holding a baby, or feeding our two year old, Charli. It was amazing to get to take a shower everyday, to eat hot food and to be able to play with my toddler without feeling guilty about a crying baby needing me to feed or be held to sleep.  After they left, it was bittersweet, but I know they’ll be back again to help. Luckily, 2 of my cousins and one of their kids came to visit us immediately after my parents left. Even though they only stayed with us for 2 days, it was another 2 days that I got help with rocking a baby to sleep and for a playmate for Charli! With it being winter out here in Chicagoland, it’s hard to play outdoors for the winter months. Cousin time was amazing for the kids!

I can’t wait for my sister to visit in April, as it will be the first time she gets to see the new baby! She raised our first child as our live in nanny for 2 years, so it’s great for them to be together again!

Anyway, the neighbors have been so sweet and family have sent tons of cards and gifts along for the new baby. We couldn’t be luckier to have such great support systems.

-Mom and Emmy

-Mom, Emmy and Charli

-Cousin Marisa, Marnie and Emmy

Now that all of my family has come and gone, I really miss them and appreciate the help that they offered! I never knew that taking care of two little ones would be so tough. It makes me really wish that I was back home in California so that I could see them more and have my kids grow up with them in their lives. (Looks like I’ll be planning a summer trip to  CA now!)

-Sweet gifts from our friends in Germany

Happy (although tired) mommy…..

-Kim

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Here’s a recap of Christmas and New Years Eve:

Charlie got her first Princess Castle from Fisher-Price Little People. She loves it. It was just as fun to watch Cory assemble it! I think it was a dad’s right of passage, right?

We had lots of fun opening gifts from family and friends and playing with cousins all weekend!

Did you check out my new Aria diffuser?! It’s like mommy heaven! LOVE!!

The weather here was pretty amazing, I must say. Typical Chicago weather in late December is usually in the 20’s or 30’s. I’m pretty sure it was 50 degrees….and we were NOT complaining!

Then came New Years Eve out of the blue! Jamie visited a friends house to celebrate and Cory and I went to a neighbors house. Luckily it was kid friendly, so Charli got to play with her good friend who is 3 months older than her. She hasn’t been feeling well the last couple of days, so we left at 10:00pm, gave her a bath and put her right to bed. She needed lots of snuggles and TLC to finally fall asleep. Poor thing….

This morning when she woke up, she was such a good spirit, running all around and playing with her toys. All the while, I’m chasing around everywhere with a Kleenex. We watched the Rose Parade (my favorite!) and we’re still in our jammies. A true holiday off!

Well we hope you all had a wonderful holiday season! Here’s to a wonderful 2016! We hope to bring you some new, fab blog posts soon!

(Love this pic of us….sans makeup….ugly Christmas sweater…Charli mad-dogging her Peppa dolls…and Peanut getting into everyone’s business as usual)

The Lavender Ladies,

Kim and Jamie

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