Meghan, Harrison, and Hazel

I'm Meghan Shields, single mother to six year old Harrison and two year old Hazel. I'm an avid lover of all things nature, animals, and books. Harrison: September 6, 2012 Hazel: November 18, 2016 Rowdee: October 12, 2019

[littlegingersnaps]

It’s that time of year....

All three of my kids are born in consecutive months. Coincidentally, these months also kick off the holiday season.

So, in just 5 days, I’ll have Harrison turning 8, then we have Rowdee turning ONE????? Then Halloween, then Hazel turning 4, then Thanksgiving, then Christmas.

Phew.

Normally, I’d be sending Harrison off to school, but we’ve elected to keep him home for now with online learning. He is okay with this choice, even though he misses his friends, and we plan to re-evaluate after Christmas break to see if we and him are comfortable with him returning to school. 

I was also going to send Hazel to preschool full-time, but I’ve been sending her 3 days a week for half days. So far, she loves it! 

Since we can’t have normal birthday parties for these kids, I’m planning small things. Harrison is having a couple friends over for a sleepover, Hazel is going to be taking cupcakes to her classroom.

For our big girl’s first birthday (What?? How?), we’re having a few friends and some of Reese’s family over for a small backyard party. I’m making a smash cake for her so we can get some cute pictures of that. It’s not what I imagined, but it’s better than nothing!

We’re all doing well here, just adjusting to the new flow. I’m also thinking about going back to work in the new year, I’ll have to see where Harrison and Hazel are at school-wise before I ultimately decide to go back. Hope everyone is doing well!

[littlegingersnaps]

Hello, Hello!

So I’ve been absent. Again. I know. It’s been a crazy year so far, and I think you can all relate. 

We’ve been trying to stay safe through the virus and lockdown and so far, we’ve been okay. Those first few weeks after Harrison’s school closed and Reese began working from home, we didn’t leave the house at all. We’re fortunate enough to be able to get groceries delivered to our home, so that’s what we did.

I can absolutely, 100% tell you we went stir crazy. I honestly didn’t have time or energy to update my blog because the kids wanted all of mine and Reese’s attention. Unfortunately, he works most of the day, so the task fell on me. Harrison had online school for 3-4 hours each day, so that kept him busy, but I now have a toddler and a rapidly developing baby to take care of!

Hazel did not appreciate not being able to go to the zoo, or the movies, or her gym class. Rowdee did not appreciate having her older sister constantly wanting to examine her new toys (I caved and bought both of them subscription boxes from LoveEvery, LIFESAVER THOUGH!). 

As time went on, we eventually got into a new groove and schedule and things started to calm down, but I was still pretty tired from the emotional toll of everything too. I hadn’t seen my family or my best friends since March, Reese and I were kind of tired of always being in each other’s space, and seeing so much heartache on the news and everywhere else really takes a toll on you. 

Part of me wanted to jump right onto the frontlines and help, but I also knew that with 3 children, I’d be putting myself and them at risk every single day. 

So, I stayed home. And we worked together, all of us, to adapt to a new normal. Now with things slowly opening back up, we’ve visited family and close friends (while being safe!) And even went out to eat for the first time in forever! The virus is in no way gone, and we’re taking all precautions, but it’s nice to have some resemblance of normalcy again.

Harrison graduated second grade with AMAZING grades and we are so proud of him! Despite everything, he continued to work hard and didn’t slack off at all. He’s hoping he’ll be able to go back to school in the fall.

Hazel is INCREDIBLY excited because she’s going to pre-K in the fall herself! She’s been accepted to a small preschool and will begin going for half the week in early September. We’re very excited for her, but my mom brain is freaking out about both the scary germs and the fact that my little girl is growing up SO fast!

Rowdee has been growing like a little weed! She’s now 9 months old and she is just so smart. She can say “Mama” and “Dada”, she knows the word “no” (Both verbally and loves to shake her head) and we’re teaching her some sign language as well. She’s crawling around like crazy, pulling herself up, and I think she’ll be walking by the end of the month! I cannot believe she’s almost a year old and yes, I cry a lot thinking about how my squishy baby cuddle days are about to be over. I already miss having a newborn in the house and may have asked Reese if we could have one more. Kidding. Sort of.

Anyway, that’s the life update I’m sure none of you needed but we’re still here, we’re still crazy, and we’re getting through 2020 as best as we can!

Stay safe <3

[littlegingersnaps]

The flu has hit our household.

I’m not sure how, because the boys, who are the only ones who are regularly around other people, are both absolutely fine.

The girls however have been hit hard.

Hazel woke up in the middle of the night last night screaming her head off. Reese and I rushed into her bedroom to find her blankets absolutely covered in puke. We got that all cleaned up and we set her up on the couch. 

Then Rowdee started throwing up. Of course, everyone always goes “Are you sure it’s not just spit-up?” When your 3-month old is projectile vomiting every 30 minutes or so and has a fever, you know it’s not just spit-up. I of course rushed her to the doctor, and that’s where it hit me.

I luckily don’t have an upset tummy (Adults rarely get nausea and vomiting from the flu, that’s a big misconception!), but I’m coughing my lungs up and I too, have a nice 101.1 degree fever whenever the ibuprofen stars wearing off. 

The doctor gave Rowdee some Tamiflu (along with myself and Hazel) and told me to call him if Rowdee began worsening, but so far, she’s been okay.

Poor Hazel I think has the worst of it. She’s not feeling good at all, and if you look to her left you’ll see her handy dandy throw-up bucket. It’s been handy, to say the least. 

Harrison and Reese both seem to be absolutely fine, but I’m keeping my eye on them. Reese has been fantastic in helping me out, because being a sick mommy with sick babies is NO fun.

And do you think my kids ever call for their dad?

No. 

They do not.

I hope everyone is staying healthy out there! Flu season is in full force! Now I’m off to (hopefully) get some rest while Reese watches the kids for me. Wish him luck, too!

[littlegingersnaps]

Hazel is still unsure of Rowdee. 

She’s very kind to her, but she has moments of “When baby leaving?”

I’ve explained to her that the baby is her little sister, like she’s Harrison’s little sister, but I think she’s trying to get me to give her all the attention!

She does like her, though, and every day is progress. With Harrison at school, I have plenty of time to get Hazel and Rowdee used to each other. Rowdee isn’t the easiest baby I’ve ever had, (That was my darling Harrison), so she cries if mommy goes too long without holding her, and it pisses Hazel off! I have to laugh, she looks at me with the most “WTF” expression!

But when Rowdee is full, happy, and content, she’s able to lay with her big sister and they “get along”

Hazel asked today if she could hold Rowdee, so I think we’re stepping in the right direction!

I’m hoping these two will be incredibly close as they grow older, but only time will tell! 

[littlegingersnaps]

Baby girl, I love you so.

Wow. Rowdee is an entire TWO WEEKS OLD.

I cannot believe it.She fits in with our family so seamlessly that it feels like she’s been here forever, but I also feel like it was just yesterday that I was holding her in my arms for the very first time. 

I can’t wait to see your personality emerge, sweet girl. You are so, so loved.

[littlegingersnaps]

We welcomed the newest member of our family on October 12, at 5:47pm.

Rowdee Marie O’Riley was born after an uncomplicated labor and delivery. She was 8lbs, 6oz. 

We are absolutely in love. 

[littlegingersnaps]

Post Birthday Picnic!

Hello!

Yesterday was an AWESOME birthday for Harrison. I’m still recovering and wanted to spend the day with my new 7-year-old, so those will be posted later,

I decided to set up a little picnic lunch for us- unfortunately, Reese is working today, so it’s just me and the kids! 

I ordered some yummy sandwiches to be delivered from the local deli, and I got us some fruit and ice cream too! The ice cream, an extra special birthday treat for Harrison, was shaped like kitties! He loved them.

As the days get closer and closer to baby R’s arrival, I’m trying to spend as much time as possible with these two kiddos. I remember being so worried about dividing my time when Hazel was born, but now I have to divide my time THREE ways!

I know I’ll be able to do it, after all, my heart has already expanded to fit another little soul into it. We’ve started a countdown on the fridge, and they’re getting excited! I’ve explained it could possibly be a shorter or longer amount of time, and Harrison said “I want it to be shorter so I can meet her!”

He’s such a little sweetheart.

I hope you all are enjoying your weekends!

[littlegingersnaps]

(I forgot to send a reminder but I need sims lol)

If you sent me a message about sending a child sim to Harrison’s bday party, please send them sometime today or tomorrow please! I’d like to get the pictures done this week!

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Harrison is turning 7!

We’re throwing a birthday party for our little Harrison on Saturday, September 7th!

We’re having a small party at our home, at Harrison’s request! It will be a pool party, so make sure your kiddo brings a swimsuit, towel, and a change of clothes!

Please RSVP by the 6th!

(I have spots for a few people to attend this party! If you’d like to send a child sim to me, make sure they are dressed in whatever they’d wear to a party, and make sure their swimwear is all set too! Please send your sims in .package format, I don’t have time to round up all the CC, unfortunately, and I don’t want it all lingering in my game afterwards! Get your sims to me by Friday (September 6) and the pictures will be posted probably the following weekend!

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Thank you! <3)

[littlegingersnaps]

33 Weeks!!!

I’m in my 3rd trimester! I’m SO ready to meet this little girl, and I cannot wait to hold her in my arms.

She’s kicking me like crazy, though, and is rather...rambunctious. It’s how we got her name. (No we aren’t naming our child rambunctious) 

It’s fun to feel her moving around, I just wish she’d stop jabbing me in the ribs.

Anyway, she’s the size of a cauliflower now, which is cool, and her bones are hardening. She’s about 17-19 inches tall and can weigh anywhere between 4-6lbs. I’m hoping she’ll be on the smaller side, but we’ll find out soon enough!

I feel huge, but the doctor said this is probably about as big as I’ll get. I’m completely fine with that, I can barely move around and when I do, my children laugh at me and tell me I look like a penguin. 

Oh well. Chugging along. Getting closer and closer to meeting her!

[littlegingersnaps]

Harrison’s First Day!

New school, same little boy.

Harrison was VERY excited to start second grade at a new school this year! 

We let him get on the bus, but Reese and I definitely followed that bus to his school and met his teachers and all that. 

His first week has flown by, and he absolutely LOVES his teacher! He’s already making new friends (I knew he would) and Miss Spencer has called him an incredibly bright and kind little man.

Saying I’m proud is an understatement. Harrison is loud and in charge, but he’s one of the sweetest souls you’ll ever meet. I know as he grows, he’s going to do incredible things. I don’t know if he’ll always aspire to be a fireman, but whatever he does, he’s going to be fantastic at it.

Here’s the details of his sign! 

Don’t be fooled, I did, in fact, cry as we left the parking lot. Harrison is going to be 7 just next month, and I’m wondering where my baby boy went!

Hazel cried because she wants to go to school too, but I think we’re going to keep her home for one more year. She was very jealous of Harrison though, so I think when next August rolls around, she’ll be ready to go! For now, I’ll enjoy her being a baby for one more year.

[littlegingersnaps]

Sometimes when I can’t sleep, I come into Sweet Girl’s room. 

I’ve had my insomnia kick in quite a bit lately due to this little lady, so I’ll come in here and sit quietly for a few minutes, talking to her. It’s hard to imagine that in just two short months, she’ll be in my arms.

Her nursery is finished, the house is finished, and now I’m just ready to meet my new baby girl. We’ve also agreed on a name, any guesses to what it is? :)

I should be getting back to bed, Harrison starts school tomorrow (!!!) so I need to be up early to help him get ready for the day. I’m just so excited to meet this little one that I can barely stand it!

[littlegingersnaps]

The house is almost done!

Hi everyone,

With my due date approaching, we’re trying to tie up loose ends and get the house all set before baby arrives! I cannot believe I’m 30 weeks ALREADY! I feel like I just announced Sweet Girl’s arrival yesterday!

Anyway, I wanted to show you all what we’ve accomplished.

I know I’ve showed you Harrison and Hazel’s rooms, but I don’t think I’ve shown ANY of the downstairs!

Our main living room! I think it’s super cozy, and we’ve spent many movie nights and rainy days here already!

Our kitchen turned out SO good, you guys! We opened it up to that weird little front room and the dining room, added more cabinets without making it too modern looking, and I spend so much time here it’s insane!

The play room! We turned one of the front rooms into a little play room and sitting area. The kids LOVE it in here, and I love coming in and reading while watching them play! 

This is Reese’s office, as you can tell it’s not done yet, but that’s entirely him. My hands haven’t been in that room at all, and the baby and the kids aren’t allowed in there anyway, so we aren’t concerned.

The back porch! It’s simple, but it’s also very, very cozy. I still need to get a carpet for out here. The other side has the kids outdoor toys, not too picturesque.

And last but not least, look at our gorgeous pool! Yes, the kids use it constantly and yes, I’ve gotten in myself.

Baby’s nursery coming soon! Just wanted to give you a little house update!

[littlegingersnaps]

I. Am. Huge.

Hello. I know it’s been quite a while since I’ve updated, and well, it’s probably because its summer in Georgia, I’m massively pregnant, and I’m spending most of my time 1- nesting, 2- wrangling my children and 3- trying not to die of heat stroke.

My due date is October 16th. I feel like it should be sooner, but it isn’t, and I’m mad about it. I want to meet my sweet girl, and I want to not be a human oven too. 

So. I’m 28 weeks along, the baby is the size of a coconut (but she feels like a watermelon). I’m feeling hot, blah, and irritable and that’s all I’m doing for one of those cutesy things because I’m just in a mood, guys.

However, I am VERY excited to be closer to meeting my Sweet Girl, and she is moving like C R A Z Y! She is a little mover, which is just GREAT because my children don’t know how to sit still. She’ll fit in nicely. 

On non-baby news, we’re almost done with the house! I have some pictures I’ll be uploading in another blog post. We just have to finish Reese’s office and Sweet Girl’s nursery! Harrison and Hazel have LOVED having Bennette ( @ittybennibugs) and her kiddos so close again, and she’s been a lifesaver in taking them when I just need a break and a bubble bath!

Harrison is getting excited for school and Hazel thinks she can talk me into letting her go. Poor girl. 

I’m also in the very beginning stages of planning our wedding! We’re keeping it pretty small and simple, but I need to secure a venue and stuff, I guess.

Hopefully I’ll get more consistent in posting but, let’s be real, I probably won’t.

Until next time!

[littlegingersnaps]

What skin did you use on baby Hazel

(Hi there! This would be an excellent question for @nonsimsical because she made sweet baby Hazel for me!)

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Another before and after!

Hazel’s room is OFFICIALLY done! Standing in here with her furniture, you get a sense for just how small this room is, but we made it work, and we’ll make it work as she grows (Loft bed, anyone?)

Anyway, when I asked Hazel how she wanted her room, she merely said “PINK!” So I picked out a light pink color. We also put on the wooden trim to give the room a little character.

My FAVORITE thing, though, is her bed. We found the bed at an auction-funny, Georgia is filled with old houses, so you can get some pretty cool things. The bed fit PERFECTLY, even though it was very, very, heavy and very, very, hard to get up into her room. 

It was worth it, though, because she is obsessed with that bed. She’ll lie in it playing with her dolls and barbies, or play a game, whatever. She won’t stay out of it! 

She hasn’t spent the night in it yet, that’s tonight. Mom and dad are moving into their room, too! (No, it’s not done yet so you don’t get to see!) So we’ll see if Hazel sleeps through the night in her new room. I am very happy to say that we are all out of the living room, though! Our living room furniture has been sitting in the front rooms, so we’ll start moving that in once we paint the walls. 

It’s nice having a break from work, I haven’t found a new job yet, and Reese and I aren’t in a hurry for me to get one just yet. Once the house is mostly done, I’ll work on it. For now, we’re focusing on making this house our dream home!

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Before and After!

We’ve been very hard at work here in our first week in Georgia.

Harrison’s room is 100% done, and Hazel’s is just about there! I helped Harrison pick out the wall color and wall deco, he decided on the Mario theme overall. (He’s been VERY into Mario since we got him his Nintendo Switch for Christmas!)

He’s happy, and I’m even happier with how it turned out. It’s a small room that still has plenty of space for him to play, thanks to the custom cabinets we installed! He slept in his new room for the first time ever last night and said he loved it. The little star on the fireplace mantle is a nightlight as well, to help with the new house fears, but he handled it like a champ! Yay for Progress!