YMGG- For Your Chubby Little Baby, Who's Gummy Smile Will Forever Melt Your Heart, Even If It's Often At Its Biggest At 5am.

Okay, so we all know that a new baby doesn't need that much stuff for Christmas. With all the pressies that always come in from family members, their first year is usually the time to try to limit what comes in... why not save it until they know better, right? That being said, you can't completely shut out the newest (and chubbiest) family member. Here are a few of my favorite things for baby... boys and girls. 

1. Custom Personalized Plate and Bowl Set. I purchased this as a gift for my girlfriend when she had her third baby, and when it arrived I knew I had to order one for my baby boy. The graphics are too cute and you can personalize EVERY feature. I went with the navy and they nailed every feature, right down to my babe's deep dimples. Keep this one in your back pocket for all those baby showers too! Etsy, 42.00
2. ErgoBaby Organic Baby Carrier. I know what you are thinking. How could you possibly need another baby carrier? I mean, I have the sling, I have the bjorn, 2 strollers, even a backpack made for mountain climbing (we did actually use this in Switzerland and Costa Rica).. yes, my husband said this too. The problem is that those other carries KILL your back when your baby reaches 20lbs (Which shockingly we are only 4 pounds away from!) With the LM I can say I definitely did not need this, and was certainly able to stroll him and dote on him as much as he needed. The same is not the case with #2 and I find I will soon need to run (fast) after big brother while he is on his bike/scooter/skateboard and having baby (comfortably) on my back is going to be a game changer. ErgoBaby 135.00
3. Oeuf Lucien stripe baby jumper. This is admittedly a total and unnecessary spurge item, and is more for mom than baby. I own that. I love it. I bought it in a size 12 months and cannot wait to watch him toddle around with those chubby thighs crammed into my favorite nautical stripes. In other news I really need a 12 step program from my nautical stripe addiction. The other day I left the house in a nautical striped T... holding hands with a four year old in a nautical striped T, carrying a baby in, you guessed it, a nautical striped T. Oh, and today I was a J. Crew with my mother in law, used a gift card... what did I get? You guessed it TWO nautical striped boatneck T shirts (in my defense they are not navy, one is orange and the other grey AND they had zippers in the back. I know, only an addict would defend zippers. Damn you Jenna Lyons!)  J.Crew 88.00
4. Jonathan Adler Nightlight. So, remember when I designed my baby's nursery around a 400$ porcelain lamp and then realized that I was freaking out of my mind when I went to buy said lamp. Chances that it would already be broken? 100%. Now, imagine my surprise when I popped in my favorite store while waiting to meet up with my kiddies and I spotted a nightlight version of said lamp. Yes, miracles do happen. 1/8 the price.... 10x the practicality. They also come in Lion and Elephant, which are actually cuter, but on principle I HAD to get the giraffe. Jonathan Adler 48.00
5. American Apparel Baby Clothes. Did you all know American Apparel made baby clothes? I did not. Why didn't you all tell me!!!! I went in randomly on Black Friday (my only purchase of the day I'll have you know) to pick up some gym tanks and stumbled upon some of the cutest and most practical baby clothes (think nautical stripes (don't even say it) yummy cotton cardigans, awesome leggings (red! my new favorite) and too cool for school T-s) Sizes range from newborn to Pre-Schooler. Prices from 10$.
6. Oball Rattle. Hands down best baby toy ever. 3-9 months. No more needs to be said. Isis Parenting 10.00
7. 3 Sprouts Storage Bin. When I think Christmas, the first thing thing that comes to mind is storage. Yes, I have a sickness. These are the best (and cutest) storage bins. Psst- Gray has the navy elephant! Isis Parenting, 42.00
8. Personalized Olliegraphic Pillows. 59.00 Like the plates, I am equally obsessed with the pillow version of these personalized goods. Santa is bringing a navy one for baby Gray's room, and I know it is something that he will treasure in the years to come! Etsy, 59.00

Coming tomorrow Gifts for Sisters/ Moms and Besties Everywhere!

P.S. I would love to hear your thoughts on the gift guides... I'm not sure if your radio silence means you hate them/ love them are too busy shopping too respond, or if they are so awesome you can't speak for days after reading them.... all thoughts welcome (aka wondering if I should start my list of things for next year's guide or bag the idea.)

YMGG- For Your First Born Who Is Part Wild Animal, Part Cuddly Little Boy, Who Loves Skateboarding, Superheros, and Above All... His Mommy.

Psst... don't tell the LM, but most of these will also work for those of you with little princesses too!

1. Crayola Story Studio Comic Maker. I just got this for the LM and his buds, and I can't wait to put it together!!! The end product is 3 coloring books with your little one's face actually IN the book. Christmas morning this boy is going to D.I.E. when he sees his little smile fighting next to spiderman!!!! These also come in Disney Princess, and Cars. I kind of think I need to get one for every kid I know! (computer and printer required) Amazon, 7.99
2. Melissa & Doug Pirate Chest. Are any of your kids as obsessed with "collecting" as mine? Right now we have about 260 beer bottle caps, 30 marbles, and 16 "baby balls" in an Altoids container that we cannot go anywhere without! I love this wood treasure chest to hold all of the things he loves so dearly. The coolest part.... there's a false bottom so he can keep secret the really special stuff (these are quarters in our house.) Amazon, 22.62
3. I Spy: A Book of Picture Riddles. Right now my hubby and the LM can't get enough of these books after the LM was gifted one by his Grammy Sue. I'm not going to lie, you definitely need a parent to help find things (as in I can't find half the stuff) but we get him one of these before every flight or any time we know we will need some quiet time and the book lasts WEEKS! They have a Christmas themed one which I am pretty sure Santa will be bringing this year. Amazon, 11.19
4. LEGO Space Shuttle. This combines the LM's two favorite things, space ships + legos. As far as I'm concerned, you can never go wrong with legos. We are going to Paris in January and I'm leaving a GIANT police station for the LM and his Grandpa to complete... yeah, 5 days should be just about right~ Amazon, 29.78
5. Magna-Tiles. Last week we had our little man's parent teacher conference, and we learned that he loves nothing more than building with these magnetic 3D tiles. There great because it's pretty hard to make these things topple (read pretty hard for a crawling baby to knock over) so most creations can get completed. They aren't cheap but from what I've heard that they are definitely worth the money. Santa (err Grandpa) will be making the LM's day with these, this year. Amazon, 149.95
6. Superhero Converse. Need I say more? They also come in Batman for kids, Superman for adults. My hubby actually considered the adult ones until we decided he wasn't cool enough. Luckily, the LM can easily rock the Green Lantern version. Converse 42.00
7. Tech Deck Fingerboards. I should have seen this one coming. First we had to collect every matchbox car every created, now it's fingerboards. Can you say stocking stuffer? Amazon, 9.99
8. Boden Long John Pajamas. File this under one of my favorite things. These cotton jammies are so soft, so thick, and so damn cute, I get four new pairs for my guy every year in the Fall. They are footless so the tall skinny kids can easily wear these all year long. They also have adorable girl styles. Hint- order a size up. Double hint- Boden always seems to have some type of 20% off sale going, don't pay full price. Boden, 58.00 for 2 
9. Boys' Flannel Shirt. For the country boy that lives in every city boy. Adorable! J.Crew 49.50
10. Boy's Corduroy Pants. In our house we call these "talking pants" because when the LM walks they "talk." (My adorable hubby came up with that one.) I absolutely love these pants, they are pretty much all my kid wears. They are thick, stylish, and they can hold up to anything a 4 year old can throw at (or on) them. Plus, they make him look like quite the hipster. Die. The just added the red, lucky you! Hint- order a size up, the waistband is adjustable. J.Crew 46.50

There you have it... everything a little boy could want! Coming tomorrow.. stuff for that squishy little baby in your life. 

YMGG- For the Mom Who Sometimes Thinks She Is a Celebrity, But Really Just Wants to Be as Hip as She Can Be Without Humiliating Her Kid at the Playground.

Yep, it's that time of the year again!!! Time for me to share with you some of the things that are on my Christmas List/ a few of my favorite things. Without further ado...

1. The Sartorialist [Paperback]. I can't think of a book that inspires me more (fashion wise) than the Sartorialist, by Scott Schuman. It's about 1000 pages of all of his most beautiful images, and before I pack for a trip, or a night out, I flip through those gorgeous glossy pages before settling on my fashion choice. For 16.00, I can't think of a better stocking stuffer. Amazon.
2. Exhale Gift Certificates. File this under my new favorite thing/ current obsession. After their second babies, my girlfriends began to rave about the Core Fusion classes that are offered only at Exhale locations. Within months they were two of the hottest mommas in town, and I knew I wanted to follow in their tracks after my little one was born. I've only been at it for 6 weeks, maybe 3 times a week, and already I have noticed a HUGE difference in my body. All the credit for fitting in my favorite "skinny" J. Brands goes to those killer instructors, and classes that literally work every muscle... in an hour! I hurt all the time, but it hurts sooooooooo good I can't stop dreaming about the next class! This is a great gift for a new mom, someone who has found themselves bored in their current routine, or anyone who wants to take their workouts to the next level. Exhale, available in any domination. 
3. A Gold Men's Style Watch. My sister has this rose gold watch and I lurveeeeeee it! It is such a statement piece, and ads instant style to any outfit, from weekend casual to girls night out. Bloomingdales, 250$
4. Monogramed Ipad Cover. My girlfriend has a similar cover for her Iphone and it is just about the coolest thing ever. I must admit, I don't have an Ipad yet (we are waiting for the next version) but I am already searching for the perfect cover. My husband is sold on basic black, but I think a little personality is a must! Besides, it would be pretty hard to leave that behind on a airplane... see, always thinking!!! ;) Preppy Princess, 38$
5. The Perfect Slipper. This is one thing that will definitely be under my tree this year. I hate cold feet, but equally hate wearing socks at home. With a new baby, padding around at night comes with the territory, and I can't think of a better way to do it, than in fleece, covered in red suede. J. Crew, 39.50$
6. Sport + Store Water Bottle. I saw this a few weeks back with my girlfriend, and we both screamed out genius! This is a perfect gift for anyone on your list, but great for those mom's who want to run to yoga class, without having to lug a huge bag. It's a full size water bottle, that, in the bottom, holds your keys, phone, and credit card. I guess bikers and runners have used these for years... who knew? 19.99.
7. The Perfect Chevron Blanket. Leave it to Tory Burch to make the perfect blanket. I can just picture this in my bedroom, living room, it would even go with the nursery decor! This is definitely a lust item, but as far as I'm concerned, if you are going to splurge, I can't think of a better way to blow the bank. Tory Burch, 295$
8. Sharlie's Angels. Rather than getting the blanket above, this year I am going to donate what I would usually spend on myself to one of the worthiest causes I can think of. Sharlie is a amazing woman who I went to high school with. We weren't friends, but I have been following her story through Facebook over the past few months, and I can't think of anyone who is more deserving of the most important gift anyone can receive, the gift of life. Sharlie suffers from CF and is currently in need of a double lung and heart transplant. She is a loving mother and wife and needs every cent you can spare for her upcoming procedure. You can read more about her story, and find out how to donate here. 
9. Clairisonic Facial System. This is one item that I have had my doubts about. I kept thinking, can a spin brush really make a difference in my skin? Apparently it can. Lately, it seems like every time I see someone with flawless skin, I ask what their secret is, and EVERYONE keeps swearing by this product. I must say I'm very intrigued. Prices range from 110-225$. 
10. Black and White [Hardcover]. My newest favorite coffee table book. Buy this. Read it. Love it. Completely re-arange your home. Repeat. Yeah, it's that good. Amazon, 30$
11. Lululemon "Skinny" Leggings. Okay, I have to admit, I used to be in love with my groove pants... key word, used to be. One day as I was stuffing them into my wellies, I thought "if I only wear skinny jeans, why don't I wear skinny gym leggings." Hello, lightbulb. After baby I picked up a pair of these pants, and I can tell you I will never go back to the old style. Not only are they SO slimming, but they also fit in every shoe, and for someone who hates wearing gym sneakers (because I don't actually wear shoes for ANY of my gym activities) these have been the answer to what I have been looking for. Lululemon, 88$.

P.S. I will never forget when my little sister was about 13 and she turned to me and said, "you know Sis, you aren't really a celebrity?" Talk about a crushing blow to one's ego. Now I will forever be known as the one who "sometimes" thinks she is a celebrity.
P.P.S. Click the highlighted link next to the number to get to website... see I've already done the hard work for you! Feel free to forward to husbands everywhere.

Like a Baby, This Is Something You Can't Return!

I'm officially hard at work putting together my second annual Holiday Gift Guide for Mom, Dad, Baby, Big Kid, and for this year... Sister/ Grandma/ Best Friend too (all coming this week, assuming no one gets struck by another nasty virus... ahem pre-school germs, are you listening?) but I just had to share with you the present that I got for my hubby, which is finally on it's way. Don't worry friends, the man hasn't read my blog in years, so I can assure you that no surprises are being spoiled today!

Every year I run into the same problem with gift giving when it comes to my husband; what do you get the man who wants nothing and has everything he needs? Usually, I try to get him clothes, and in typical fashion, every year I find myself returning said clothes as soon as December 26th rolls around. Well, we all know this year the husband has the clothes covered (I still swoon over those skinny jeans) and I wanted to get him something that was a little more sentimental, as well as a gift that he (err I)  couldn't return!

I have wanted for a long time to get a portrait done of the LM and ever since baby Gray was born, it has been haunting my dreams. I tracked down a woman whose work I love, but alas she was/ and still is, on a portrait hiatus. I knew I wanted something a little funky and edgy, and I wanted it to be a large scale piece, without breaking the bank. After some searching on Etsy I discovered an artist who goes by the handle Empwr, who paints using a unique graffiti style technique. I loved her portraits of children, and immediately sent her a picture of the boys. She sent me this image yesterday, and my super top secret x-mas surprise should be arriving in a matter of days!!!! I couldn't be more excited!

It's hard to tell in the photo, but the picture is about 3 feet by 4 feet and is (I believe) a picture, printed on canvas, that is then painted over with a brush. It was very affordable, running about 150 $ plus shipping, and I am pretty sure this is one Christmas where Dad will not only be surprised, but will also be delighted he's not opening another sweater. That, in my book, is priceless! After Christmas I plan on hanging this in our entry way, along with this picture of the LM underwater, just so our guests will know right off the bat what kind of home that they are entering!

What do you do for those hard to find people on your list? After this year, custom art might just be my new go to!!!!

4 Ladies and a Baby.

Source: ohsobeautifulpaper.com via Kit on Pinterest

This year the babe and I are bucking tradition, and spending a quiet Thanksgiving at home. We typically travel to Maryland to visit my husband's family for a Normal Rockwell type thanksgiving, and after some serious thought (and the prospect of spending the week sharing a room... all four of us) we decided that for this year only, the boys would spend some time in the country, while squishy and I would get in some quality time back home. My Sis, SIL from New York, and her sister from Australia will be joining us... which makes for a perfect estrogen filled weekend, where the wine will be flowing, and the chick flicks will be aplenty. I chose the picture above because this is exactly what my stove will  look like today. For about a second I considered making a feast myself, but when I looked at Whole Food's Thanksgiving menu for 4, I decided my time would be much better spent gossiping and reading US Weekly's.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving, traditional or not. This year I am so unbelievably thankful for my family, my amazing friends, and of course, you awesome readers. You continue to inspire me every day!

Lots of love. Gobble Gobble.

The Best Part of Waking Up.

Is spying on some brotherly love via the video monitor.



*die* *melt* *die* *have.to.have.10.more.kids* *die* *melt*

P.S. I love how the LM keeps looking out for me, like he is doing something wrong.
P.P.S. Kidding about the 10 more kids. Honey you can climb out from the hole you crawled in after reading that.

Vote For Baby Gray!!!

Today, Baby Gray's nursery is featured on my absolute favorite website (and homepage) Ohdeedoh in their Small Kids, Big Color contest. Those of you who have been following my blog know that this room was such a source of despair for me during the years we were trying to conceive, and I am so proud of the final result. Gray loves his sunny, warm space, and watching him sleeping in his crib makes all those years of anxiety just melt away.

So, please, please, please, take a minute and vote here to send Gray to the finals. It only takes a second to register, and Gray promises to thank each and every one of you... once he learns how to talk!

Voting is only open for 48.... make that 45 more hours, so get your tushes on over there ;).

UPDATE: I guess there's a problem with the site. Apparently they are working on it... those of you who have tried to vote, I love you. Those of you who will try again later today or tomorrow, I love you more! :)

Guilty As Charged.

After music today, my girlfriend and I took our babes to get their very first passport photos taken. When we were handed the pictures we almost died.
Don't these look just like mug shots?

Their crime? WAY too much cuteness on a dreary Thursday morning.

All I can say is that I hope this is not a preview of things to come!!!!

Who Do You Think You Are, Chris Martin?

Every few years my husband decides he just has to go shopping for new clothes. Every 4 years to be exact. The fact that he needs new clothes shouldn't come as a surprise to any one but him. Seriously. The man owns exactly 4 works shirts, all identical. 4 pairs of work pants. 2 suits. Various ties (which he wears about 6 times a year.) ONE pair of jeans, 2 sweaters, 2 fleeces, 2 flannels and about 1000 T-shirts. Yes, that is his entire (winter) wardrobe. Oh, did I forget the 4 pairs of shoes (including sneakers and flip flops?)

Yeah, dude, I'd say you need to go shopping.

For the past decade it has gone something like this:

Year one:
Me: You really should get some new clothes.
Him: Yeah, I know.
Me: I'm going to get you X.
Him: Don't. I want to order it.

And he never does.

Year two:
Me: You really should get some new clothes.
Him: Yeah, I know.
Me: I'm going to get you X.
Him: Don't. I want to order it.

And he never does.

Year three:

Me: You really should get some new clothes.

Him: Yeah, I know. 

Me: I'm going to get you X.

Him: Don't. I want to order it.

And he never does.

Year four:

Him: OH MY GOD, I DON'T HAVE ANY CLOTHES. WTF AM I SUPPOSED TO WEAR? WE HAVE TO GO SHOPPING. LIKE TOMORROW. I DON'T HAVE ANY SHOES, SHIRTS, PANTS. HOW COULD YOU LET THIS HAPPEN???

Me: I've been trying to tell you this for 3 years, and you are now JUST figuring this out?

Him: We are going tomorrow.

Me: Sure, I'll just drop everything so Gray and I can accompany you on you little spending spree. Watch you freak out because no jeans fit you (he's 6'4") and come home with nothing. 

Him: It's a plan. 

So, this was Sunday night. Monday morning I picked him up at work and in the span of two hours the man got a new jacket, sweater, fleece, 4 pairs of shoes, two belts, socks, hats, and even TWO new pairs of pants. Those of you with tall/ skinny partners will understand what a massive accomplishment this was.

While I expected somewhat of a successful shopping trip, what I did not expect was that I would be leaving with a made over (dare I say HOT) new husband. I don't know if it's the time he's been spending with the LM at the skate park, the fact that we live in a town full of hipsters, or that he finally started listening to me, but all of a sudden the man has sort of embraced fashion. As in he went into the day looking for skinny (err slim) jeans. And not just jeans, but awesome army green pants as well, and tailored sweaters, work boots is beautiful brown leather, and suede lace ups. He even traded in his gym sneakers for actual kicks. I hate to say it, and I'll kill you if you ever tell him, but I'm afraid the man might be dressing better than me these days. How does that happen????

 You know how men feel when their wife gets all sexed up in stilettos and a slinky dress? Dare I say I actually feel the same about my husband? As in I can't wait to take him out and show him off??? If you told me pigs were flying, at this point I'd believe just about anything. 

When we left the final store, my hubby had a big smile on his face (I'm pretty sure the repeated compliments from the gorgeous sales girl didn't hurt) and all I could say was, "who do you think you are, Chris Martin?" Hey, if that means I'm just that much closer to being Gwyneth... I'll take it. 

Hot husband brought to you by the Yummy Mummy makeover team (me and baby Gray.) Just for fun here's a gratuitous shot of my inspiration. 

The only question is..... when's the next date night???

P.S. For all you ladies out there with Hubby's with jean (length) issues, check out Lucky for a relaxed fit, and Rag and Bone for a skinny(er) fit. 

Okay, Who At Apple Has Been Reading My Blog???

I had been debating whether or not to get the new iPhone, when the little man made the decision for me by accidentally combing my phone with a soaking lasagna pan. Eww. While the phone (shockingly) survived it's initial submersion, over the past few weeks it has been losing it's charge after only a few hours, and over the weekend the thing finally gave out.

After refusing to play the whole "wait in line so we can build some hype game" I was able to reserve one online pretty easy, and yesterday I picked up my new favorite toy. No, Siri is not quite as awesome as she thought she'd be, but damn, the processing speed certainly makes up for it.

As I was leaving I remembered that I needed to pick up a case, and saw this:

Hey now! Okay, who at Apple (err Kate Spade) has been reading my blog??? Does this remind you of anything??? *hint look at the page you are reading this on*

You know I had to get it!!!!

P.S. Sorry for the unexplained absence yesterday, I blame it on what I call "new phone suck." You know, where you sit down to look at your new phone, and two hours later you look at the clock and say "holy crap, where has the last two hours of my life gone?" Luckily, for me I had a trail to follow. At the 15 minute mark I figured out that Siri will actually cuss. Cut to the 50+ text messages that I sent my sister, trying to figure out just how far she will go. (For the record, she is one nasty girl and will say just about anything!!!!) Good to know, right?

Staring Contest.

For the record... baby always wins.

Who needs toys when you have a big brother???

Happy Sunday to you all.

Happiness.

The other day, my husband and I toured an independent school in the area (which of course, we love and feel is so unbelievably perfect for our little guy that I will now be devastated if I have to send him anywhere but*) and while we were sitting down for our "interview" with the admissions director, she asked us where we saw our child in 20-30 years. When asking this, she acknowledged that this was a difficult question, and not one that we had probably given a lot of thought or discussion to.

She was right.

With little kids, you have to be so caught up in the day to day, that I have a hard time even thinking past next year, let alone, the next 2 or 3 decades. It is so hard for me to imagine my kiddies as the men that they will someday be. We all know how much can change in even a year, that, no we hadn't discussed it.

I, of course, gave, the stock answer, "I hope that he will be a success, whatever that word will mean to him. That he will have graduated from at college at a minimum, and that he will be surrounded by people in his life that love and inspire him."

My husband on the other hand said something that 1) reminded me why I married him, 2) reminded me why I had kids with him, and 3) couldn't have been more true. He said very simply, "I want him to be happy."

The admissions director looked at him and paused, apparently no one had ever said just that.

Happiness seems like such a simple thing, but with all the hopes and dreams, along with the pressure,  we pin on ourselves (and especially our children) it sometimes seems like something that is elusive and unattainable. I would consider both my husband and I to be very happy people. He loves his job and will often remark that he can't imagine what it would be like to go to work and "punch a clock" essentially hating every minute his work day. While the kids nap on the weekends, or in the early morning hours before we wake, you will often find him at work, not because he needs to be there, but because he loves what he does. While our days couldn't be more different, I too love what I do. I get to spend all day with my boys, maintaining my home (which I am still in love with), cooking good food, seeing my best friends and their beautiful kiddies a few times a week, and now, spending time best friend/sister on an almost daily basis. Our evenings are generally the same.. baths and dinner for the kids, some one on one daddy time, bedtime, dinner for us, and catching up on one of our favorite shows. On Saturdays, we try to go to an early dinner as a family, or have some semblance of a "date night" and, as you all know, we try to travel as much as we can with little kids in tow.

It's a pretty quiet life, and it's one that I wouldn't have any other way.

As far as I'm concerned, life doesn't get any better than this. I also realize that the things that make us oh so happy, may not be the same things that will make my children feel the same. I can only hope that they find careers that they love, a partner who is first and foremost their best friend, good friends, a loving family, and a desire to make a positive difference in the world. However, if in the end, if all they can say that they are "happy" with their lives, than I know that we will have done our job, if only because we lead by example.

*For those of you who have emailed me re: the issue of delaying kindergarten by a year, the LM would enter a pre-k program that has combined hours with the kindergarten. His day would go from 8:30-3 and his studies would be comparable to a public, or traditional kindergarten program. The school itself is very small and will tailor the curriculum to his individual needs. If they see that he is at K level, we will have the option to put him in first grade. More likely he would do a second year in the K program as an "older kindergartner" to give him the chance to master the basics before entering the next year.  He would stay at the school for grades 1-6 (with the option of continuing until grade 8.) The school itself is extremely socially progressive and diverse. It is not at all what I would have thought a private school would be like, and I know that if given the chance, he will thrive in such an environment. I also not so secretively love the idea that he will start college (assuming that's his path) at an older 18, rather than a 17 year old. Plus this means we get an extra year with him living at home! ;)

I Year Ago.

Exactly one year ago today, I found out that this little 8 cell embryo had decided to take up occupancy in my uterus.

(Baby's first picture)

We all know that the road to get him there was long, and there were some bumps along the way. Looking back now, a year later, I wouldn't have had it any other way, because all that was necessary to bring me my sweet little boy.

Here's the little guy during a sick visit to the doctor yesterday (yep, another cold.) Can't you tell he feels like crap? (I'm pretty sure that there is NOTHING in the world that could get that smile off the little guy's face.)

What a difference a year makes.

Whhhaaaaaaaat???? I Don't Even Have To Get Pregnant For This?

Did you all see this line from a company named Hatch that was featured on A Cup of Jo, yesterday? AMAZING is the only way to describe it. When I went to the company's website, I literally had to pick my jaw up off the floor. Each piece is designed to be worn before/ during/ and after pregnancy, but I'm going to focus on the whole "after" pregnancy piece, and incorporate all (err some) of this clothing deliciousness into my Spring wardrobe (yes, I know it is barely Fall, but if I promise not to open the box until April, then I'm pretty sure that counts as a Spring wardrobe. Doesn't it?) Are these sister designers kidding me?  These clothes are not only beautifully tailored and so sophisticated and cool, but they are also absolutely perfect (and some* would say essential) to a Mom wardrobe. Prepare yourself, this is about to blow your mind.

Hello "errand" dress. Yes, I will happily wear you at school drop off/ the grocery/ while running around town/ to a play date for the rest of my life. 

 I'm not forgetting about the "afternoon" dress. Of course, you can come too.

Is anyone really this cute pregnant? Please tell me it's just the clothes. Oh, "soiree" dress, where were you 4 months ago?

Please say hello to my new favorite dress on the planet. The "dinner party dress." *die*

Equally as cute in cotton. (BTW I am obsessed with that leather jacket... obsessed.)

Well, hello, adorable short sleeved trench. Can you do any other tricks?

Ahh, yes you can. I heart you.

What is the cutest thing in this picture? (hint it's that beautiful cozy wrap) Okay, okay, the wrap is a close second to that adorable baby, but you have to admit... it is close. 

I told you. Mind blowing. I hope this is just the first of many collections from this awesome team!

*The someone would be me.

P.S. It is not lost on me that I spent my entire pregnancy wearing "non-maternity" clothes, and now that I am no longer with child, here I am lusting after things meant for those with a baby in the belly.

P.P.S. No this does not make me want to have another baby, just a bigger closet.

So Mean and So Funny.

Have you all seen this clip from Jimmy Kimmel Live? It is so unbelievably mean and equally as funny. I'm pretty sure that the kids at the end are exact replicas of what my boys will be like in two years. Gray chillin and sucking his thumb, and the LM throwing out all kinds of attitude!

Current Obsession: Homeland.

For the past few weeks there hasn't been a day that goes by that I haven't called my sister or husband and said, "OMG, I can't stop thinking about Homeland!!!!" The scary thing? It's actually true. What I don't tell them is that I probably think about it a couple times a day. Could I be more of a dork? I'm sorry, I just can't help myself... it's THAT good.

People, trust me on this one, you have GOT to watch this show. If you don't have Showtime (which also houses my 2nd and 3rd favorite shows (Californication and Dexter *die*) this is the reason to get it, or at least make friends with someone who subscribes. As in, change Match.com profile to read, "looking for a man who subscribes to Showtime and won't talk (or watch football) on a Sunday night." Period. End.

For those of you who don't know, the basic premise of the show is that Claire Danes is a CIA agent who receives some information from a terrorist, minutes before his execution, that a POW has been "turned." Months later, a man who has been missing in combat for some 8 years is found and Danes is sure that he is going to be the sleeper terrorist. The POW comes home to a family, with a crap load of issues, and Danes herself is shown to also have a few screws loose. What happens next is crazy, and I won't give any more away. Except that it's just amazing. 

The only thing that could make the show better? If Jordan Catalano could just magically appear, standing by a locker, smoking a cigarette. I guess that isn't fair, because that sight would really make ANYTHING in life better. Am I the only one who can't not think of him when I see Claire Danes?

Enough reminiscing. Back to Homeland. Watch it. You won't be disappointed. Feel free to discuss if you agree or don't. Come on, I know there are a few of you who are obsessed as I am!

Two Peas In a Pod.

Remember yesterday, when I said that I despised breast-feeding. Well, today I take it back for one reason, and one reason only.* The gilt free eating of the LM's halloween candy. Seriously, if there is an excuse to have more kids... this might be it. Sure, you could buy it, but it just tastes sooooooooooooo much better when it comes from a Batman bucket, that you know was carried around by your favorite superhero all night long. The problem is that I'm pretty sure I am going to need to start replacing what I've eaten, because someone keeps sorting and organizing (and re-organizing) his loot, and I'm pretty sure he is going to notice the extra large dent that I've put in it. Oops.

Anyway, back to Halloween. I said it last year and I'll say it again; Boston has the best Halloween. Yep, I'm calling that one. No where else can you find such excitement, in a safe and controlled, child friendly environment. My Sis was with us for the first time this year, and she commented that after seeing a Beacon Hill Halloween, that she was pretty sure she was cheated out of her entire childhood. I'd have to agree. This year beat all other years for two very clear reasons; 1) the boys were so completely into it, I almost wanted to cry. There is nothing like seeing superhero best friends leading the charge in search of sugar. My LM was so funny, he kept trying to trade with people when he got to a house that had candy that he liked better... and 2) people were serving adult "treats" this time around as well. I've decided that my new favorite drink is (heavily) spiked cider, on a cold Halloween night!

Here are some pics from what was one of the best nights ever!

First, what I refer to as the "child army." My two bestie's kiddies, and the LM. (If you can believe it there are 3 more babies not pictured!) I think this may be my favorite picture of all time! Do you think as an adult we are EVER this happy?

Like last year, we HAD to ride the "hay ride" around the block.

And... my two peas in a pod.

Last night the LM said that Halloween is better than "his birthday + Christmas." As much as I love both... after Monday night, I'd have to agree!!!

* (okay, maybe two, because I do love the snuggles that come with feeding the little guy.)