toddler gift guide

Raise your hand if you're a last minute gift-giver? Guilty.  Year after year I try to be ahead of the game, but alas, here I am again stuck in the same spot two weeks before Christmas with a shopping list a page long. I also keep reminding myself the purpose of gift giving is to celebrate the One who gave everything to us and it's important to cultivate a spirit of giving throughout the year (especially if you're a parent because those little ones watch your every.single.move).

I know you're most likely sick of gift guides, but I put together one that would be perfect for the toddler in your life.  Here's what I'm eyeing for Pier this year: 

1. WOODEN ROBOT | I love this little guy.  I think Pier will enjoy moving him in different positions.

2. DRAWING BOARD | Pier has been on a big drawing kick lately.  He's fascinated with pens and coloring! I thought this would be a fun, mess free way for him to spark that creativity. 

3. CHARLEY HARPER BOARD BOOKS |  I'm a sucker for good illustrations and it doesn't get better than Charley Harper. 

4. PLAY POTS AND PANS | We don't have a play kitchen yet, but Pier loves all things kitchen related.  Pots, whisks, spatulas -- he can't get enough of them.  I thought it would be fun for him to have his own set. 

5. TEEPEE | How perfect for a little boy who loves to hide and snuggle?  He's such a cuddly kid and I imagine us reading lots of books and having tickle fights galore in that tent.  Plus it's cute enough to transport from room to room! 

6. THE PERFECT BOTTLE | This is something he actually needs.  We have a sippy cup problem in this house, and I think I found the solution to all my cup woes in the form of this bottle.  A nice stocking stuffer idea!

7. MIRROR BLOCKS | Pier has such an engineer mind.  He's into building things and stacking toys, so I thought these were a unique spin to the traditional building blocks. 

8. RIDE ALONG |  A classic Christmas toy.  We don't have one of these and I can imagine him having a blast scooting around the house on it.  

9. COMFY JAMMIES | Jammies are a must for our family...especially in the wintertime when we live in our PJs! I love these: organic cotton, sweet design, and ethically made.  

10. TODDLER CRAYONS | For the little artist in your life. These are made from natural beeswax and are the perfect size for little hands. 

A few little asides about toys:  Santa will only give each child three gifts to mimic the three wise men giving their gifts to Christ.  As a family, we tend to favor toys made from natural resources rather than plastic. Plus, the light up noisy toys heighten my anxiety and I've learned to eliminate as many triggers as possible to alleviate my symptoms.   We also lean toward quality over quantity. If we need to spend a bit more on something that will last year after year, kid after kid, then it's worth it to us. We would rather support local artisans who are making things to support their families rather than big corporate companies so that's something we look at as well. 

One last toy tip: Make an Amazon wish list to share with friends and family.  These have been life savors for those hard-to-shop-for-what-do-I-get-this-person family members.  I also love that I can curate what my kids get so that way we don't end up with excess toys that aren't needed.  I'm all about simplifying! 

I hope this was a bit helpful.  Now hop to your mindful shopping! 

christmas tree farm + big brother pier

We got our Christmas tree in this weekend and, since the season is full of good news, we thought it would be a perfect time to tell you ours...Baby Fossier #2 is on the way!  Which is why I've been a bit silent on this space over the past few weeks ;).  This little one is already so loved and prayed for.  And of course, I'm super excited to watch Pier become a big brother.  He's a mamas boy through and through, so he mighhhht be in for a rude awakening in a few months.

“‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you...”

— Jeremiah 1:5

I'm about 9 weeks along and due July 8, 2017.  So far this pregnancy has been a breeze compared to my pregnancy with Pier (I was so sick with him I could barely stand!).  I'm still really fatigued and get morning sickness at night, but other than that we're just taking it day by day.  The cold weather is pretty much begging us to stay in our PJs all day and cuddle so that's been perfect for this very tired mama.

Pier is such an analytical little boy...it takes a lot for him to smile in a picture!  Which is why he's Mr. Serious in every single photo.  Still cute of course. 

I would so appreciate your prayers for a healthy pregnancy for baby and me.  Although we are beyond excited to welcome another baby Fossier, pregnancy is super overwhelming at times and I'm still nervous about navigating the logistics of being a mom of two under two.  I also would like to take a moment to recognize those friends who are struggling having babies of their own -- I realize that this announcement might bring up a lot of pain and I want you to know that you're not alone.  Every time I want to complain about the aches and pains that growing new life brings, I will carry you in my heart and offer a prayer for you.  

Have a peaceful Advent + exciting countdown to Christmas! 

new orleans getaway

Remember those glorious days when you could just drop everything and go on a date with your husband whenever you felt like it was needed?  Once you become a parent//living 13 hour away from your favorite free baby sitters (cough cough grandparents) those little moments are few....actually non existent.  We decided to sneak off for a weekend getaway without Pier.  It's actually our first time ever leaving him overnight, and honestly, we needed it!  Brad and I have both been under a bit of stress lately and I thought it would be the perfect excuse to surprise my hard working hubby with a hotel stay sans our child.  

We were actually in town for our dear friends Katie and Jerome's wedding...and the beauty did not dissapoint.  The joy on that girls face will remain with me forever.  They are such a holy, virtuous couple and they both deserve all the happiness in the world.  I'm so excited that we got to be a part of their day!  

Brad and I stayed at the Ace Hotel, which is a walk away from the church were the wedding was held.  It was fabulous.  The cocktails and the food were top notch...plus, the decor was insane.  I could have looked around for hours just in the lobby.  

Our little getaway was such a nice reminder to constantly date your spouse.  Our marriage is such a big gift and I'm beyond grateful that I get to do life with this handsome man.   

backyard campout

In true Fossier Family tradition, we like to find special ways to celebrate our favorite days of the year.  Last night we had a little backyard campout to honor the feast of all saints.  It was a super sweet evening, although it didn't really go as planned ;).  I set up a tent and bought hot dogs and s'mores to roast over an open fire...but our fire pit broke on us, so we had to move dinner inside.  It was also pushing 80 degrees yesterday (what????) and the mosquitos were out so our backyard campout didn't last very long.  But we had so much fun anyway!  Pier loved to play in the tent with mama and daddy.  He was in awe of it all.  In fact, he was so happy in that tent that I made Brad keep it set up so we can play in it together later today.  Happy All Saints Day!

all hallows eve

Happy Halloween from the Fossier crew! Last night was one for the books.  It was our first time trick-or-treating as a family and I couldn't wipe the smile off my face.  You should have seen how giddy I was seeing Pier dressed as the grumpiest chicken alive (but the cuteness was killin me!!!!) AND the fall leaves have reached their peak so it was basically magic.

We went with our dear friends the Keinsleys walking around their adorable town of Noblesville.  The weather was a crisp 60 degrees which was such a surprise because it's usually like... snowing by now.  It was perfect and I can't wait until next year.   

I also got to jump in a pile of leaves with my bestie.  IT WAS GLORIOUS! I mean, look at that joy.  Life dream fulfilled.