my tiny dancer

Ever since the day we found out we were having a baby girl, I have dreamed of her first dance class.  I grew up dancing both for fun and competitively and it was such a big part of my childhood that I couldn't wait to share that with my baby girl.  So when I found out she was old enough, I immediately signed her up for a mommy-and-me camp before Matthew arrives (could use your prayers that I don't give birth at the dance studio - it's a toss up right now!).  And I have to say, she LOVES it!  Just like I'd hoped she would!  I knew Georgia would take dance at some point.  Whether or not she sticks with it, well, that will be up to her as she gets older but for now, it's leg warmers and black leotards for us :)  And I'm in Heaven....

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life lately + the woman i want to be right now

oh hi!  i'm alive!  and still pregnant.  i promise to get back to blogging soon - i mean it!  but last week i had a bit of a panic attack when at my 36 week doctor appointment they told me i was 3cm dilated!  the thought that baby matthew could be here any day (or not for another 3 weeks, let's be honest) gave me a kick in the pants - which, honestly, i kinda needed!  so last week was filled with washing the tiniest little clothes and getting his room all ready (even though he won't really sleep in his room for a few months - but hey!  i can check it off).  he still needs things on the wall.  i'm working on a painting of some lyrics similar to the one I put in G's nursery, and I just ordered this print and this one from Lindsay Letters.  so progress is being made.

i ran into this article that someone posted on facebook last week and absolutely loved it.  i related so much in that this is truly the woman i want to be - the woman who loved her people well.  in 2014 God and i battled it out in sorts.  he refined me and really had to change the way i thought about life.  i was so concerned with not "doing enough" and "not making a big enough difference" as "just a stay at home mom."  now i look back at those thoughts and they break my heart because they are clearly lies from the devil.  the biggest lies.  i don't know what my future holds.  no idea.  but my right now includes me being a stay at home mommy and wife to (soon!) two babies and the sweetest of husbands.  and i want to do that well.  really well.  with God's grace and guidance.  i also want to be a good friend.  i've met some amazing woman this past year just through having a child in preschool, and through play dates and what not i've formed some sweet, sweet friendships.  i want to be a good friend to these women.  a friend that has the time and doesn't think twice about spending it on someone else.  so all this rambling was basically to say that y'all should read this article.  because it's good.  and just know that wherever you are in life, you are enough.  and god will use you right there.  so let him.

happy monday!  off to clear my camera card to get ready for my baby boy!!

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a sprinkle for my mini matt

my MIL and my mama :)

sweet hostestes

those tiny shoes were my hubbies!  i die....

me and my sissy

hubby stopped by on hole 9

lopatka boys and their hot wives :)

all my college roomies right there!  the cutie on the right is expecting a bambino this winter!

Over the weekend some dear friends threw sweet baby Matthew a "sprinkle" and it was the best morning ever.  I am so thankful for the friends and family in my life who not only love me, but love my children the way they do.  It's truly humbling and I couldn't be more excited to meet my little man.  Now!  Off to pack a hospital bag, wash some baby clothes and vacuum or something.... 36 weeks Saturday!

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the "not-so-terrible" two's

Lately I've been thinking a lot about the term "terrible two's."  My tiny princess lady is getting very close to her two year birthday marker and with that I have seen an increase in temper tantrums, a little sass here and there and me-oh-my is she Miss Independent or what?!  But then the other day someone asked me, "Why does it have to be the terrible two's, why can't it be the terrific two's?"  And I kinda wondered the same thing.  Our society is great at labeling things - great at labeling people.  I'm guilty of it already with Georgia for sure.  But what I don't want, what I want to intentionally strive to prevent, is that those labels become any sort of identity for her.  Anyone who spends five minutes with my child can see certain personality traits right of the bat - strong willed, stubborn, independent.  But a lot of times people miss so many other traits - her gentleness, her passion, her nurturing ways (she immediately picks up her stuffed animals and kisses them when she accidentally drops one!), the way she has learned to be so careful around mommy's belly.  It's all so sweet.  

I guess what I'm trying to say is that it's easy to focus on the former traits - the one's that come out in public and cause a scene.  The screaming child leaving the pool or the little girl who will. not. share. that turtle pool toy because it is M-I-N-E!  And then another unassuming mama passively referring to my child as "bossy."  Well, talk about wanting to shrivel up in a corner and cry!  But why?  Because I felt judged that's why - especially when it comes to sharing.  Not sure why but since G has started playing more with others I always want to make her share, make her give her toys to others.  It scared me (and embarrasses me) to think that my child was entitled or greedy or something that I never want them to be.  So I ripped the toy out of her hand and handed it to the little boy.  Was the the right thing to do?:  Probably not.  I really have no idea.  But guess what?  My child is 22 months old and her mama is a work in progress.  And while yes I felt inadequate to "handle" my 22 month old ball of fire that day, frankly it's not about me.  It's about teaching her.  Teaching her to love others and give to others and that doesn't happen over night.  Thankfully, I don't hold myself or my parenting to a standard of this world.  I'm held to a standard of grace.  And most of the time I really have no idea what I'm doing - zero - zilch - nada.  Lucky for Georgia (and Matthew soon), we've got Jesus.  His love.  His grace.  His guidance. 

And while Miss Priss races through life faster than some, isn't that how they are supposed to act at this age?  Isn't it my job to take the "temper tantrum moments" and try my best to turn them into a learning lesson.  How is she supposed to learn to share or take turns if I don't teach her?  And how can I teach her if she never gives me the opportunity.  I love that G is strong-willed and even a little stubborn.  I pray her "stubbornness" takes her right into high school and she is able to stand-up for what is right or wrong.  Her passion may come out as screaming at the top of her lungs right now but one day I pray it comes in the form of fighting for someone who may not have the voice to fight.  Every single night I ask God to help me be a better parent - listen better, have more patience, and most of all point my babies to Him.  So to all the moms out there (me included) who find yourself in a battle with your tiny two year old human, just know this is a terrific time.  In your life and in their's.  It's a time when their personality shines through even more.  Know that God hand picked your child's personality and also hand picked your child's parents.  There was no mistake.  God doesn't make mistakes.  And if your little angel has the best table manners at home, but then decides to throw her milk clear across the restaurant at some poor old man the ONE time you try to take her out - so be it.  Teach her.  Love her.  And give her grace.  Our little ones need it just as much as we do. 

Ps - how great is it that it's Friday?!?!

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denise's summer beauty essentials

summer beauty essentials by deniselopatka featuring a beach hat

1.  Gentle Exfoliator - I use this every day now where as in the winter months I only needed it 2-3 times a week.  I keep it in my shower and it helps to slough off dead skin and excess sunscreen left over leaving my face clean and bright.  I will take this stuff to the grave with me yall.  It's that good.

2.  Dew Skin with SPF - On most days, after I wash my face in the morning I'll put this on and that is it.  Sometimes I'll add a light moisturizer underneath, but most summer days this Dew Skin is all I need.  It evens out my skin tone so well, doesn't break me out and gives me a daily SPF which I love.

3.  Body Oil - I use this every morning too.  It gives me some moisture while also adding a nice shine/glow to my legs and arms.  I'll dab a few drops on before I go out at night as well... and the smell?  Simply divine.

4.  Rashguard - I basically live in my Cabana Life Rashguard these days (I have the a khaki one, no longer on the site).  I put a bikini underneath and the ruching allows it to go over my belly so I don't scare people at the beach :)  Georgia also has one and she thinks it's so fun for her and mommy to "put rashguard on" before our pool dates.  Also, I'm sun physco and this is SPF 50.  Good for me - good for my babies.  I've already ordered baby boy one for next summer (and maybe late this summer!).

5.  Sunhat - I bought two good sunhats last summer and they have been my go-to this year as well.  Although I'm also known to throw on a ball cap for the beach, I love sunhats more because of the coverage.  My shoulders and chest get eaten alive in the sun, and hats are a surefire way to protect them.  I love this one from anthropologie!

6.  Sunscreen Lotion - I lather this on Georgia every. single. day.  It goes on smooth, isn't greasy and is so easily absorbed leaving no white streaks.  Our whole family uses it before a beach or pool outing including the hubby.  And let me just tell you that hubby of mine is picky when it comes to lotions of any sort.  He hates the way they feel, but getting him to wear this is no problem at all.

7.  Sunnies - I got these for Christmas and they are my favorite.  If I spend moola on sunglasses you can bet they are polarized and I love all of Warby Parker's frames.  Not to mention they are a good price for quality, polarized sunglasses.  G wear's sunglasses every day too.  We Lopatka's have sensitive eyes ya know?

8.  Sunscreen Stick - This is a new product from Beauty Counter and I am so excited about it!  My family uses the lotion form every day, but I'm going to be honest - getting G out of the water to reapply every 90 minutes is a nightmare!  I usually bribe her with a snack... but now I can use this stick for super easy application.  The hubby loves a good stick sunscreen as well so it's a win win for the whole fam again!

9.  H2O - I'm a camel these days.  Partially because of the babe in my belly and partially because we spend so much time outside!  If there is one thing I've learned about beauty and products over the last couple of years it's that a lot can be solved with water.  You.  Must.  Drink.  Water.  A lot!  Every day!  It helps with wrinkles, uneven skin tone, energy, moisture and so much more!  And it's more fun if you drink it out of a cute water bottle.  Need proof?!  Read THIS ARTICLE.  It blew my mind...

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