On the 21st we took the 2 hour train ride to our first trip to Paris. I have wanted to go to Paris since I can remember. With Luxembourg being so close it was finally possible. We may even go again in the Spring!

We stayed at Novotel Eiffel Tower and we loved it! All of the staff were very sweet. The breakfast spread was huge and delicious. I don't know what is up with the 20 euros a person for breakfast, but otherwise it was a win.

I couldn't possibly put all the pictures because then you would be scrolling for daysss. So, I'll just show you guys the highlights and our favorites.

Eiffel Tower 

Arc de Triomphe

Pont des Arts (Love Lock Bridge)

The Louvre

Notre Dame Cathedral 

You know I have to share my Macaroons and Chi Chis(Churros)

We had an amazing trip and can't wait to go back in the Spring to finish seeing the rest.

Au Revoir!

Merry Christmas from Luxembourg

We took a 3 day break from our travels to spend time together with our little family, American friends, and Luxembourgish friends. It's no secret that holidays are hard being away from home. This is our 2nd Christmas being away from family. Two of the years while overseas it always worked out that we were home by Christmas. This being our 1st as our little family nothing will stop our joy of being together. Seeing a holiday through a babes eyes is one of a kind. Every light and present makes her absolutely ecstatic. Teaching Brynn from a young age that Jesus is the reason and being thankful for our savior is going to be my favorite thing. I know the holidays will keep on getting better!

 Here in Luxembourg they celebrate for 3 days, the 24th, 25th, and 26th. We had Raclette with one of Brads teammates family Christmas Eve, a traditional Christmas meal with a fellow American couple from a team in Brads leauge Christmas night, and a lunch with friends from Brads club today. We spent our time thankful for our Lord and Savior and his continuous blessings.  It was all absolutely perfect and we couldn't have asked for more!

Here is a little look at our 1st Christmas as a family of 3….

Yep, Brynn had 9 Christmas outfits.

Brynn had an impromptu first meeting with Santa and she was extremely thrilled.

Our Christmas Eve filled with Raclette and play dates. 

Christmas day consisted of presents being eaten opened and indulging in food!

Hope all of you had a glorious Christmas holiday! 

Jesus is the reason for the season. 

Brynn's[FIVE]Month Update

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE! Our sweet Brynn Renee is 5 months old today. 

Weight: 15 pounds 6 ounces (as of 12/11/14)

Height: 26.5 inches (as of 12/11/14)

Diapers: Still in a solid size 2 in american diapers and size 3 in European. Cloth diapering babe when we are home.

Eating: Still EBF, but tried some cereal and she wasn't a fan. So, we will try again next month. Have full intentions to make all her baby food when the time comes.

Clothes: Completely done with 3 months and 3-6 months. 6 months is perfect and a few 6-9 months. Once again it all depends on the brand. In Euro sizes she is a 68 or 4-6 months. Slowly, but surely figuring it out for her. It is so fun getting to dress her!

Mood: Very happy unless the whole teething thing gets in her way then she is hell on wheels. Oh wait, am I not supposed to say that? oops. She has done a few episodes of crying for an hour straight before completely exhausting herself. The clove oil and cold wash clothes work here and there, but need to get my hands on a amber teething necklace and my mom is bringing punkin butt oil!

Sleep: She definitely hit her 4month sleep regression waking every 2 to 3 hours to eat. Here the past couple of days though she has done 5 to 6 hour stretches. Hopefully that is a sign that she is getting back on track. Although, she still refuses to go to bed before 11pm happy as a clam. Can only blame ourselves for that since we are out so late on game nights. She sleeps in her own room in a big girl crib, but without fail every morning she ends up in bed with us when she wakes up between 6am and 7am.


Brynn,

I swear you just turned 4 months old or better yet I just had you! I am blown away at what a big girl you are. You can now roll over back to belly and once belly to back, but much rather sit up now that you can on your own. Until you get super excited and fling yourself backwards that is. The doctor commented on how very strong you were. You love to stand on our laps, on the couch, or holding onto the coffee table. You can't craw, but sure can scoot yourself on your belly all over the place. You think your feet are the coolest things you've ever discovered.

You are starting to hate the nursing cover and will do whatever it takes to get your hand/head out to look around. Focus baby girl and I promise I'll fatten ya up. You are now to the stage where you grab for everything and want to put it in your mouth. You love water. You love chewing on ice in your mesh food eater even more. You still love your piano, but rather sit up to eat it.

You are a fan of any and everyone talking to you to make you laugh/smile. You make me the happiest momma. Through good days and bad days I can't wait to hold you and squeeze you. You make me want to strive to do whatever I can to make you feel better. I can't wait to continue to watch you grow and your personality to grow! Tomorrow is your 1st Christmas and we are probably way more excited than you. I promise soon you will love Christmas just as much. Remember Jesus is the reason:) You bring so much joy to momma and dada. We love you Brynnie bug! Forever and ever, yesterday, today and tomorrow too.

Holiday Survival Kit

Here I am teaming up with Man Crates to put together my Holiday Survival Guide. Now, if you haven't heard of Man Crates you need to check them out ASAP. It is the coolest manly man gift I have come across and you better believe Brad will be receiving one of these in the near future. Now for my survival I need:

ONE// Allegro Moscato. This is one of my favorite brands of Moscato. Need a little bit of wine to get you by on those nights your up late wrapping gifts or if it's just sitting by the lit up tree enjoying.

TWO// Puppy chow. My gracious, my family has made this during the holidays since I can remember. Such a quick and easy treat to make. Wether you want to bring it to a party for a little sweet treat or just have it around the house. Puppy chow, a must it is.

THREE// PJs. Who doesn't love a set of new comfy PJs to snuggle up in? My parents have given me a new set of PJs every Christmas Eve since I was little. I will continue this tradition with my family as well. Brad is already fully into it and on board.

FOUR// Fuzzy socks. Cute fuzzy socks on cold nights are THE best. I personally love the Bath & Body Works ones with the Aloe, but really any pair will do just great.

FIVE// Hot Cocoa in your favorite holiday mug. Snuggled up on the couch next to your loved ones in front of your gorgeous tree with the tastiest hot cocoa in your favorite mug. What sounds better? Nothing to me. That gets me by many many nights.

SIX// Wrapping Paper. Overseas I always buy new(because it's cute) when I barely have anything to wrap and I end up never using it. I love a good set of wrapping paper. Not matching, but matching if ya know what I mean. I loathe and love wrapping all in one.

What would be in your holiday survival kit?

Classy Winter Guide

With holiday parties starting to roll around I am sure a few of you have the more black tie/formal parties to attend. Let me see the last time I dressed up like that was probably prom (cue violins).

Brad and I have been talking a lot about him needing to pick up some blazers or suits, but that he would in all reality need to get sized with his dang 7 foot arm span. When Bonobos.com contacted me about putting together a winter style guide I was so excited to look at everything they have to offer. I have my eye on so many things that I need want Brad to have.

Bonobos has wonderful men styles from suits to blazers to chinos. They are out of NYC and have also started teaming up with Nordstrom. Men are always coming in wanting to know what to pair with what and also some information for their dates.

In my opinion I loved a good not necessarily matching, but matching couple. So, with this style guide I will pair some lovely dresses with some of my favorite items at Bonobos.com. I am extremely giddy to bring you guys this post!

Via                                                          Via

Via                                                            Via

Via                                                   Via

Now, if it's not so fancy these have me dying!

Via                                                        Via 

What classy winter styles are you guys loving this season?

Oh Christmas Tree

Oh Christmas tree how lovely are your fake expensive branches….

After searching high and low we finally got our hands on a tree for the apartment on Monday. I was almost sure Lux wanted me to 1. kill a tree and 2. tie it on top of our car to get it home. It actually all worked out that we found a small artificial tree. This one is the perfect size for our small place and it'll last us up until the New Year. I mean it's only right to keep it up until then.

Before decorating you bet ya we had to pull off our sad attempt for a Pinterest picture with Brynn. It took all we had to make her keep them out of her mouth. Hence the blurry hand.

And our typical put some ornaments on the tree pic…

Two broken ornaments resulted in the taking of these photos.

Somewhere along the way we also lost our tree topper…

I sure do love our overseas adventures, especially during the holidays. Thank you Jesus for Brynns first Christmas Tree and being able to enjoy it daily.

Last, but not least our Pinterest project of Brynnies 'Mistletoes'. Cutest ones I've seen by far.

Here's to hoping we come back next year to get our moneys worth out of this tree and being in full Christmas spirit!

Linking up with :

Baby's First Christmas Ideas

Now that Thanksgiving is over let's go ahead and skip my list to trade it for travel and do Brynns.

Being 100% honest a babes first Christmas when they are only 5 months old is a little bit pointless and of course everything is all for the us, the parents. We also have to try and find gifts that we will be able to take home with us in our suit cases. All of her big fun toys are at home and she will outgrow them. BUT I of course want her to be able to have a few things to "open" and to have some decor to take photos of her. I only get her first Christmas once so had to figure something out. With that being said I have put together a few things with some links that I will be getting her or handing out to family. 

Speckled Jacket//Zutano Booties//Sweater Socks//Colorblock Convertible Bundler 

Melissa&Doug Soft Rainbow Stacker//Laugh & Learn Pup//Mini Josephine the Elephant