Before Baby Arrives {parents only day}

We are at 9 weeks left and counting down before little baby shank makes his way into the new world!!! Yes, I'm only 30 weeks pregnant but baby shank will arrive a week early by c-section.

I have to show off the bump!

30 weeks with baby shank 

I had originally planned a full on 2 day baby moon (I believe that's what most call it) with just Kale and I. We were to spend 2 days in Indianapolis, wine and dine minus the wine at some of the local spots I found, and shop for our little ones at the outlets mall. But, things always come up especially when you have a family of 5.

So we opted for a local one day parents get-a-way instead. 

I always want to shop...but don't always get the opportunity. So, I did some shopping. Meanwhile, Kale is wanting to try out some new places in town we've never been. I always LOVE to go to new places!! New environment, New food and you never know what you will get!

First stop: Zuki.

This is my favorite sushi restaurant in town and I was sort of craving some good sushi. While it is definitely not a new place to us, I begged him to take me for dinner before we went galavanting through town to the new places he had chosen for us. Their downtown location just opened so we wanted to see what they did with the old bank...they did fantastic :) Loved it!

Of course the only photo I snapped, kale was giving me "that look" of "please don't take a photo of me"

And the back story from this photo... This would be a small mound of wasabi. All of us parents know the movie Cars 2 right...

So, Kale likes to humor me. Any which way he can. I'm finishing up my food and I look up at Kale to see that he has wasabi on the end of his chop sticks. He cocks his head to the side, makes a silly face and then loudly enough for others to hear he says: IN HIS MATER VOICE

"DO NOT eat the FREE pistachio ICE CREAM.... IT HAS TURNED...."

I immediately bust out laughing so hard I almost peed myself!!! Seriously Kale. 

LOVE his humor. 

We walked the strip downtown a bit and then decided on our next stop. Ri Ra's Irish Pub. We've never been and have booked the upstairs for our wedding reception. We figured now would be a good time to go, check out this local hot spot and try some of the food.

Kale sample tasted a few different whiskey's and by this time we were hungry again. So, we ordered some of their famous potato cakes.

The potato cakes came out and of COURSE being PREGNANT..I took one look...absent minded that this WAS NOT a dessert...and said:

"Oh my gosh...is that chocolate????!!!!" I swiped some with my finger and stuck it in my mouth. NOPE!! Was I surprised when it tasted TERRIBLE. TERRIBLE only because I was expecting chocolate!

It was balsamic reduction sauce. seriously preggo? seriously? Kale was rolling! At least we made each other pee our pants in the same night :)

WOW. I am definitely suffering from this pregnancy. It has taken over my brain.

Our last stop was Deerheads sidewalk bar and cafe. I love this place and Kale had never been so this was a treat for us both.

We got lucky and it was a night when they contracted a band to play. These gals were the "Honey Vines". They were pretty excellent. I sang along and had a wonderful time. We spotted a drunk chic and had a few good laughs..sang along to some of the songs and finally made our way home.

What a fun date day. I definitely enjoyed it and was really surprised with our new local spot finds. 

The countdown is on.

I'm so glad we were able to enjoy a date day, eat great food, have fun times and great laughs. We both already know when this little one arrives...life...will... be... hectic to say the least :)

~ The Shank Family

A Few of My Favorite Things {baby #4}

Nearly 4 kids later...and there are STILL items out on the market today that I've never had the pleasure of purchasing and using. There are also small things included in this list that I want to try! So, I decided to create a list of my favorite things...for baby #4!

After pinning items | ideas and researching new items for baby #4 - helping make life easier and/or less expensive...here is my list for baby. I am really excited to get my hands on some of these items!

1. Infantino Squeeze Station

This item is really neat. These little fruit/food squeeze bags range from 98 cents to around $3 in most stores. The organic ones can be even more. I loved buying these for Morgan as we travel, go out, go shopping or just have a day out of the house. 

Not only can I create healthier versions (without all the junk) but this squeeze maker will save me a ton of $!

2. A Super Unique Birth Photo/Announcement

Not to be a total copycat...but...this is so super cute :) Being that this is our last baby...I think I may try something unique for baby shank this time. I want to say "I doubt I will get to this while in recovery" but ya never know! It's on my list.

3. Baby Bottle Gripper

It would be totally necessary to say that this item is a waste of money but I thought it was super cool and could help with motor skills earlier :) Plus...its green and cute. I think I will have just one!

4. Cloth Diapers

O.K. So I really thought about purchasing these with Morgan but after so much time went buy without the initial purchase, it would have been a waste to do so later. So, we skipped trying these with #3. Now that we are having our last kiddo, it probably still isn't worth the investment. But, I really want to try these out. I may buy just a few. I know over time, they can save lots of $. I really want to buy just a few and try these out with baby #4.

5. Boon Bottle Drying Rack

This has already been purchased but I wanted to include it within this list. Kale couldn't stand the collapsable racks I bought with Morgan. Not only were they not large enough to hold baby's stuff + my nursing stuff (so I bought 2) but they just weren't that great in Kale's mind. He wanted a cool looking rack with storage for anything and everything of size. He was tired of having to "place" items according to size on the previous racks. 

This was actually our first baby buy. Kale loves it even though he hasn't had the opportunity to use it yet.

#6 Baby Video Monitor

Again, with this being our last kiddo...this may not be worth the investment. I did, however, find one that was truly not crazy expensive that I loved. 

Kale and I live in (technically) a 3 story house. Between the laundry room (basement), first floor and second floor of house with baby being on the second floor, this bad boy will definitely keep us from having to run from basement all the way to second floor to check on baby shank. We get to simply carry the monitor with us wherever we go in the house. This will be a lifesaver!

#7 A Bapron

I pinned this 3 years ago and was planning on making a few for Morgan but never got around to it. I love the idea that this large apron/bib covers baby from neck to knees! Talk about a laundry lifesaver! I want to create a few for baby #4. I will have to get crafty...but hey...I love to sew.

#8 Smaller bedside Sleeper

We purchased a bedside sleeper for Morgan before she was born. Having to deliver through c-section, this makes life extremely easy while I recover. Baby gets to be right beside me for the 3 weeks I am in bed. Morgan's co-sleeper was huge. It was also expensive! In our experience, it was large, expensive and bulky. Too bulky. We also spent a ton of $ to only use it for a few short months. I found this alternative on Babies R Us website this past month and love it. It's sleek, serves my purpose while in recovery and is at a fraction of the cost!

#9 Washable Nursing Pads

Seriously? Were these around when I had Morgan? If so, I never would have purchased them. My idea with Morgan was convenience vs price. How awesome are these!! This will definitely save this mamma some mula and they are probably much more comfortable than the disposable ones (not as scratchy). I've also already purchased a few boxes but wish to have a small arsenal before baby #4 arrives.

#10 This. Onesie.

I'm pretty sure I could create this myself. I might even take the leap and try. I'm not sure if this can be purchased from Etsy...but either way..baby #4 will have one!!

being a photog...I have. to. have. this!

#11 A Boba Wrap

With a nearly 3 year old in tow everywhere I go (hey that rhymed!) I must be resourceful here. I think this would really help me when it comes to shopping with Morgan and baby. I can't wait to buy one of these. I've never owned or used a wrap before so this might get interesting.

That's about it. These are some of my favorite things! Now...to execute my plan on 

owning | using | creating!

~ The Shank Family

Downtown Dells {Wisconsin Dells Vacation}

During our vacation and the day we left to go home, we decided take a trip to the Downtown part of Wisconsin Dells. This place was pretty amazing. The "downtown" strip was full of fudge/candy stores, restaurants, t-shirt and gift shops and tons more. It was like a pregnant woman's dream strip (food wise).

The first trip we took downtown was to visit and view. Kale and I were also desperately wanting to visit Cheesecake Heaven. Yes. We. Love. Cheesecake.

We decided at nearly $6 a piece, that Reeses Peanut Butter Cup would work for us both. Oh boy, its a good thing we decided to share a slice. Two bites and we were both sick with creamy cheesecake goodness.

Old Town Charm

My boys were especially intrigued with this particular t-shirt "Mom..I want this shirt!" ME: " um...NO" But I did snap a pic of this crazy shirt for my own amusement.

We purchased enough candy at this shop to put everyone in both Condos into a sugar induced coma for a week!

Guitar Player collecting donations

Of all the fudge shops, this one really caught my nose! It smelled amazing! Walking down the strip we could smell the candy being made.

Eating up all of our fudge and chocolate covered goodies

We enjoyed eating at Mac's. This little place was a macaroni lovers paradise. They served macaroni and cheese in 15 different combinations. It was actually difficult to make the decision on which "mac" we wanted to try!

I ordered the pulled pork mac

Kale ordered the lime chicken mac

Morgan, Colten and Tyler just wanted cheesy mac

All in one day...we bought 3 pounds of candy + fudge + chocolate coated goodies + I wasn't leaving without eating a fresh caramel covered apple. I was in love :) Not only was this a homemade fudge shop BUT everything was so fresh...the caramel melted off the apple in my mouth. It was absolutely amazing.

The second day we visited, I knew I was getting funnel cake. Absolutely craving this when I saw it during our first trip.

 These funnel cakes were divine. Fresh. Soft and warm. Powder sugar coated goodness. 

We also did a little gift shopping while we were down there. I purchased a Dells t-shirt, a Dells bear stuffed doll for Morgan and Kale bought himself a new coffee mug.

Morgan fell in love with this pink elephant. She actually didn't want to get off. So, we let her "ride" the elephant and snapped a few pics.

If we ever come back to the Dells, we are definitely going to visit downtown again for some amazing food and treats.

~ The Shank Family

Indoor Fun {Wisconsin Dells Vacation}

When we weren't laying in the sun, swimming, floating down slides, enjoying the lazy rivers...we were enjoying time with family inside the Condo and exploring some surrounding venues for non-bathing suit fun.

Some little moments we shared that I wanted to document:

Nora's Birthday Party

Kristen (my sister in law) threw the cutest rainbow birthday for cousin Nora's #3! It was so much fun and the kids had a blast. The food was fantastic, the cupcakes were fantastic...and this preggo got to take home a bag full of one of my favorite candies - SKITTLES!

Morgan and her Cousin Nora

The whole family celebrating together!

 It was pretty amazing to be a part of a birthday celebration with a family that lives out of town. I don't believe (if memory serves me correctly) that we've had this pleasure. It was fun and cute. The kids adored their cousins! We are so blessed to have been able to share in this special day.

Homemade Ice Cream courtesy Grandpa Rush

Talk about a deliscious recipe...with toppings galore. This ice cream was gone quickly! You can tell from the photos how fast Grandpa was moving to get everyone served :)

Pre-Making Coffee with Daddy

Morgan is our helper. At home. On the go. Anywhere. She LOVES to help. I love documenting moments in her life when she is helping :)

Card Games with Grandpa Rush

Boys Day at Knuckleheads

While us girls stayed and played at the Condo with the little ones, all the boys went a crossed the street from the Lodge to a place called Knuckleheads. This place was an indoor trampoline/amusement park. From Kale's report (even though he didn't get photos other than these) the boys got to walk on this skywalk, drive bumper cars, drive go-carts, ride some carnival type rides and play tons of video games. They came back exhausted but excited. It was like a totally new adventure within an adventure.


Shopping at Tanger Outlets

I didn't get photos while we were shopping (because our eyes were too lit up with cute items to take photos) but I had a good time with my sister in law Kristen at Tanger Outlets. Tache joined us the first day and we were adoring baby clothes together. These photos above were taken from our Condo window. The outlets were Literally right across the street (behind our Condo). I could have accidentally sleepwalked myself to the mall :)

Adult Time & Games

We also enjoyed a few adult nights playing this fabulous game but I can't remember for the life of me what it was called. Kale thinks it was called "Game in a Bowl".  From what I can remember it was sort of like the game Pictionary but we wrote down words or phrases and stuck them in a bowl. Girls vs Boys. The first time we went around the group, we had to describe the word without saying the word. Second time around was acting the word out without saying anything. The third time around was clamation. The fourth time around we could use one word except THE word to get someone on our team to say THE word. It was a ton of fun!

Needles to say: I would love to play this game with my other families sometime!

We had a lot of fun enjoying everyone's company day in and day out for a week!

~ The Shank Family