Diary of a Yummy Mummy

The Roly Poly.

2012-02-16T14:16:00.001-05:00

Since so many of you are having some of the same rolling baby issues that we were/are I figured I would give a little update on BG's progress. I am very appreciative for all your advice, and you'll be happy to know I took it, and I {think} it might have worked. (Said while crossing both fingers.) Here is where we are currently at.

So, after 3 days and three long nights of rolling to his stomach and then immediately freaking out, I finally broke down, called the Pedi to get the permission I needed to begin to ignore baby boy as long as I could tolerate to do so. You all were right, (duh) and she confirmed, that if they are strong enough to get to their stomach, than they are strong enough to tilt their head to the side to breathe. Once I was assured that he wasn't going to die (why is this always my first thought?) I decided to think of the whole thing as extended tummy time; something he clearly needs.

Armed with the resolve I needed, I went to bed determined to ignore any cries for flipping, and swearing that I would not (under any circumstances) look at the monitor to watch him flail around so helplessly begging for someone to save him from himself (can you tell I'm a total wimp when it comes to these kind of things?) Needless to say, I was ready...

Of course, you know what happened?

Nothing.

Absolutely nothing.

Around 4am, I turned him on only to find him sleeping soundly on his BACK...

At 6, I did the same, and saw him awake on his side, teetering just to the edge of rolling over, at which point he would plop back down again on his back. He did this about 10 times. You could just envision the dialog that was going on inside that little brain of his:

"really, really want to roll over."

"okay, I'm going to do it."

"just have to flip...."

"WAIT"

"don't do it... if I do it that bitch is just going to leave me here."

"then I will be screaming and spitting, and squirming, and NO ONE will come get me."

"screw that, I'm just gonna lay back down on my back and chew on my toes."

And so on....

That lasted for a few days, until this morning, when the unthinkable happened. I woke up in a panic at 6:45 because I didn't hear him at all during the night. When I looked at him on the monitor, I had the hardest time seeing his face. At first I thought it was just the lighting, but then I realized it was because I was looking at the back of his head. The kid was sleeping on his stomach!!!!

Of course, at first I thought he was dead, and immediately ran into his room to see if he was breathing... he was, and continued to hang out on his stomach while I made his bottle. Sweet baby Jesus.... it's a miracle!

If only to show off, earlier this morning, not only did he roll onto his stomach to play, but the freaky little genius then rolled back onto ~~his back~~ err the hardwood floor.... oops. Looks like my baby flipping days may have come to an end.

May the force be with all of you still night flipping... if my lazy baby can do it... anyone can!

P.S. How is it that kids can sleep almost anywhere, anyway? The picture above of that baby sleeping just cracks me up. I wonder what age it is that you lose that ability? Must be some kind of baby superpower!

Source: joannagoddard.blogspot.com

Happy Forced Love Day! (said by a possibly reformed cynic)

2012-02-14T14:09:00.000-05:00

Source: foreverfailure.soup.io via Sophie on Pinterest

We've never been the type of couple to celebrate Valentine's Day (mostly because my husband refuses to participate.... humph) but I have to say that I'm again falling in love with this holiday, when viewed through the eyes of my Little Man. Remember how much fun it was to bring all your Valentines to school, receive them from your classmates, and then read them all at home over and over and over (me I was always convinced that the guy I was crushing on really meant what the card said!?) Today, my guy and I raced through the door and carefully opened each card, reading what all of his ~~friends~~ err parents wrote to him. It was too cute, and with the baby in my lap, and a big smile on the face of my LM, I can't say I've ever been more in love. I might even get a card from the hubby tonight (might). What more could a girl ask for????

Happy Valentines to you all! Hope there is someone who makes your life a little brighter today!

Paris: The Itinerary.

2012-02-13T16:26:00.001-05:00

I have received so many requests from family, friends, and readers for our awesome Paris itinerary that I figured I should start off the week (of what I hope to be all about love and my love for this city) with the details of our trip. This was carefully crafted with the input many, and reviewed by someone who lives in the city... so you know it's the real deal! We were able to cover about 90% of the things on this list, and when I go back, I plan on doing all of them again!!! I hope this is something that you will be able to bookmark, just in case you find yourself stuck for 5 days in the most beautiful city on the planet!

Notes:
- This itinerary starts on a Saturday for a reason. Most things except the Marais are closed on Sundays, and almost all the museums were closed on Monday. If you are visiting on different days, you will have to move things around.
- A lot of the food choices are not very "French" but when we went, we were the only foreigners there. Most of these places will not be in your typical guide book.
- As soon as you book your hotel, have the concierge call and book your lunch/dinner reservations. It's hard to eat anywhere without them.
- The Metro system is AMAZING. We rarely took taxi's unless 1) we were very dressed up and freezing, or 2) we were very lost.
- I'm sure there are some misspellings here, definitely check the street names with your concierge.
- I take no responsibility if you are halfway through your trip and you decide to sell all your possessions and never return. The thought crossed my mind a number of times during our visit!.

Without further ado. My Paris journey.

Saturday

Arrive
Check in/ breakfast
Nap
Walk
-rue du Bac
-rue de l'Universite

Comparable to Soho, West Village, Chelsea part of the city. Definitely a must!

-get cheese at barthelemy
- go to deyrolle for home goods (amazing taxidermy)
- Boutique 7 rue se montalembers (good clothes)

Hermes flagship in left bank. (bottom of a converted pool) -> very near the Bon Marche.

Visit Bon Marche's grocery to stock up on goodies for the week.

Dinner at L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon (reservations can only be made for 6:30 and must be confirmed the day prior) $$$$ but well worth it!

Drinks after at next door Hotel or cab it to this young/ hip place like we did Le Paino Vache in the Latin Quarter.

Sun Walk The Marais (my favorite part of the city)
Breakfast- Rose Bakery (rue Debelleyne) - tiny place, nice but perhaps not very French (it's like for French going to Balthazar in NYC) So amazing and worth the wait!!! Get pastries for later!
Walk around Marais. Le Marais is made of tiny narrow streets, very charming, typical of the old Paris. It hosts both the gay and jewish quarters.

The Marias is a great area for shopping and walking around. Right by the Place des Vosges there are a ton of great stores that will keep you busy and a stop at the Musee Picasso or Musee Carnavalet is always nice.A specific walk that we took was starting on Rue Charlot and Rue de Bretagne or further up by Rue de Normandie. Walk straight down Rue Charlot heading towards Rue de Poitou and along the way there is an adorable hidden market called the Marche des Rouges Enfants (something like that) it is really cute to walk through and stop for a bite to eat. When you reach rue de Poitou on Rue Charlot make a left and walk to Rue Vielille du Temple and make a right down that to Rue des Francs Bourgeois and turn left and walk towards Place des Vosges (the most beautiful square in Paris).

You’ll hit a ton of great stores including an everyday sample sale on Rue de Poitou right off of Rue Charlot. There is also a store called Shine on that block that I love. You'll hit a lot of the French designers on that walk such as Vanessa Bruno, Tara Jamon, etc.

If you go the other way on Rue de Poitou towards Blvd Beaumarchais and make a right on Blvd Beaumarchais you’ll hit this new concept store Merci. It is absolutely adorable and they have a tea salon that you can enter from the street on the right hand side or you can walk through the courtyard to the main store and they have a little food area downstairs. It’s a really cool store that opened last Spring by the owners of Bon Point the baby store. This is store has everything!

Lunch L'As du Falafalle here- it will blow your mind!
Musee D'Orsay (closes at 6). Another one you could try is Jacquemart André which used to be a home and is the most charming place in Paris if you want to understand how people lived in Paris in the 19th century (fantastic ballroom). The tea room is great too.
Dinner at Derrière (8pm rue de gravilliers)- Small funky restaurant hidden behind a door and in a garden. Very funky and modern, food is excellent! Get the caramel macaroon for dessert. Actually get three, one for you appetizer/ dinner/ and desert ;).

Mon
George V triangle
On the right bank by the Arc de Triomphe, there is the George V shopping triangle: Avenue George V , Ave Montaigne, Rue Francios: Celine, Christian Dior, Lacroix, Erex, Gucci, Bulgari, Prada, Marni, et Balenciaga, etc). There is also the George V and Plaza Athenee for a cocktail. The new bar at the Plaza Athenee is amazing. Champagne cocktails! -> avoid the Champs Elysées, touristy, crowded, lots of pickpockets, go to the avenue Montaigne where all the nice shops are.

Stop for coffee/lunch at L'Avenue.

Taxi to Centre Pompidou
Lunch/ at 1 at George's at the Centre Pompidou -> amazing view (better than Eiffel Tower), good chocolate cake.
Walk Pompidou- where the Warhol's and modern art are on exhibition.
Dinner at 8pm Mama Shelter (quite a hike... 25 min train/10 min walk 109 rue de bagnolet) Very modern/ funky. Super cool vibe. Kind of a seedy part of town, we didn't mind. Or,instead you could try a nice brasserie. A great one the Brasserie Lipp in Saint Germain, in front of the Cafe de Flore. Try the typical French dishes (lots of carbs but delicious), some tourists go there but it's better on that front than the Grand Colbert which is FULL of American Tourists.

Tues
Train to Versailles - Wear good, comfy and warm shoes, the gardens of versailles are almost as pretty as the castle itself. The Trianon Palace is a must for a 'gouter' (4pm French snack/high tea)

I'd recommend grabbing a sandwich from a patisserie on the way. The train is about 1 hour each way from the center of the city. Beautiful views on the way.
Open 8:30am-8:30pm
Dinner at Verjus 8pm (rue de Richelieu). Amazing restaurant by the owners of the former Hidden Kitchen (google it, I'm sure it was amazing!)

Wed
Louvre
Lunch at 1 at Le Fumoir or in front of the pyramide du Louvre you have the Cafe Marly which is pretty good for lunch too.
Walk behind Louvre and down st. Honore... Look for Colette
Drinks experimental cocktail
Dinner Frenchie at 7:30pm or 9:30... only 2 seatings per night.
Hemingway Bar at Ritz.

Thurs

Fly Home :(

Near hotel in St. Germain
Pierre Herme Macarons
72 rue bonparte near st. Supliee (nice stores on street)
Mariage freres (sp) tea - also in the Marais
24 rue serves Get Marco Polo tea bags

Also recommended by friends.
Eat lunch at Aux Nuits des Tres on the rue de beaune

Steak frites at L'Entrecote- multiple locations.

Tea Room at Laduree.

The only thing I wish I would have added was a visit to Jim Morrison's grave. I guess now I have a reason to go back!!!

Paris Interrupted.

2012-02-09T14:32:00.001-05:00

I had planned on blogging this week about all things Paris... the fashion, the food, the shopping.... and still intend on doing so, but I have to interrupt talking about Parisdise with a cry for ~~help~~ err advice. Like please come to my house and fix this for me, kind of advice. Any takers????

Okay, so for the past few ~~weeks~~ months, I have been waiting for baby boy to roll over. When he was 4 months he went from back to front a whopping 3 times, and then he did a whole lot of nothing until we went on our trip. (Of course, we missed not only this milestone, but also seeing his two front teeth coming in, actually I'm kind of happy about the latter because he was not a happy camper while that was happening ;)) Prior to the roll heard around the world (seriously, it happened right after a Skype session) I was starting to think (like I always do) that something might be wrong. The LM was a rolling fool at 6 months, so of course, I though that there was some dramatic reason why at 6 1/2 months, baby Gray refused to even try.

The reason, of course, was he was lazy, and I was crazy, and he plans on proving to me over and over again that HE IS NOT HIS BROTHER. Okay, okay, I get it... geesh kid... feel free to go on developing at your own pace.

I digress.

Anyway, for the past week the little guy has perfected the art of rolling from back to front. One would think that mastering this task, would make rolling the reverse way a given, because the first is so much harder. As always, that "one" would be wrong.

How do I know?

Because my kid just can't seem to put the two together. As in, anytime you lay him anywhere (including the crib) he immediately rolls to his stomach. Where he happily plays for all of two minutes. Then he gets tired. The panic sets in. He starts to cry. Then scream. Then face plant. Then cry some more. Followed by more face planting.

You get the idea.

This goes on until someone, usually the LM, is nice enough to go over and give him a (gentle) nudge, flipping him onto his back. During the day this isn't a problem. At night? Well, I learned last night that there is only one baby flipper in this house, and as luck would have it, it turns out that person is me. (Lucky right?) So now, my kid who was FINALLY sleeping from 6:30pm- 6:30am, who no longer needed me to feed him in the middle of the night, now needs me to get up, not once.... not twice.... but THREE yes, three!!! times to flip him back over. By the time the 3rd flip was necessary, he was also hungry. Apparently mom = food after 4am.

Grrrrrrrr...

I really don't know what to do. I've tried all day to get him to roll back the other way, and he refuses to even try. I've tried leaving him on his stomach, thinking that eventually he will give up the fight and/ or flip to his back, but after 5 painful minutes I had to step in and help him.

Here is where you all come in and save the day? Right? So far, the only thing I can come up with is that tonight I should put him right up against the bars of the crib, this way he won't have any space to roll onto. Either that or he will grab onto the bars and use those for leverage. We will see.

Short of duck tape or sewing his sleep sack to the sheet does anyone have any suggestions? I actually considered the second... so you know I'm desperate.

I'm sure that this is another one of those funny little things that will soon pass, but for now... I'm not laughing.

Until then, here is the Valentine I'm sending to baby boy.

And that is exactly what I am about to do....

(Photo via A Cup of Jo)

J'adore Paris!

2012-02-07T15:28:00.002-05:00

Source: celebinspire.tumblr.com via Robin on Pinterest

Okay, clearly the above is not me, but let me tell you, this is exactly how I felt during our marvelous 6 days in Paris (or as I now call it Parisdise!) I've been back 4 days and I am still unable to put into words just how amazing our trip was. People keep asking me what was my favorite part of our visit, and I feel like a fool because I just stammer on about every little detail, because I can't possibly pick just ONE thing that was better than the other. If I had to say what I will always remember, it was our last night there. The Hubs and I were all fancied up, and we were in the back of a car, having just left the Hemingway Bar at the Ritz. We were both a little buzzed from the giant martini we had just consumed, and I was staring out the window babbling on about how amazing everything was. It was at that exact moment, that the Eiffel Tower began to sparkle, and soon after our driver took a turn under a bridge and we were speeding past the Louvre. Everything was so quiet and so beautiful, and I swear I had to ask my husband to pinch me, because I couldn't believe we were actually there. The whole evening couldn't have been more picturesque, and it was the perfect end to an already perfect trip. Soon we were back in our hotel, Skyping with our boys, who were also having the time of their lives. I really couldn't have asked for anything more! In fact, the next day, when we surprised the LM after karate, he turned to us and said, "I wasn't bad when you guys were gone, I was fine, I had fun." The baby, of course, just looked at me, smiled like I had been gone for two hours, and went on playing away." Talk about a dream homecoming!

If any of you are planning a trip over there 1) I am so jealous, and 2) feel free to email me and I'll send you our itinerary with links. For those of you who emailed me tips, I can't thank you enough! A special thanks goes out to Coralie, a lovely reader, living in Paris, who combed through my notes to make sure I wasn't missing anything!

I am so happy to be back, but I have to admit, in my head I am already planning our next trip.... where else but back to the land of wine, cheese, chocolate croissants, steak frites, and fashion! I'm thinking next time, maybe a girls trip ;)?

Oh, how I J'adore Paris!

P.S. Have you all seen this book? It comes out today, and after our trip, you know I had to pick up a copy! I have to admit, the kids I saw over there were VERY well behaved (and equally as beautifully dressed) I'll let you know if I pick up any tips!

The "Mom's Away" Calendar.

2012-01-27T14:47:00.001-05:00

This Christmas my Little Man became obsessed with his Advent Calender. Obsessed. The kid doesn't even like chocolate that much, yet every morning he would jump with joy when he got to open a new door. I figured if I made him a "mom's away" calendar then he would have a little something every day to get excited about, and the bonus is that he will know exactly how many days are left until we come back. Each little envelope contains a mini skateboard, a sweet treat, and a little note with an inside joke. With this to look forward to each morning, I'm pretty sure the little guy isn't even going to miss us! I, on the other hand, haven't even left yet and I already feel like I've been away from my babies for weeks! Oh, and you know it had to be Paris themed!

Since I am going to miss you all too, I figured I would also leave you a little something something. Here are 6 links for the next 6 days. No peeking early ;).

The funniest video that I have ever seen. For reals. Like, I might have peed a little, funny. (Oh, and I'm embarrassed to admit I've said like 80% of these things. I'm SUCH a dork!)
These are the best thing I have ever tasted. I have to stop buying them. I have a 2 bag a week habit, and so does my husband. Last week I went to Trader's and the ONLY thing I bought was 6 bags of chocolate covered pretzels. Yes, they are all gone. Someone has to stop making them. Please.
If I could live anywhere I would want to live here. Anyone want to loan me a few million dollars? Jenna Lyons will forever be my style icon. Word is she and the hubs are still living here together. Wonder if her girlfriend lives there too? Who can blame them? I wouldn't want to move either!
This bedroom makeover on the cheap is awesome. Just goes to show what some talented friends, and an uber popular blog can do.
My new favorite recipe I make this about 3 times a week. I traded the chicken for beef broth (don't tell my hubby please) and it's as easy as it is perfect for those cold winter nights.
Leave it to my sister, who knows me better than anyone, to find the most AMAZING baby gift for my little bean. I cannot wait until he fits in it! (Does anyone else remember the day he died? I was 14 and was devastated!!!!!!!!!!)

So there you have it, a little pressie from me to open each day! I'll try to get a few pictures of our trip up while we are there, but if not, I'll see you next Friday!

Au Revoir!!!!!!

I've Been Shopping For This My Whole Life.

2012-01-24T14:14:00.000-05:00

Every time I tell someone that I am heading to Paris with my hubby, their first question is always, "what are you gong to wear?" "Oh, don't worry about that," I say, "I've been shopping for this trip my whole life." The truth is I really have. I am one of those people who has a wardrobe for the life I wish I had. Meaning, I have something that can cover every event that one could possibly attend, but the truth is most days are spent in my Lulu's, and most nights in my jammies. That doesn't mean I don't dream of wearing some of my most favorite clothes, nor does it stop me from purchasing something that is "timeless" because every so often I am able to break out of my daily uniform, and wear something that I truly love. This is what the next week will be, my personal fashion show. Or as my husband said,"You're not wearing all your gear while we are there, are you?" Yes babe, I am... and I couldn't be more excited about it!

I figured I could create some virtual board of the dream clothes that I could be wearing on our trip, but isn't the real thing so much better? Oh, and as luck would have it, my dream wardrobe IS my wardrobe... so not only do you get to peak into my closet, but now I'm packed too! (Please excuse the wrinkly sheet ;))

The goal is to fit everything in this. Yes, it's a carry on. No, it's not clear if this is going to happen. We are there for 5 full days, so I'm hoping to bring only 3 pairs of shoes, 2 bags, and enough pieces that I can mix and match without needed a full Day, and Night outfit. Luckily, the weather looks pretty decent so hopefully I can leave the bulky winter coat at home.

Now, on to the clothes!

Paris Day

(Jacket Emersonmade; Sweater J.Crew; Pants Rag and Bone, Bag J. Crew, Boots Fiorentini and Baker)

(Sweater 12th Street by Cynthia Vincent; Shirt J. Crew; Jeans MIH)

(Blazer J. Crew; Shirt A.L.C.; Shoes J. Crew)

Paris Night

(Jacket and Dress DVF; Bag J. Crew Collection; Shoes Theory; Earrings Gift)

(Blazer A.L.C.; Shirt American Apparel; Pants Joseph; Necklace H&M)

(Velvet Tuxedo Blazer: 12th Street by Cynthia Vincent; Shirt: Gryphon)

(Leather Jacket: Tory Burch; Silk Dress: Hatch)

I'm thinking of doing my hair like this:

And to top it off, this red/orange lip courtesy of Tom Ford.

*Died*

What is your dream travel destination? Do you have anything you are dying to wear there?

And So It Begins...

2012-01-23T14:34:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, my Little Man and I talked all day about going outside after his nap to make a snowman in the freshly fallen snow. So much so that my Sister came over early so she could watch Baby Gray, keeping him warm during the big event.

As luck would have it, as soon as he woke up he heard that the neighborhood kids were next door watching a movie...

Can you guess what happened next?

I'm telling you, that kid couldn't get away from our house (err his mom) fast enough.

"What about the snow," I asked?
"Nah, later," was his response.

The following ten thoughts when through my head:

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.
Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.
Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.
Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.
Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.
Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.
I thought I had ten more years before this happened!!!!!!
Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.
I'm so proud of my little independent boy.
Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

Thank goodness for this little guy who still wants nothing more than to (eat) and cuddle with his mommy... for now!

P.S. It's somebody's UNbirthday today! That's right... baby gray is ALREADY 6 months old! Can you believe it? I sure can't. I guess that means I only have four more years until I'll be left building snowmen by myself. Dear time.... can't you please stand still.

P.P.S. Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

En 9 jours j'arrive à dormir toute la nuit .... Toute la nuit!

2012-01-18T21:02:00.000-05:00

Translation: In 9 days I get to sleep through the night.... THE WHOLE NIGHT!

Oh... and I'm going to Paris too.

Source: hannahsdore.tumblr.com via Hannah on Pinterest

Okay, okay... I'm actually unbelievably excited about the Paris part, like jumping out of my skin excited, but after 6 months of getting up with the babe, the prospect of 8...9....10!!!!! hours of uninterrupted sleep sounds equally as heavenly. What? You didn't think we were bringing the kids did you? Nope. This is one of those "husband has a meeting, and we just celebrated our Anniversary (8 years!) so why not spend 5 amazing days in the city of love, while Grandma and Grandpa get as much snuggles as they can possibly handle" kind of trips.

As in, it's going to be awesome!

But, the thing is, I haven't been to Paris in 14 years! I have no idea what to see, what to do. Alright, that's not totally true, I am literally copying the same (amazing) itinerary that my girlfriend used in October, but I would love to hear from all of you. What can't I miss? Where should I eat? What's overrated? Where are the funky little boutiques that are missing from every tour guide? C'mon party people.... I need your help! Oh, and while we are at it, what are some awesome travel apps? It's been a few years since I've traveled to Europe and even though it's only for a few days, I don't want to miss anything!

Of course, by "anything" I mean "anything that will get me to my hotel (which is in St. Germain) by 10:30 (at the latest) so I can have a much needed date....

With my pillow!

So.... Now We're "Those" People.

2012-01-17T16:00:00.001-05:00

My husband used to tell a story about a guy he was in Residency with, who was so addicted to his noise machine that he absolutely could not sleep without it. One night when he was sleeping in the call room, the thing broke, and his mother had to bring him another at 3 am (let's overlook the fact that the dude was married with two kids, and it was his "mommy" he needed to save the day) so he could sleep.

We would all have a laugh about it, and would question how someone could be so crazy that he couldn't sleep without the sound of running water, chirping birds, or a rain forest somewhere in the background.

... and then we became one of "those" people.

You know. The sound machine people. Oh, and it's not just us... it's our kids too. I don't know exactly how or when it happened, but a few years back we became hooked on this, and last night when the one in our room broke, and within about 5 seconds I was on amazon overnighting a new one, while also purchasing a "back up" I realized that while there some things I can live without; a noise machine is not one of them. I also discovered that I am not alone in this addiction, when my husband spent 15 minutes with the noise machine app on our phone trying to get the right "tone" of white noise before he could go to sleep.

Yes, we are crazy.

It's just not us.

My kids, and my Sister all cannot sleep without this thing. When we travel together we bring three of them with us, one for each room. For someone who hasn't tried one it's hard to explain just what it is that is so awesome about them. It's not like they help you to fall asleep faster, and living on a busy street, you still hear noise in the background, but your actual quality of sleep is just SO MUCH BETTER. I swear this thing just lulls you from one sleep cycle to another. I am fully convinced this little humming machine is why my LM is such an awesome sleeper, and why baby Gray (despite the fact that he still wakes up once a night for feedings) as equally as awesome when it comes to napping, and going to bed.

The downside is, of course, that they can break. Which is why you need a back up. Or a mommy who can bring you one. Or amazon express delivery, which made my day by bringing us a new one, just in time for nappy (I seriously considered sleeping with the LM just to share his.)

I actually feel like I should bury the old one, I loved it so much. Look at it, all sad and alone in the recycling. RIP Sleep Mate.... you were a great companion.

Um... Why Didn't I Do This Before?

2012-01-13T21:01:00.000-05:00

You know that scene at the end of Ghostbusters, when the cutest, chubbiest, roll covered "thing" begins to terrorize and destroy all of New York City? Yes, I'm talking about the State Puff Marshmallow Man. However, I could also be talking about Baby Gray, who will soon do his own version of "terrorize and destroy"covered in an equal amount of fat rolls, and even more cuteness. Yes, my baby who was once "slightly underweight" is now a fat-ass (and I say that with only love in my heart) and at almost 6 months weighs a solid 18 lbs. That's a full 3 pounds of baby deliciousness for every month he's been alive. This shouldn't be that surprising, but given that the past few months he's had some troubling stomach issues,* I couldn't be happier with that big belly, and equally as large thighs.

Now, this kid didn't get this way on his own... he has had some serious help from the baby food department, as in this baby can't eat enough food!" I swear, most days this kid eats more than the LM. Actually, I'm pretty sure that some days this kid eats more than me. I don't know if this is a good or bad thing, but considering I'm not covered in rolls, I'm going to say that this is a win win for both of us. Plus, this time around I know exactly what is going in that little mouth. Why? Because, I've gone all GOOP in this hizzie and I've been making all my own baby food. You know what? It is sooooooooooooooooooooooo easy, and SOOOOOOOOOOOOO cheap, and my only question is "um... why didn't I do this before?"

With the LM I was scared to death of making my own food. It was the whole "steaming" thing that threw me. I didn't want to lose the important vitamins and minerals in the bottom of the sauce pan, nor did I want to microwave everything in case those conspiracy theorists are correct and we are all getting cancer from our electronic devices, so I did the next best thing which was buy pre-made organic jars of baby food. Fine, right? Everyone does it. Yes, but I was constantly bothered by a few things 1) the jars were expensive, 2) heavy, 3) totally not earth friendly, and 4) that the expiration date was some three years down the road which meant their had to be something other than veggies and water that made this stuff stand the test of time. Well, either way, the LM loved it, he was fine, and now eats a variety of things that are not great for him, so as far as I'm concerned, no harm- no foul.

But.... the jars were still expensive and inconvenient, which is why this time around I figured I'd do this my own way. How? With this genius invention below.... THE BABY BREZZA. (I seriously feel like I should be in an infomercial right now) People! This thing is awesome. It steams the food for the desired time, blends it, and makes food with nothing but the food itself. It really is "set it, and forget it!" The end result is food that actually looks like food is supposed to. Pears are whitish, peas are bright green, sweet potatoes are orange... and so on. Oh, and it's so chhhheeeeaaaapppp to make food. 2 pears make 6 jars of baby food. A bag of baby carrots makes 12, a sweet potato makes 10. Every time I make 3 trays of food for like 5 bucks, I think to myself this would be 20 more at the store! That's just crazy. The machine itself only cost 100 dollars and in one month it has already paid for itself like 2-3 times over! Plus, you get the added bonus of feeling all Martha Stewartish and you know your baby is getting only the best. I die. All you preggos, or momma's with little ones. Buy this.. use this... save it, because I've found that it is also great for making pesto! They really need to give these things out at the hospital (along with a breast pump.)

This is the perfect time to mention my current obsession with EVERY baby product made by oxo. These trays are amazing, and are what I use to store the food in after I whip it up. Err after the Brezza whips it up!

Freeze extras in these.

Feed baby with this spoon, which is so soft and totally scoops the food off from around their mouth. You people with with kids know what I'm talking about.

And these bowls with a lockable lid are so amazing... I promise you can't find anything better out there. Diaper bag approved.

Fat baby agrees. Just look at that badonkadonk!

*Basically, we learned that he had a dairy allergy which was causing massive constipation which ultimately required a visit to the ER (don't even ask) which was easily cured with a formula change (not soy, still dairy based just with fully broken down proteins) and now this should be something he outgrows by age two. It only took 7 doctor visits, an ultrasound, an X-ray, and the stomach flu to figure that one out.

P.S. The mohawk is back... some things just can't be tamed!

Current Lust Item... and Late For the Party.

2012-01-10T16:18:00.002-05:00

Do you know how it is when you see what seems like everyone (and their Mother) wearing something, and when you finally ask someone where in God's name they got said fabulous item, you find out that you are so late to the party that not only is your size sold out... but even your wait listed size is sold out. Oh, and said item is ridiculously overpriced, yet still fabulous enough to haunt your dreams because 1) you wouldn't have paid full price to begin with, and 2) because of the above reason, they will never ever EVER go on sale?

No? You're lucky.

Yes? You, like me, must be currently lusting after these amazing Rag and Bone Jeans.

(close up leg detail)

Yes, they are leggings... yes, they are 300 dollars... yes, if you look closely you will see the fabulous leather detail, making them the most perfect riding- esque pants on the planet, and yes, they are "jeggings" making them equally as comfortable. Yes, you can still buy them unless you are my size or below. No, they are not worth 300 dollars, so you should not buy them unless you have an extra 300 dollars just lying around. I, unfortunately do not. This doesn't make me drool on the screen any less.

The true definition of a lust item.

Le sigh.

The Twenty-First Century Kid.

2012-01-09T16:45:00.001-05:00

It never ceases to amaze me the stuff that comes out of my four year old's mouth. Specifically, when it comes to technology.

Things like,

"can you text X's mom and see if they can come to the indoor playground?"

"Will you Skype Grandma and Grandpa so I can say thanks for the {bottle caps} they sent me for my collection (more on this later) I really need to ask them for more."

"Can you please download this song to your phone? I really like it!"

and today, "Does Baby Gray have a You Tube? You know you can find anything on a You Tube? He should get one."

I probably shouldn't be admitting this, but the kid can work an iPhone better than most adults. The other day he asked SIRI to call his Dad to see when he was coming home for work.

Yes, I almost died.

I can't even begin to imagine what will happen when the iPad makes its appearance.

I still remember, in 1st grade, when our classroom received the first ever Macintosh computer. You know, the one with the little green blinking light, where you typed in Y or N? I didn't even get my first laptop until Law School, and until then I didn't even know how to type. (Should I even tell you that I still use 4 fingers to write?)

Now, I have to wonder if it is going to be the reverse for these 21st century kids. Will they know how to write cursive? Spell? Add? When we toured a school we are looking at for our little guy, we found that as early as 6th grade, all the kids get iPads to do their reading, and for online math games with their classmates at night. They actually promoted the fact that they had a library with "real" books as a benefit to their school, as opposed to just a virtual one. Yeah, I'd say it is!!!!

I can't even imagine what it is going to be like for these kids when they are our age? How are we supposed to keep up??? I guess I'm going to need to spend a lot of time at the genius bar at the Apple store asking how to understand my kid... forget about the calculus homework!!!

Note: The LM was very happy to hear that Gray didn't "have a You Tube." He told him "not to worry, you have to be 4 to get one."

Here is big bro showing little bro a homemade skate video we've been working on.

Yeah, cause every four year old need a highlight reel.

Twenty Twelve... The Year of the Patient Mum.

2012-01-04T16:08:00.001-05:00

I am not usually one for New Year's resolutions. I generally eat pretty healthy (sans my minor baked goods addiction.) Exercise as much as I need, to to keep the body I want. Spend within my means. Be grateful for the things I have... and I try to have as much concern for those around me as I have for myself. It seems like most resolutions fall into these categories, and while I can certainly pledge to do any one of them, it just seems like making such a resolution would either be too easy or would only be so I can say that in the end I was successful. Where's the fun in that?

This year I figured I would do something hard. Something that only I would know if I was able to accomplish. Something that would really be beneficial for me, if in fact I managed to succeed at my goal. Something that needs to be worked on. Badly.

This year I will have more patience.

This mostly will apply to my kids, but in reality it needs to apply to them, and everyone else I come in contact with on a daily basis. I admit it, I am not a patient person. Not at all. When it comes to strangers, I am typically able to hide it behind a smile (and sometimes a stink eye) but in my head I am thinking of all the ways I would 1) do it differently, 2) ram into their car if I could, 3) punch them in the face, or 4) call corporate headquarters and try to bring down the wrath of the big guys on them. Of course, I wouldn't do any of these things, and instead, I am only hurting myself while wasting (valuable) energy thinking only negative and toxic thoughts, which are ultimately forgotten, as is the reason for my annoyance, some 15 minutes later.

Well, not any more.

Whether I'm in traffic, line, on hold, or working with the sllloooowwweeessstttt checkout individual on the planet, I will try, try, try, to take a deep breath, realize that this will soon be over, and dig deep down to find the patience to manage any situation with a real (or close to it) smile.

Then there are the kids.

I love my kids. My kids are my world. I live for my kids. Sometimes (often) they drive me absolutely insane. Most of the time it is my fault. Why? Because I don't have enough patience. I usually try to do way to much in a day, and then freak out when I don't get something done, or when they inevitably meltdown. Now that there are two of them, I find that the meltdowns tend to be tandem, and at the end of a long day. A basic recipe for disaster. Sometimes I can go to my happy place (i.e. a nice glass of wine, after 6pm of course) and sometimes I react (a parenting 101 no no.) This usually involves sending the LM to his room, or trying to reason with a 5 month old about why he won't eat/sleep/poop/ stop crying, both things that really benefit no one. What I need to do is take a deep breath, count to 5, and think of the picture above (I might actually frame this in my kitchen.) This man, is in fact, living my worst nightmare, and somehow seems to be keeping it together (whether it's staged or not.)

This year, I vow to remember, my kids are only young once, these are the only ones I'm going to have, and in reality, this is as hard as it's going to get (fingers crossed.) Sadly, these boys are only going to get bigger, and more distant, and one day I will long for a time when my baby is literally spitting peas in my face, while my four year old demands that I watch every single move he makes while he refuses.to.stop.talking.for.one.second.not.even.to.take.a.breath.

I realize Rome wasn't built in a day, and I can imagine that things will be easier when baby is again sleeping through the night (this will definitely be a post coming soon) but I fully recognize that this is a personality flaw that I have lived with for years, and there is no time like the present to start trying to better myself, for my kids, and for everyone I come in contact with.

Twenty Twelve... The Year Of The Patient Mum? Stranger things have happened.

(Photo via Pinterest... that poor man)

P.S. I realize I have been a bit slack here on the blog. With the kids out of school, that nasty stomach flu, and now a family cold, I just haven't found a way to keep up my momentum. This whole not sleeping thing is killing me and I've been trying to sneak in a nap when the kids go down, hence my lack of time to write. I'm hoping this soon will pass, and I'll be back to my usual bloggy/chatty self. New week I'm hoping to get up some "baby centered" posts including some of my new favorite things, and also a great giveaway from What To Expect When You're Expecting. We also have much to discuss re: the upcoming Paris trip, and of course there is winter fashions for kiddies and mums, some new recipes, and I've still been meaning to share some personal posts including our birth story, and what my hubby and I have decided about whether or not we should try to expand this little family of ours again (hint: we're not :)) Bear with me... there is still much to come!

NYE Is For Amateurs... NYEE Is Where It's At!

2011-12-30T11:35:00.002-05:00

Admittedly, I hate New Year's Eve. I have never understood the whole, "stand in line, pay a ridiculous cover to go to a place you wouldn't normally go to, eat a prix fixe menu of things you wouldn't order for double the typical menu price, get dressed up in too short of dresses and freeze your butt off in sub zero temps, wait for an hour for a taxi home just so you can risk your life because some idiot decided to drink and drive, and then puke the next day because you had to order drinks 4 at a time, because the line to the bar was so long."

Yeah, that pretty much sums up my idea of what it means to go out on NYE, which is why I have never, ever, gone out (sans that one year in 2003... which was so awful we choose to erase that one from the memory bank.)

Luckily, for the past decade I have been able to do it up right on NYEE, because not only is it SO much better to go out the night before (see above) but also, December 30th, happens to be the day of birth of my favorite person in the world, my little Sis. In years past she would fly across the county, and grace us with her presence to celebrate her new year, and now that she lives here full time, tonight she is again orced to again spend the night with the hubs and I. I use the term forced, but you know we all wouldn't have it any other way.

So, tonight we will dine at my favorite restaurant 10 Tables, in Jamaica Plain (my others are here, and here) which she has never been to, and I will finally get a chance to break out my Christmas Present (aka the most gorgeous blazer on the planet/ I am wearing this to both my Son's weddings/ I better or my husband will kill me) with a killer pair of heels. We will toast not only her birthday, but another great year at the at the stroke of 8 o' clock. Yes, that's how we do it!

Need a visual?

We will be here...

I will be wearing this...

And drinking this... with my nails painted like this (obsessed)...

With the two (adults) I love the most in the world.

I can't think of a better way to ring in the New Year, or to celebrate a girl who has been rocking my world for 23 years now!

Happy New Year my friends, see you in 2012!!!! It's going to be a good year... I can feel it!

Christmas; puke; Christmas; puke.

2011-12-27T11:02:00.000-05:00

Oh, Christmas 2011, you are one that will not soon be forgotten.

Last Thursday, baby Gray woke up with the stomach flu. Christmas morning, my Sis and I both got it. Double whammy. Yesterday, my poor hubby, and today the LM.

Is case you lost track that's about a week of puking.

Sometime last night, we decided that Baby Jesus was smiting us non-believers for not celebrating his birthday the way he would have wanted. Either that or we did something REALLY bad in a past life. I'd like to think that squishy little baby in the manger wouldn't have it in him, but after seeing what my own squishy little baby has done in the past week, I believe he can do just about anything.

I saw this on Facebook yesterday, somewhere in between my 20th and 1,000th load of laundry and thought all you other heathens out there would appreciate it.

Okay, now I'm pretty sure I'm going to Hell. And by Hell I mean having to clean up after a family of 5 after they've been sick.

I'll be back after I Lysol my entire house. Then my kids. Then my house again.

Thank You Santa.

2011-12-22T17:04:00.004-05:00

Last year, all I wanted for Christmas was a happy (and healthy) little boy. Given that he went above and beyond the call of duty, I was grateful that this year I got the chance to thank the big guy for bringing me the best present a girl could ever ask for.

The little elf, himself, getting in the Christmas spirit.

P.S. Big brother thinks it is soooooooooooo cool that his little bro went to see Santa to make sure he was on the nice list. He said he's even going to help him to unwrap his presents because "his arms aren't that long." I can't even imagine asking for anything else, when I already have more than I could have dreamed of.

Holiday 2011 Card.

2011-12-20T11:23:00.001-05:00

Since I can't send you all our card in the mail (imagine all that envelope licking) please accept this virtual version.

From our family to yours, we wish you the happiest of holidays.

With much love and gratitude,

Robin

(P.S. I pinky swear that I picked this design from minted.com before I saw that it was Jenna Lyons pick. Don't think that I didn't squeal with delight when I saw that my style icon was sending out the same card! Of course, she is missing the best part... my two (almost) smiling boys!

Christmas Memories and Proof Your Kid Can't Be Good at Everything.

2011-12-19T11:22:00.000-05:00

Ever since the LM was born, I have been dying to take him ice skating at the Frog Pond. Dying. I figured this year he would be old enough to give it a go, and considering he is good at everything he tries, I thought that he would for sure be able to master a little skate around the pond.

I was wrong.

Really wrong.

To call him terrible would be mean, but it would also be true.

There was something about the whole balance and move your feet at the same time, thing, that he just couldn't get. I, myself, am pretty much the worst skater around (why I thought it would be a good idea for ME to teach him is the real question) and just couldn't manage to keep both of us up AND moving. You want proof? Here are the only three pictures where we are both ~~skating~~ err standing.

Working on lap one...

10 minutes later.... same lap.

10 minutes more, yep, still making our way around.

Despite the sub-zero temps, Gray still enjoyed the show. You know he's thinking, "what are you two fools doing out there on the ice? If you were smart like me, you'd be over here chillin in my sleeping bag where it's warm, AND dry."

I wish I could tell you that he finally got the hang of it, but after our 30 minute trip around the ice we decided to call it a day. Even though we spent the entire time on our butts, I think he had fun. Ah, well, at least we made some Christmas memories (and I got to channel my inner Kristi Yamaguchi*)... so all was not lost.

Guess we shouldn't count on that hockey scholarship anytime soon!

*This is why you need to have a girl.... where is a mesh tutu when you really need one?

Wanderlust.

2011-12-15T10:25:00.000-05:00

Before we had kids, my husband and I prided ourselves on being the kind of people who would travel anytime, anywhere, with little more than a bathing suit, a surfboard and a toothbrush. We have stories that range from being trapped in chest deep snow, while wearing nothing but shorts and a tank top after a 7 hour hike in the middle of the Swiss Alps, to being stranded in a bed and breakfast in the middle of nowhere Mexico, while a huge hurricane was heading right our way, leaving us to boil pasta by candlelight for 3 days after the owners left. With what little resources we had, we did as much traveling as we could and would often lay around dreaming and plotting what our next adventure would be.

Then we had kids.

During the LM's first 6 months we tried to do as much traveling as we could, visiting three different continents in a span of three months, only coming home to pack and re-pack for the next trip. While we all survived, I am pretty sure I aged about 30 years worrying about sleep schedules, layovers, and red eyes. As much as we wanted to be the kind of parents who threw our kid in a backpack, and set off for the next great escape, we soon learned that when it came to going anywhere with our little ones, we are just not that flexible. As in, we travel with 3 noise machines, 5 lovies, a DVD player and a back-up computer for when the DVD player dies, plan everything around nap/bed time, and will only stay if we all have our own bedrooms, kind of flexible (like a board.) For me I live and die by my kid's routines, and I will go anywhere for any period of time so long as that routine can remain almost exactly the way it is at home (oh, and ONLY after the baby is sleeping through the night.) This is why you will often find us in Costa Rica (minimal time change, beach, pool, dark quiet bedrooms for nap) or California (ditto) or visiting friends or family who truly understand what it means to travel with kids in tow.

Basically we have become boring travelers.... for now.

Things certainly are getting easier now that the LM is bigger and we are already planning a trip to South Africa with him next year (leaving baby Gray behind, sad face) and I know in just a few short years we will again be able to explore the world without having to be so regimented once both the boys are over 5, and before they are too cool to hang out with us. Until then, I will have to settle for dreaming about being the kind of parent who can just let it all go, who would take my kids around the world, letting them learn from the people they meet, and the things that they see.

For now, I will have to live vicariously through the Goodwin Project. I found this amazing blog though another local blogger, Sweet Mama Jane. After one click I was obsessed, and I now find myself on their site every day, looking longingly thorough their pages of gorgeous pictures, detailing what is going to be a one year trip around the world. Did I mention they are doing it all with two VERY young kids in tow? Oh, to be that adventurous. Funny enough, the Momma, Dazie, was one of my idols growing up. She was the face of Roxy, and when I was in high school, surfing, I longed to be as cool as she was. Looks like some things never change.

Just look at some of these images from their trip thus far. (I couldn't even begin to pick a favorite)

I must say I was more than happy to see that we are not the only ones who travel with a lot of "stuff."

Here is a trailer for the movie that they are filming of their journey. Be careful, after you watch this, you might want to sell all your possessions and book that around the world ticket before Christmas. Don't think this thought hasn't crossed my mind more than 1000 times since my first viewing.

The Goodwin Project from Avocados and Coconuts on Vimeo.

Talk about some serious wanderlust. I'm dying to see where their next stop will be and now am itching for our next vacation. Maybe when I am having a panic attack over flight delays, I will think back to this brave family, and know that if they can do the world... we should at least be able to survive a little more time in an airport.

The Most Expensive Lipstick You Will Ever Buy, and Yes, It's Worth Every Penny.

2011-12-13T15:02:00.001-05:00

For the past few weeks, my Girlfriend has been RAVING about this new lipstick by Tom Ford, that her mother had bought for her a few weeks back. She claimed that it was most perfect red/ orange color, creamy, non drying, long lasting, and pretty much the greatest lipstick of all time. Sounds great, right?

Oh, did I mention, it's 48.00$ dollars?

Yes, 48 American Dollars.

Okay, pick jaw up from off the floor.

Normally, I would say "that's some kind of crazy," but after trying it on the other day while we were doing some Christmas shopping, I found myself saying, "that REALLY IS the greatest lipstick ever.... here is my credit card, momma needs something in her stocking too, where have you been all my life, I can't believe I'm buying this but also wonder if I should buy two in case I lose this one."

Yeah, it's that good.

You don't have to take my word for it, I know once you try it, you too will be a believer. The brand is Tom Ford Beauty, the color Wild Ginger, and not everyone carries it, but I found mine at Neimans. Oh, and apparently EVERYONE looks good in orange-red lipstick, or so says Glamour Magazine. For more inspiration, see below.

Source: lh6.googleusercontent.com on Pinterest

Source: joannagoddard.blogspot.com on Pinterest

Source: styleblog.ca on Pinterest

You're welcome ;)

That Was Easy.

2011-12-12T11:23:00.001-05:00

The Little Man wants one thing, and (almost) one thing only for Christmas. He has been talking about it non-stop since he saw one at his friend's house, and when he got the chance to meet Santa last week he wanted to make sure he was on the nice list.

Santa: Hello, Little Boy... have you been good this year?
LM: YES!!!! (partially true)
Santa: You have? Do you know what you want for Christmas.
LM: YES!!! I want an easy button.
Santa: (looking at me confused) did you get that mom?
LM: It's a button you push, it says "that was easy." That's ALL I want.
Santa: Um... okay, I'm pretty sure I can handle that one. (having no idea what my kid is talking about)

Yes, my kid want this more than ANYTHING in the entire world. A two dollar, button from Staples.

My response?

That was easy!

Here is the LM looking as angelic as ever. Does this look like a boy that should be on the naughty list?? Never!

.... and Gray saying "All I want for Christmas is to get away from this dude with the beard."

Luckily, for him... a few days later he was able to get a second chance. With a face like that, I'm pretty sure he could get anything he wants. (Which happens to be his bottom tooth that has been trying to pop through for about 3 weeks... poor boo!)

Do any of your kids want anything strange for Christmas? My kid better not change his mind, because not only are the presents bought... but they are wrapped too. This little Elf is done until 2012!

Diagnosis: Perfect.

2011-12-08T19:56:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, my baby boy had his 4 month check up. Up until this visit, it seemed like every time we went to the doctor, Gray was in one state of distress or another. First, there were the newborn visits, normal but hectic. We all know how those go. Then at 2 months we went in because he was having trouble breathing from his first cold, which was followed by a trip to the ER. Again at 3 months, he was seen after more difficulty breathing from second cold... which lasted a full 16 days. Then, there was the weight check after I met with the lactation consultant, where I learned he was not gaining as much as he should have been. All things minor, but for a while there it seemed like it was one thing after another. Since then, it has been almost 6 weeks, and with no colds, and a switch to formula, and I was happier then ever to take my little guy in to get a full (scheduled) checkup, head to toe.

The diagnosis?

He's perfect.

Like perfect, perfect.

This surprises no one but me.

I don't know if it's due to the years of anxiety during my "infertile" period, or the fact that he was conceived out of my body, or the fear from when we thought there may be something wrong with him after those false-positive tests results, but for some reason I have been harboring this idea that there just has to be something wrong. I look at my baby, and I see this beautiful little boy, and I still just can't believe he's here, and that he is, in fact perfect. I don't know what changed, but yesterday, for some reason, it was like a flip was switched, and I feel like I can finally can relax, knowing he's here, and there is really is nothing wrong with him. The best part, of course, is that he's all mine... and I don't ever have to give him back. As my Dad would say, he's a keeper.

Here's my "perfect" little boy at 16 weeks (as you can see, they are no longer concerned about his weight... his thighs alone must weigh 5lbs!)

Photos courtesy of his amazingly talented Auntie Jaimie, of Jaimie Arnold Photography.

YMGG- For The Father Of Your Children Who Knows How To Push Every Button You Have To Annoy You, and Yet Still Manages To Be The Man Of Your Dreams, Especially When He Skateboards For Hours With Your Kid, Even After Working a 14 Hour Day.

2011-12-06T14:35:00.001-05:00

I have to admit, this year I had a hard time in the "dad" arena. I think it's because my hubby just did all his shopping, and wants nothing for Christmas, so I haven't really had to look around much. Here are a few of his favorite new things... he's a man that's hard to please so if he likes it, i can promise you almost anyone will!

New Kicks that don't scream "dad." Every time I see a pair of New Balance sneakers, I can't help but think of Steve Carrell in the opening scene of Crazy, Stupid, Love (if you haven't seen this movie RENT IT right this second, Ryan Gosling... swoon) but still my hubby just loves these sneakers. They are as comfortable as running shoe, but they are cool enough to trick people into thinking that you aren't pushing forty, or trying to look like you are 18. The perfect shoe for the perfect middle aged guy! Note to all men out there, just because they are cool an comfortable does not mean that you can 1) wear them to a dinner establishment that requires a reservation, 2) wear them with shorts, 3) wear them ANYWHERE your partner is wearing heels. New Balance 59.50
A Pair of Boots that does not violate rules 1, 2, and 3 above. These boots may not look like much on paper, but under a pair of jeans they instantly transform your man into the stylish guy you always knew was lurking under the surface. Tannery (in Boston) or REI Blundstone 145.00
The New Coldplay Album. Is anyone else as OBSESSED with this album as I am? The only thing better would be a box set containing every other Coldplay album. Buy your man this, and then steal it. Listen to it. Die over how good it is. Repeat. Amazon, 11.88
A Video Game for the little boy inside your husband who refuses to grow up. If your husband is a gamer, this one is a no brainer. In fact, he probably already has it. Mine got it for his birthday and is "saving it" for a weekend when the kids and I go away. This is the only series of games he will play (thank god they only come out once a year) but according to him it is pretty much the coolest thing ever. I don't get it, never have, and never will, but with 2 boys I figure I better embrace it... and soon. Amazon 50.00
A "Fleece" that he can actually wear out to dinner. Yes, miracles do happen. My hubby and I are finally agreeing that a fleece cannot be worn ANYWHERE AND EVERYWHERE. Why did he finally come around? Because he found a fleece, that actually looks like a sweater up close. He has the hoodless version, and when you look at it you would actually think it's wool. When paired with boots and jeans he is instantly transformed from a college student to a 30 something father of two. I'm pretty sure Mark Zuckerberg would approve. Paragonia 149.00
A Shoe fit for a first, or 1000th date. True Story- When my hubby picked us up for our first date he came to my house wearing elf shoes. Seriously. They were these old school Clarks, that had about 2 inches of gum sole, and turned up at the toe. He paired them with too big of cargo pants and a T shirt with a number on the pocket. Yes, I still went out with him again. The shoes have become a bit of a joke around here, so when he told me he wanted a pair of Clarks again, I had to believe he was kidding. Then he showed me a gray suede pair, minus the gum sole, and I had to take back everything I said before. Even elves can grow up. Clarks, 119.99
The Perfect Saturday night movie. Screw the critics, you know a Hangover double feature + a bottle (or two) of wine = the perfect Saturday night. Amazon, 14.99
The Must Have Accessory. Who has two thumbs and needs a Kindle? EVERYONE. I hate to admit it, but I bought my 1st generation Kindle when they were like 500 bucks. Now they run about 80, are so much faster and lighter, and do almost as much as an Ipad. Damn technology... I can't keep up. My husband kicked and screamed when I told him to get one, and now thinks it's pretty much the greatest thing on earth. If there is anyone on your list that you are at a loss of what to give... this is it! From 79.00, Amazon.

Whew.... So, there you have it. Gifts for everyone on your list! Happy Shopping!!!

For You Kick Ass Sister Who Moved Across The Country To Be With You and Your Kids, Your Mom(s) and MIL Who Take As Good of Care of Your Kids As You Do (If Not Better), and Your Amazing Girlfriends Who Make Every Day Brighter (and Who You Get To Drink Margaritas With The Second Tuesday of Every Month) Who Will Always Be Your Soul Sisters Even If They Move To New York.

2011-12-01T21:23:00.001-05:00

It's not coincidence that most of these will also make for awesome hostess gifts!

LES MACARONS. My girlfriend brought these TO DIE FOR Macarons back from Paris earlier this Fall. I literally hide them from my hubby and son so I could keep their delicious creamy/crunchy goodness to myself. I actually think I might have cried when the box was empty. If I had to pick, my favorites are the salted carmel and coconut (but that would only be said with a gun to my head.) My mouth is watering just thinking about them! This will definitely be my first stop the minute our plan hits the tarmac in Paris! Laudree, Prices vary
Jonathan Alder Scented Candle. Forget the gorgeous vases these candles come from... if you have never smelled one of these amazing creations, you are seriously missing out. It's like, whatever it says it is, it is, without being to perfumy or over the top. My favorite has the be the watercress, but any one of these would bring a big smile to my face... and nose. Jonathan Adler 38.00
Feed Haiti Bag. You all know the deal with the FEED bags, right? By a cute reusable bag... feed meals to those in need. The Haiti bag = 50 meals and is a great way to give back while also getting the perfect summer tote/beach bag. I think this is a great gift to bring to one of those many holiday dinner parties. Historie 35.00
Dots Blanket. Similar to the FEED bag, this beautiful blanket which can be used as a throw, beach blanket, picnic blanket, tablecloth, baby blanket, etc... is also a gift that gives back. These handmade blankets are woven in Ethiopia and the company buys directly from women-owned businesses which enables the artisans to support themselves and their families with their craft. Historie 125.00
John Derian Tray. For the past year I have been obsessed with procuring a John Derian tray. I absolutely love how whimsical they are, and the instant personality that they can bring to any room. A few months back, through a flash sale, I was able to get a 50% off coupon, and picked out two trays that now sit right next to me in my bedroom. The Beautiful tray has to be my favorite, and is a perfect gift for the beautiful women in your lives. Leeker Home, 80.00
Jean- Georges Cookbook. Market is probably one of my top three favorite restaurants in Boston (along with Coppa and Ten Tables) and I am so excited to try out some recipes from this gorgeous cookbook. It has the word "simple" in the title, which is always a very good thing. The cover alone makes me hungry! Amazon 26.31
This Beautiful Life [A Novel] This book has received some mixed reviews, but I absolutely loved it. It freaked me out a bit, the whole idea of "bigger kids, bigger problems" yet I couldn't put it down. The premise is that a young teen boy, who attends a prep school in New York, finds himself involved in a scandal that stems from a pornographic video that was emailed to him by a 13 year old girl. I found the book heartbreaking, and it served as a great warning, just how easily kids can get caught up in things without the proper supervision. Give this one to Mom, it will remind her just how happy she should be that you are out of your teen years! Amazon, 13.34
Hermes Scarf. This seemed to be my go-to gift this year. First, for our best friend's 40th my girlfriend and I thought this would be the perfect present, as it is just as hip as it is timeless.... and hopefully 60 years from now she will always think of us when she wears it. Then, we gifted one to my MIL to thank her for her AMAZING help before and after baby Gray was born. I love that when she wears it she will always think of that happy time! You can't go wrong with this present, which also makes a great group gift from all you siblings! Hermes, from 305.00

There you have it... gifts for the most important women in your lives. Coming Monday, presents for the man in your life (you know they really don't want anything, but we have to get them something.) See my present for my hubby here.

Happy Weekend.

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.

2011-11-30T20:35:00.001-05:00

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.

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
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
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
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
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$.
Oball Rattle. Hands down best baby toy ever. 3-9 months. No more needs to be said. Isis Parenting 10.00
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
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.

2011-11-29T20:15:00.001-05:00

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

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Boys' Flannel Shirt. For the country boy that lives in every city boy. Adorable! J.Crew 49.50
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.

2011-11-29T10:39:00.001-05:00

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...

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.
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.
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$
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$
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$
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.
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$
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.
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$.
Black and White [Hardcover]. My newest favorite coffee table book. Buy this. Read it. Love it. Completely re-arange your home. Repeat. Yeah, it's that good. Amazon, 30$
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.

Shopping + Crawl = I'm There!

2011-11-28T21:00:00.000-05:00

Remember this awesome giveaway from the Summer, that was brought to you by those yummy mummies over at the Pink List. Well, it looks like those girls have outdone themselves again, and have put together two of my favorite things, shopping and saving, all in the spirit of helping you complete your Christmas list. Seriously, you had me at the words shopping crawl. The event is Saturday, Dec 10, and runs from 10-2. For a 35 dollar ticket, you can get discounts all over Boston, and there is even a chance for the kiddies to meet Santa (this year I am more determined than ever to get a shot of both kids on his lap.) I can't think of a better way to spend an afternoon!

Gather up your girlfriends and mark your calendars for what promises to be a great event! You can find out all the details here. Hope to see you there!

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

2011-11-28T15:16:00.001-05:00

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.

2011-11-24T09:44:00.001-05:00

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.

Dear Santa.

2011-11-22T09:14:00.001-05:00

Dear Santa,

Thanks to some serious research from my awesome babysitter, I now know what I would like for Christmas + My Birthday + Valentine's Day + Mother's Day (for the next 5 years.)

Four letters might just change the next four years of my life; Zigo.

What's a Zigo you ask?

Well... it's a

Bike that holds 2 (yes, 2!!!!!) children.

That turns into a stroller.

Which turns into a jogger.

That then turns back into a bike.

Watch this magic... make sure you are sitting down.

Amazing!

So, Zigo... what you are telling me is that I could

Bike both kids to school, then...
Lock my bike leaving it behind, then...
Stroll Gray during errands, then...
Jog around the Charles, then...
Pick up the LM, and give both kids a snack IN the bike....

Seriously?

Any chance this could fit in my stocking?

P.S. I am slightly afraid of what size by quads are going to be after a year with this thing. Move over Lance Armstrong.
P.P.S. If you are interested in buying this bike, with attached #1 in safety, baby seat... email me.
P.P.S. I was wrong about the Zigo being Dutch... a de google search threw me. Go America!

The Best Part of Waking Up.

2011-11-19T10:44:00.001-05:00

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!!!

2011-11-18T14:24:00.001-05:00

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.

2011-11-17T13:50:00.001-05:00

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?

2011-11-16T14:28:00.000-05:00

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???

2011-11-15T16:18:00.001-05:00

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.

2011-11-13T14:34:00.001-05:00

For the record... baby always wins.

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

Happy Sunday to you all.

Happiness.

2011-11-11T15:49:00.001-05:00

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.

2011-11-09T14:15:00.001-05:00

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?

2011-11-08T16:11:00.000-05:00

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.

2011-11-04T11:08:00.001-04:00

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.

2011-11-03T11:24:00.000-04:00

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.

2011-11-02T15:29:00.000-04:00

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.)

Don't Worry... The Aliens Would Have Sent Me Back!

2011-11-01T19:36:00.003-04:00

I received an email from a reader/friend asking if I was 1) alive, 2) if the kids were alive, and 3) if I was missing due to an alien abduction??? I am here to put any kidnapping rumors to rest, and to apologize for my unexplained absence. Holy crap, has it really been a week since my last post?

I'd like to say that we were all sick (actually I might have to re-phrase that one, because thankfully everyone has stayed relatively healthy despite the 50 degree, two week temperature swing) or that I have some monumental news that I have been waiting to post (I have to laugh at the twitter follower asking if I was unexpectedly pregnant? I. couldn't. even. imagine.) or that there was some good reason for staying away from the blog as long as I have.

The truth is not very exciting. Life just sort of got in the way.

I'm finding life with two kids much easier that I expected. Easier, but a hell of a lot more time consuming. Easy in that, somehow every day, we are able to make it from place to place, and to and from our daily activity relatively unscathed. We are usually on time, the kids are dressed and fed, and somehow the house still looks decently put together. Most nights (err some nights) we even have a home cooked dinner together. It has taken A LOT more planning to get things done, but most of the credit goes to the two boys who are both so awesome that they make getting around possible, and dare I say... fun? I think I was prepared for life to be a total shitstorm for the first year, and anything but has been a welcome surprise.

That being said, I feel there are just not enough hours in the day to get to everything done. I try to get to most of my errands with baby, while the LM is in school, and everything else done in the hour and a half that they are both sleeping every day. Yes, I mastered the double nap. No, it's never enough time. I've also tried to get in some time at the gym a few hours a week, but that has meant a few hours away from my little boo boo, and so I have to make those up by staring at and making out with him every chance I get. In between all this I have tried to find some time to get to the blog (which I still love and have missed dearly) but last week a few things came up that required some attention. Hence my absence.

The biggie was that we unexpectedly decided that we were going to look into putting our LM in private or independent schools next year for kindergarten vs our town's public schools. We had planned on keeping him in his school for another year and putting off kindergarten until he was 6. His birthday falls 5 days before the kindergarten cutoff, and given that he is a very energetic little guy, we felt that he would benefit from another year of pre-k. This plan was quickly discarded, last week, when we learned that we had no option for an extra year if he went into public school, AND our town has some kind of screwed up lottery which is great if you get the school you want, and sucks if you don't. We will still play to see what comes up, but I think we are leaning towards putting him in a school which will allow for the flexibility of a delayed kindergarten. Which means paperwork. Lots and lot of paperwork. Paperwork+ tours+ interviews+ blah, blah, blah. If someone had told me that it was easier (and cheaper) when I applied to Law School, than it is for kindergarten, I would have laughed. They would have laughed right back, because they would have been through the process, and they would have been right. I am very much of the mindset that whatever school he goes to isn't going to make that big of a difference in terms of his higher education, but I do think it will play a part in what type of person he is going to become, and because of that I want to find the perfect fit.

Then there is Gray.

Gray is great. Gray is flexible. Gray is just about the sweetest thing ever. I love every second with him. I still melt every time I look in those puppy dog eyes and I pinch myself every day just to make sure he is really here. While I have endless love for him, I feel the exact opposite about feeding him. Or should I say breast feeding him. For whatever reason, I just can't seem to keep my milk supply up, despite every effort to do so. We went three months straight without a drop of formula, but when I found out last week that he was a few ounces under where he should be, I didn't hesitate to work a bottle into our daily lives. And now it's two. Soon it will be three. Even though I've been down this road when the LM was the same age, I still can't help felling like a bit of a failure. Last time around, I went into a bit of a downward spiral over this, but now, we are busy enough, sot as long as he's happy and healthy, I can't worry about much else. It took a few trips to the lactation consultant, and then the pedi to get okay with everything, but long story long, he's growing and that's all that matters.

There is plenty more that has been keeping me away, including my odd obsession with reading about Jenna Lyons' divorce... so scandalous!!! planning a romantic getaway with the hubs (more on this later) and even ordering our x-mas cards (I'm psycho) but I promise to not disappear again any time soon. I've missed you all and have appreciated those of you who have reached out to say they have missed me in return!

I have a whole lot more to write about and will definitely try to be more consistent in posting!!!

And... you all know the aliens would have sent me back, right?????

P.S. It is not lost on me that when I went to publish this post the time stamp was that I started it almost 4 hours ago! That's what happens when both kids wake up early from their naps!!!

Frick and Frack.

2011-10-25T15:19:00.000-04:00

Remember when I was *worried* that the boys wouldn't be close because they were going to be born 4 years apart?

I have a feeing that is NOT going to be a problem.

P.S. It just hit me that SOON they are going to be able to team up and conspire against me... Oy!

Monday Funday.

2011-10-24T17:42:00.001-04:00

Here is a random sampling of the day.

Over the weekend my husband and I decided to cave in and let the LM watch the new Transformers movie. He doesn't get really scared of things, but he is kind of obsessed with "shooters" (guns) so I was on the fence about this one. I read about it online and saw that there isn't really much violence, and since it's machine fighting machine (no blood) I figured I would give in.

First thing he does this morning when we walk into school? Go right up to both his teachers and say, "Guess what? My Daddy let me watch the Transformers movie yesterday. It was awesome. There were bad guys, and shooters, and it was for big kids!!!!! I'm not scared, I'm brave." Is it wrong that I was slightly relieved that he said "my daddy let me?"

Note to self: Teach the LM "things that happen at home, stay at home." It's like Vegas.

Yep, now I'm really looking forward to parent/ teacher conferences.

Then we went to the store this afternoon. We were looking for these sucky nose things that I'm obsessed with, for my girlfriends. They can clear up an infant's nose like no one's business, and I kind of think it's fun having a little tug of war with the boogers. (In other news, I need to get out more.) Anyway, when I asked the lady if they had any, she said they were out. A little voice peeped up from inside the cart, saying "you should just order them online." "Whhhhhaaaatttt?" I replied. "What is online?" The LM said, "you know, from the compputedor." Holy 21st century 4 year old! (By the way, I came home and ordered them online.)

Oh, and speaking of ordering things online... I have two words for you all... New Coldplay. It's awesome. It's out. I will listen to nothing else for the next 3 months. They better tour. They better come to Boston. I better be there. Chris, if you are reading this... I love you.

Now the LM and I are feeling very ~~Martha Stewart(ish~~) err Betty Crocker(ish) and are making a Homemade Veggie Lasagna, and Pumpkin Pie. I don't think the house has smelled this good since last Fall! What is it about cold weather that just makes you want to cook???? Let's hope my hubby doesn't clue in and move my ass to North Dakota!!!

Hope you all had a great Monday!

3 months!

2011-10-23T14:11:00.000-04:00

Happy 3 months to my little Boo. I know it hasn't been that long, but it's hard to remember what life was like before you came along!!! Thank you for being the sweetest baby and completing our little family. We love you!

What Would Your Mother Say?

2011-10-20T15:32:00.002-04:00

For the past year the LM has been taking swimming classes at the Boston University gym. This is always a great opportunity for me to check out what the young(er) kids are wearing, and I've begun to notice, as the weather is getting colder, that girls these days seem to be forgetting one very important piece of clothing when they leave the house; their pants.

Yes, I'm serious here.

What these girls refer to as "leggings." people in my generation refer to as pantyhose or tights. Worse, the trend seems to be to wear a really short sweater with these skin tight, see-thru, "not pants" pants. I might sound like an old lady here, but unless you are Giselle (and even then) shouldn't you be wearing actual pants when you leave the house? I mean, most of these pant like clothing articles are sooooooooooooooo tight that there is NO WAY these girls can even be wearing underwear beneath them.

Ewwwwwwwww. What would you mother say????

I know there is a lot of things that you should worry about when sending your kids off to college, but I'm not sure reminding them to wear actual clothing should be one of them. It reminds me of this chart I saw a few months back on the Huffington Post. (click to enlarge)

Maybe I should post this on the Community Board under "from a concerned member of Generation X to you, girl from Generation Y... as in Y aren't you wearing any pants?"

This ends my public service announcement. Please go back to your regularly scheduled internet surfing.

(Image via BuzzFeed)

Siri's a B*&ch.

2011-10-19T13:58:00.000-04:00

... and I want her. I want her bad.

Not this Suri:

(Although, I'm guessing when she grows up that she's probably going to be quite the Bitch, herself )

I'm talking about this Siri:

I've been waiting and waiting for a reason to get a new Iphone and this little voice activated temptress might just be it. I have the 3Gs, and the thing is pretty much falling apart, never mind the fact that it is soooooooooooooo ssssssllllllllooooooowwwwwww. I've heard the new one isn't that great, but from what what I've seen of Siri... how can people not be raving about the thing? If the ability to text, without using your actual hands, isn't reason enough to justify the upgrade, I'm not sure what is. My hubby keeps telling me to hold out for the 5, but I'm having a hard time resisting the lure of my own little personal assistant in my pocket.

Do any of you have the new one? Is it as good as it looks/ sounds? Should I hold out for the 5 or give in to the lure of Siri? While you're at it are there any other life changing decisions you can also make for me?

Okay, fine, let's just start with the phone.

Cause You Know a Four Year Old Ain't Lying!

2011-10-17T16:27:00.003-04:00

While I was pregnant, I didn't think that much about the pregnancy weight that I was or wasn't gaining. I felt good, I thought I looked as good as I could, and I knew, from experience, that the weight does come off... eventually.

During my pregnancy I gained about 27lbs. This wasn't intentional. I hardly exercised, and ate a relatively healthy, heavy on the sweets, diet. Right after the baby was born I inadvertently ended up on a scale at the pediatrician's office (she was late, I was bored) and I was about 8lbs over my pre-pregnancy weight. Now, 3 months later, I'm 11. I'd like to say that this was all due to breastfeeding, but I'm the first to admit that my current obsession with pie/pasta/bread/ anything with calories, is the likely culprit. I don't know what's come over me, but feeding this baby makes me so HUNGRY and I am definitely not the one to make the healthy choice when I am constantly STARVING.

Now back to my four year old. Other than the fact that I know I am nowhere near fitting back to any of my pre-pregnancy pants/skirts/dresses, the weight doesn't really bother me. My baby is happy, I'm happy, God invented leggings, and thankfully, the cold weather is on it's way which means a lot of layers. I figured I had until Summer to shake this baby/ pastry weight.

Or not.

A few days back I was getting out of the shower, when my appendage, the LM, asked, "are you having another baby?" "No, sweets. Why would you ask that?" I replied, thinking this might be some emotionally charged sibling rivalry question. "Because, your tummy is big and soft. It's looks like you are having another baby."

Yep, this week I'm heading back to the gym... and for reals.

Anyone and everyone can say how great you look, but when your four year old tells you that you look some kind of knocked up, you know you do, because a four year old ain't lying! These kids will drop truth bombs on you no matter how hottie tottie you think you are, and the sad thing is they are usually right!

So... after I picked my jaw up off the floor, and assured the LM that we were still going to be a family of 4, I decided it was time to think seriously about my return to the gym. I am hesitant to do anything to intense, as I don't want to affect my milk supply, but if I can just maybe offset some of these pie calories, I know my muffin top might fade to a (mini) muffin top. At least it would be a start.

My plan of attack is keeping things low impact. I'm going to try to swim a mile at least twice a week, and then hit up a yoga or core class two more times. On the weekends my hubby can stay with the boys for an hour, and during the week I can get in on a sitter share, so Graybeans shouldn't really notice a difference. Hopefully, my boobs won't either.

At this point it's either that, or give up the pie, and you KNOW I'm not going to do that.

Four year olds. They can be the ~~most annoying~~ sweetest things, can't they?

1:33.

2011-10-16T08:51:00.000-04:00

1:33 of pure squish...

Happy Sunday!!!

Up All Night... Again!

2011-10-13T13:49:00.000-04:00

Two weeks ago the unthinkable happened. My baby gave me the best present ever. Like a Christmas, Birthday, Mother's Day, and Valentine's Day, Chinese New Year all rolled into one, kind of present. He started sleeping through the night. Yes, my friends, that is some priceless s%#t.

It came out of nowhere. Until he turned 10 weeks we were up every night at 12:45, 4:45. and sometimes for good measure 6:45. I figured that maybe I would get lucky and he would drop that 12:45 feed, but no, my little guy seemed to be holding on to his schedule for dear life. Then, one day, he didn't wake up. Of course, when I awoke at 4 and realized I hadn't heard him, I rushed upstairs to make sure he was still breathing (he was) woke him, fed him, and went back to sleep. The next night he did the same, and I again, woke him, and fed him. Realizing, it was crazy to keep waking him up, I called the pediatrician and asked for" permission" to let him sleep through. I was told that as long as he was feeding 6-7 times a day (he was) and peeing an equal number (that too) than I should pinch myself, thank a higher power, and let that baby snooze away. I happily complied.

For 9 blissful days, I put him down at 7:15 pm and didn't see his chubby, smiling face, until almost 8 am the next morning. OMG I felt like I had my life back. No more freaking out at 9:30 pm that I would be up in less than two hours, no more walking around like a zombie all day, no more hiding from my 4 year old, under the covers, when he came to get me in the morning. I was almost a human again. Almost.

Just when I thought it was safe again to go out with my hubby or friends, and have that second glass of wine, my little guy has gone and turned the switch again and Tuesday was up at 5am (after a night out with the girls (ouch) and last night we were back to our 12:45, and 4:45 routine again.

WTF???????

I keep telling myself that maybe it is just a 12 week growth spurt (is there such a thing?) Or that maybe it was some freakish circumstance... gas, a nightmare, hell, maybe a ghost? Anything, ANYTHING other than the fact that I am going to be back on the up all night track... again!

Crap. Maybe it's time to start praying.

Did any of you go through this with your little ones. Did they tempt you with a night of sleep and then rip it away the second you started to take advantage of it? Is he too young to bribe him with a new car? Trip around the world? College on an opposite coast? A gold watch?

He's got two more weeks of this. Now that I know he can make it though, don't think Dr. Ferber hasn't crossed my mind. You hear me baby Gray. 2 more weeks!

Then First of Eight Decades.

2011-10-11T13:46:00.001-04:00

Over the weekend, my hubby and I celebrated the ten year anniversary of when we first met. It just so happens to fall on the day before his birthday, so luckily it's hard for us to forget.

Our first meeting was nothing out of a epic romance novel. It was not love at first sight, no fireworks exploded overhead, nor were we inseparable after we laid eyes on each other. We didn't move in together the next day (that came some 6 months later) and I definitely didn't think of him as my soul mate. I always hear people say that without an instant, powerful connection, there is little chance of a long lasting relationship. I saw it the other way. Slow and steady usually to wins the race, and while some of those explosive relationships have fizzled out, ours seems like it could make it for the long haul.

We met how most people meet. Basically, a girl walked into a bar and met up with 3 other girls, who somehow ended up sharing a table with the group containing 4 single guys. At first glance I definitely thought he was a cutie, the best of the bunch, and after a few hours of conversation (and an equal number of pitchers of beer) we realized we had a ton in common (I somehow managed to find the only other surfer in the entire city of Baltimore) and we exchanged numbers. The next day he did something that no man before him ever did, he called!!!!!!!! and asked me out for the next weekend. We were both in the end stages of complicated relationships, and while we casually dated, it wasn't until a few months later that we finally felt that we were meant to be. From that moment on I pretty much knew I was going to marry the kid. Three months later we moved in together, less than a year later we were engaged, and we were married that next January. I was 24, he was 27 and we said on our wedding day that it was pretty cool that we could possibly be together for almost 80 years!

Now, 10 years, and 2 kids later we are still going strong. Sure, we've had our up and down years, and we often drive each other bananas, but when your husband looks at you on your 10 year anniversary, and says "can you believe you have to put up with me for 70 more?" you know you've found your true love!

Moral of the story: It's never a bad idea to marry your best friend (explosive fireworks or not) and drinking on a Monday can be a good thing, you never know who you're going to meet!

January, 2004

(I can't believe how young we look... we were practically babies!!!)

Happy Anniversary to my handsome hubby!

This Is What Happens When...

2011-10-08T18:13:00.001-04:00

This Is What Happens When.... You leave Mom at home, alone, with a pair of clippers.

Look, there was a baby hiding under that mohawk!!!

Remembering Steve.

2011-10-05T21:36:00.000-04:00

‎"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to...love what you do. Your time is limited. Don't waste it living someone else's life." - Steve Jobs

Little Man, Big Ramp.

2011-10-04T16:32:00.000-04:00

I've gotten a few questions about how the skateboarding is going. I agree 4 may seem a bit young to take on such a injury prone sport, but my little guy is so determined that I think it really just depends on the kid, as to what the appropriate age may be. Besides, he's so close to the ground, he doesn't really have that far to fall. Me on the other hand? Let's just say I'm better of not trying to show him "how to do it" as my skinned knee will attest.

Here's my little guy, last week, after his second lesson. He must have done this about 100,000,000 times, and only left when it was pitch dark. My feeble attempt at convincing him that it was "almost dark" definitely feel on deaf ears!

The Boy Is All Thumbs.

2011-10-03T14:15:00.001-04:00

There is something going on with Baby Gray. I have done EVERYTHING in my power to stop it, but the force is too strong (or I am too weak.) A few weeks back I started by denying it was happening, and then I begged him to stop, which turned into bribery (a concept which is lost on a 10 week old) and now, slowly I am getting to a place of acceptance. Slowly.

Basically, my kid is a thumb sucker. Whew. I finally said it out loud.

One would think that a mom who allows her kid to gnaw on a pacifier at night until he was almost 4, wouldn't care too much about the sucking of thumbs. That person would be wrong. See, the reason I allowed/ promoted/ taped to the LM's mouth (not really, but close) that little green piece of plastic, was to avoid this very problem.

A binky means no finger, or thumb sucking. A binky can be taken away. Fingers, well, they are forever.

How do I know? Because, I too was a finger sucker. A hard core, until my age was in the double digits, no amount of teasing/money from my parents/ pepper nail polish, if I lived alone I would probably still do it into my thirties (yikes, I hope not) kind of finger sucker. Oh, the shame. I get it. I'm sympathetic to his need to suck. I also know how hard it is to stop. Poor baby boy, he looking at a long (and germy) road ahead.

In my ill-fated attempts to keep this from happening, I have bought every pacifier on the market to find just ONE that he won't spit out...he hates them all. I have swaddled him so tight, I was afraid he couldn't move... he breaks out in about five second and inserts left thumb directly in mouth. I have even called the pedi to see if there was anything else I could do... his response, it's actually genetic, blame the genes and let the kid suck away. It's gotten to the point where when he wakes at night to feed he'd rather suck his thumb, and after 20 minutes I have to go up and pry it out so he will actually remember that he is hungry.

Yep, he's got it bad.

The only thing left to do at this point is wave the white flag, buy enough non-toxic sanitizer for the next few years, and pray that he won't be walking down the aisle with that thing in his mouth (something I can guarantee you my parents though was a possibility.)

I'm pretty sure that in a few years I can't trade a skateboard for an actual thumb. Wait... can I? ;)

This Weekend.

2011-09-30T11:38:00.000-04:00

I am so excited the weekend is finally here! I feel like this week I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I am still trying to find my way through the daily grind of school pick up, drop off, and the LM's activities, all with a baby (who is usually trying to sleep) hanging off my boob. Surprisingly, we have made it to everything (on time!) and are usually pretty prepared, but I can't help feeling constantly frazzled, like one wrong move and this deck of cards will fall. I'm pretty sure this just goes with the territory of having multiple kids, and as the weeks go by things are getting easier... I'm felling pretty confident that we will make it after all!

Today, is quite possibly the best day ever. Later this afternoon I am leaving BOTH kiddies for the first time (so needed) and indulging in a trip to the salon (holy roots!) and heading back to the gym (for my first ballet core class...eek.) I'm hoping that all goes well, and if so, EVERY Friday I am going to try to escape during nap time for 5, yes 5, kid free hours. Talk about a light at the end of the tunnel each week!!!

This weekend is going to be great. Despite the rainy forecast, I am so excited! Tomorrow, Dad is taking the LM to the museum and I can't wait for some one-on-one with my littlest guy. After nap we are going to what seems like the 1,000th birthday party this month. As one of the oldest in a class of 18, we seem to have one every weekend, but the LM loves them so much, I am more than happy to sit in the corner with Graybeans eating cake (the best part!) while watching him play with his buds. The difference in "play" between the ages of 3 and 4 is so astounding, and I just love watching him actually interact with his friends, rather than the parallel play of years past.

Tomorrow night I am having a friend from high school (thank you Facebook) over for dinner, while he is in town on a layover from London. Normally, I would be terrified of having a little dinner party at prime meltdown time, but luckily for me, my buddy has kids almost exactly the same age as ours. I'm sure he will feel right at home! I plan on making this for the first time, which my bestie J swears by, and I'll let you all know how it turns out! The recipe couldn't be easier so hopefully there isn't too much that can go wrong. Famous last words, I know.

On Sunday, my Sis and I are taking the kiddies to the Topsfield Fair for the first time. I can't wait to take the LM on the rides!!! Even though I am beyond skeeved out by petting zoos, the promise of some fried dough will be well worth the trip!

Really, is there anything better than Fall in New England????

Whatever you are you doing, I wish you all a great weekend!

The Fall Uniform.

2011-09-28T14:23:00.002-04:00

Have you ever found a piece of clothing that you love so much, that you instantly knew it would become part of your everyday uniform? That's how I felt when I saw this sweater. I think this is the PERFECT Fall sweater, and I can only imagine the mileage that I'll get out of this! It's a cashmere blend, and you can't beat the price! Move over impractical RZ cardi... hello, to warm, soft, cable knit goodness.

If that isn't a reason to get excited about Fall, I don't know what is!

Ants, Plants and Fish...Oh My!

2011-09-26T22:04:00.000-04:00

Move over Jack Kevorkian, there's a new Doctor Death in town. Apparently, in this house, if you aren't human and/or can't express your needs by talking or crying, then, well, you have one fate and one fate only. You die.

I wish I was kidding.

For the past four years I have managed to keep not one, but now two kids alive and happy. There have been no broken bones (by the grace of God) no malnutrition, and generally everyone (including my hubby) seems to be thriving. However, in this time frame we have also gone through 2 fish, 12 plants, and now 15 ants. Yes, ants. I actually cannot keep alive something that survives in every climate in the world. Every climate but the home of Doctor Death.

It all started with Dory the fish. The LM desperately wanted a pet. My sister suggested a Beta because they are indestructible. Err were indestructible. Our first one lasted four months, the second 3. I PROMISE you I did everything to keep those damn things alive. I cleaned the bowl as instructed, treated the water, fed them their 2 pellets a day, I even had someone come to the house every time we were away for more than a day. How did they repay me? The died. Yep, they just decided to break the LM's heart and one day float belly up. F#@K%$S. We now have a no fish policy.

Then came the plants. I wanted to get some potted flowering plants. I thought it would be a nice touch in our home, and there is nothing more that I hate then watching cut flowers wilt away, it just seems like such a waste. Earlier this spring, the LM and I took a trip to our local nursery. I asked for the heartiest plants they had. I bought the fancy soil and the rocks, I re-potted them, gave them vitamins, followed the instructions to the last letter. What did they do? They all died. F$#@K those plants. They were too high maintenance anyway.

Next came the ants. My boy was obsessed with bugs this Summer. He also wanted a cat. For his birthday I figured we would kill two birds with one stone, and I bought him an ant farm. He called them his "pets" and was so excited to watch them tunnel in his room. They arrived a week later and we attempted to put them in their new home. I say attempted, because putting them in could not have been any harder. They come in a giant tube, which is somehow supposed to fit in a tiny tube. All the while there is a giant label staring me in the face that says, "DO NOT TOUCH THE ANTS, THEY WILL BITE AND STING." (Awesome, just what a four year old needs next to his bed.) After getting 2/3 of said ants in the farm (1/3 were lost as collateral damage) the damn things decided to do what everything does around here. Die. I fed them. I watered them (sort of.) I waited for their tunnels. What did they do to repay me? They buried the dead in one big pile so my kid could say, "why do all our animals die?"

Why? Because they all hate me. The plants too. I think for now we need to cool it on the "non-human" entities. At this point we'd be better off with another baby. Seriously.

All I can say is thank GOD we didn't get a dog.

Dory #1 in better times.

P.S. A quick update on Baby Gray. After a late night visit to the ER on Friday (probably unnecessarily) he is doing 100% better. The only lasting effect is that he has gotten used to sleeping in his swing (due to the need to sleep upright) and now I am going to need to invest in stock in Duracel. In completely unrelated news, the Rachel Zoe cardigan arrived and sadly it was much more "Vegas Showgirl" than "Uptown Girl." I've never been happier to return anything in my life.

Sick Baby.

2011-09-23T16:26:00.002-04:00

Graybeans woke up last night having trouble breathing. I took him to the Doc this morning and it turns out he caught a little cold from his older brother (the first of many I presume) which quickly moved into his lungs. After a few treatments with the nebulizer he's feeling much better, but still needs to be monitored early and often. The goal is to keep him out of the ER this weekend, so I have to wake him every few hours to check his chest. I think he will be fine, and looks a lot better already, and I'm just glad they were able to get in front of this thing before it got any worse.

Poor bunny, even when he can't breathe he still smiles up a storm.

Back soon.

The "I Die" Cardigan.

2011-09-21T11:10:00.000-04:00

Have you all be watching the new season of the Rachel Zoe Project? I am pretty obsessed. I love the new crew, and I think that pregnant Rachel is so much more endearing than scary-skinny Rachel. Of course, everything in the show is over the top... but surprisingly this theatre didn't extend to her new fall collection. I find myself liking almost everything, but most of all, I can't stop dreaming of this white sequin cardigan. Dreaming/ Drooling/ Lusting... you name it, I am doing it. Some people (ahem my husband) think that this is a pretty impractical purchase, but I think this is the perfect addition to a basic Fall/Winter wardrobe. To prove my point, I have created three dream outfits that show just how versatile this piece is. I love it as a blazer alternative, and the fact that it is open in the front would make breast feeding a breeze (just keeping it real). I still can't decide if I am going to pre-order, but after seeing all the different ways it can be worn, I kind of think this might be the new "I die" for cardigan.

Girls Night Out

Everyday

Black Tie/ Date Night

Okay, I think I might have just made up my mind! It's soooooooooooooo good!

It Can't Be That Easy...

2011-09-20T16:24:00.000-04:00

I am more than embarrassed to admit that when my Little Man turned four in August, he still had his beloved binky. It was kind of our dirty little secret, that only close family members and friends knew about. It was only at night, so it was easy for me to say to people who asked (and you'd be surprised at how many there are) that he had given it up eons ago. Most of the time I didn't think about it, but some nights (mostly the ones before the Doctor and Dentist check ups) I would lie awake wondering how the hell we were going to get rid of the damn thing. I knew there was a window (around age one) where we were supposed to pry it out of his little jaw, but we missed that one big time, and I was beginning to think that, yes, he in fact would be taking it to college.

Then one night, 2 weeks ago he did the unthinkable... he came home and gave thing up. Just like that. Cold turkey. We mailed them "to Santa" and he has never looked back.

Who do I have to thank for this? I wouldn't believe it, if I didn't see it with my own eyes... but the award for this one goes to my husband of all people. My husband, who happens to be one of the best Dads ever, but who also is one of the worst enforcers of the rules as well. My husband, who always said he would give it up on his own terms, and that one day this would happen. He knew that when the little guy put his mind to something, that was the end of it. Like father, like son.

Oh yeah, and he bribed him.

See, I guess when the boys were coming back from Costa Rica, my hubby had the LM almost convinced that if he left his binkys in Central America, Santa would bring him a skateboard. In September. One that we would all go pick out. No reindeer or chimneys involved. (I'm not quite sure where he comes up with these things either.) Well, I guess the LM was on the fence, and decided that he wasn't "big enough" for the skateboard and would rather stay a baby. I too didn't think he was "big enough" and figured that was the end of it. The last thing we needed was a new baby and a four year old with a broken arm.

A few weeks ago, while my parents were here, the Little Man and his Daddy went for a bike ride. I guess they saw some skateboarders on the way, and after watching them for about an hour, my LM remembered what he had to do to get one. He came right home, went to his bed, collected every last paci (there were more than I would like to admit) and brought them up to me. That was it, he was done. My Dad had said it would never last, and I hid them rather than tossing them thinking that any minute he was going to ask for them back.

That was 2 weeks ago, and he hasn't mentioned them since.

Okay, I'm sure this helped a bit.

The surprising thing (or not so surprising thing if you know my kid) is that he's actually pretty good. One lesson and he was already trying to make it up the ramp. We found an instructor who teaches at an indoor skate shop, so when it gets too cold outside, he can continue to practice inside. I'm pretty sure we broke all the rules in the parenting handbook, but not seeing that little piece of plastic in his mouth is well worth it. The best part is, this week we have the dentist and the Pedi, and I can say, without crossing my fingers behind my back, that yes, he has in fact given up the binky. Funny enough, these are the same two people we will probably see after our first skate-related accident.

Maybe then, I can ask which one they prefer... the overbite or the chipped tooth???

High fives to my hubby. He did in a few weeks what this momma couldn't do in a few years. That's what I call a real life Prince Charming!

I wonder what it would take to convince this baby to sleep through the night.... hmmmmm.

Dude, Where's My Picture?

2011-09-19T16:16:00.001-04:00

I don't know why, and I'm pretty sure it defies the law of physics, but for some reason I am finding it impossible to get one photograph, where both my kids look even semi picture perfect. This is no joke. I uploaded almost 1000 pictures this morning, and I can't find even one where I have both of them looking at the camera, let alone, smiling AND looking at the camera. Am I missing something here?

Individually, they are both adorable (yes, this is coming from their mother who thinks the sun shines out their little butts.)

But together?

I get a lot of this...

(This is what happens when I say "smile")

and, a little of this...

but mostly, I get this...

I have a newfound respect for all of you photographers out there. Without you, I have a feeling my Christmas card would end up looking something like this....

(How'd that baby move so fast in the background???)

Do any of you have any tips on how to get a good picture of two kids that refuse to smile on cue, and/or sit still? I have a feeling the answer is take A LOT of pictures... there's got to be a keeper in there somewhere, right????

To think, our parents used to do this with film. Whoever was developing all those pictures must have been laughing all the way to the bank!

Holy Adorable!!!

2011-09-16T11:35:00.000-04:00

Last Sunday, I took my parents down to SOWA to sample some of the yummy eats, and to check out a few of Boston's finest local artists and vendors. The usual suspects were there, but out of the corner of my eye I saw a new booth that made me squeal "holy adorable!" You know, I'm a sucker for anything baby related, yet I find that it is becoming harder and harder to find something that is personalized, without being too over the top.

Enter these genius baby T's and onsieis!

The company is MiteTees, and I think they are about the cutest thing I have ever seen! You know I had to order one for Baby Gray, and this is now my go-to baby gift for all my expecting friends (sorry for ruining the surprise ;)) I love the whimsical and personal touch, and more than pleased with the low price, and week long turn-around time. Love, love, love!

While I was there I picked up a coupon to share with you all. Untill 11/15 use the code S043WA for 20% off!

Too cute!

Just A Few More Days.

2011-09-14T10:41:00.002-04:00

Parents just left. 8 weeks of not sleeping has hit me like a ton of bricks. Laundry is piled up. Thank yous need to be written. Oh, and the LM started school today (even though he already has tomorrow off????) Which also means all the after school activities start too (this year it's karate, swimming, skateboarding ((more on this soon)) and yoga.)

I need a few days to get my life in order. Pinky swear things will soon be back to normal around here!

P.S. Is this really going to be the last nice day Summer? My jaw hit the floor when I saw that by the end of the week it's going to be freezing???? Do I really have to try to squeeze into my jeans already??? Boo.

Currently Loving.

2011-09-09T16:16:00.001-04:00

Here are a few of the thing that I'm currently loving...

Mornings with my boys. Remember back when I was worried that by having baby number two, there would no longer be time for cuddles with my Little Man. File that under WRONG. Every morning this week, Gray as awoken at 7, the LM at 7:15, and after a quick feed we do this until 8 am. The other day my hubby was able to go in late and get in on some of the action. I can't think of a better way to start the day.

These candles from 5th & Madison. A few weeks back, while the boys were out of town, my sis and I went to my pre-baby favorite event, Sundays at SOWA. We picked up a few of these candles, and while I refuse to light them (my Dad had beat into me that candles are a serious fire hazard) I love that just by taking the lid off, they make my room smell delicious. They are locally made, by a man and his blender. You've got to love that! P.S. Ingenue is my favorite.

This pillow. Few things get me as excited as walking into the Jonathan Adler store. I seriously want everything, and am always day-dreaming about a home filled with his wares. The $$$$ price tags make this an impossibility, but when I saw this pillow, I knew it had to be in my room. I'm not sure what I love more, the Ikat pattern, the orange velvet, or the pop of fuchsia thrown in just for fun. I think this is my absolute favorite thing that I own. Massive heartsies.

This pea pesto recipe from Smitten Kitchen. When my husband asks what's for dinner, 4 times out of 5, this is the answer. I loooooooooooovvvvvvvvveeeeeeeeee this recipe. I use bow tie pasta instead of linguine, and always make a double batch. It is so good on bread, as a dip for the little man, or even straight out of the jar (who me? I would never do that ;)) You have to try it. Seriously, it's that good!

In one hour my parents are arriving!!!! It's been four years, and they've never been to our new pad, not to mention met baby Gray. The little man and I are so happy we are bouncing off the walls! I can't wait to show them all around, take advantage of their babysitting and NAP, and experience my Dad's cooking (it's off the hook.) Tonight, though, I'm in charge of dinner... can you guess what they are having??????? (Whoever, answered pea pesto is the winner!)

Decoding my baby. I don't know what happened but somehow combining the swaddle (which the baby hated) + the swing (which he also hated) = two, two-three hour naps a day. No, they aren't necessarily when the LM is down for 1 1/2 hours, but man, that baby is sooooooo much happier and is actually sleeping much better at night (only up at 1 and 4.) I know these things can change on the drop of a dime, but for now I'm loving this new equation!!!!

So there you have it, the things I'm currently loving!

I wish you all a SUNNY weekend.

The Elusive Double Nap.

2011-09-07T18:26:00.002-04:00

It took almost 2 hours of blood (mine), sweat (mine), and tears (definitely mine and a few of Gray's) to get both kids down at the same time for a 45 minute nap. After getting up 6 times last night (WTF Gray?????) it was definitely needed. I almost was able to get in a shower (sans child in the bathroom) but instead, was woken up with an ant farm sitting on my head.

I guess there's almost tomorrow...

Nobody climed Everest in a day, right?

Put It On The List.

2011-09-06T18:33:00.001-04:00

Over the weekend I took the kids to the zoo, and the LM found this.

Today, he asked if Santa would bring one of these for him. He said he thinks, "it could fit in his room if we moved his bed." I'm pretty sure he has a better chance of getting one of these (which is also not going to happen) but hey... I say put it on the list.

Santa would need one hell of a sleigh, and we would need a much better health insurance plan!

Hope you all had a great long weekend!

My Little Model.

2011-09-02T08:15:00.000-04:00

Hard to believe these were taken almost 5 weeks ago! I can't believe how squishy he was back then!!!! Special thanks to Jaimie, of Jaimie Arnold photography, and Maria Motamed for the fabulous styling. Love you girls!

I Pity The Fool.

2011-09-01T16:16:00.001-04:00

Babies aren't exactly known for their stellar hairdos. We've all seen the two year old girl, without a sprig of hair on their bald shiny head. Or the infant boy who has hair sticking out every which way giving them the look of constant "hat head." Bad hair just seems to be a fact of life for most kids, and luckily it seems to be something that they quickly grow out of.

And then there are my kids.

I thought I had seen the worst with the LM. He was born with no less than 4 inches of black hair, and rather than it falling out, instead blonde began growing in underneath making him look more like a skunk than a 3 month old baby. Despite the protests from friends and family, I eventually, and quickly, had the black trimmed off, and instantly the LM became his adorable, yellow haired self. I figured this was as bad as it could get.

Then came Gray.

Of course, every parent thinks their child is the cutest thing on earth, and I am no different . However, this undying affection does not keep me from recognizing the simple truth that my boy (sadly) has one messed up head of hair. There is nothing wrong with the hair itself, it's actually a pretty nice color, the problem is that he keeps loosing it. In chunks. Lots of chunks. In all the wrong places.

This is what I'm talking about.

You see?

Nothing on the sides, not a lot in the back, and his hairline begins somewhere in the middle of his scalp. It took me a while to figure out who he looked like, and last night as I was putting him to bed it hit me. Kind of like a ton of bricks.

Yes, Mr. T.

Now you see it... don't you! It's like they were separated at birth!!!!

I pity the fool that tries to mess with my kid in the sandbox!

(now, if only I could find newborn sized gold chains...)

They Liked It So Much, They Put a Ring On It.

2011-08-31T08:00:00.007-04:00

Back when my husband and I got engaged, we were what I refer to as "grad school poor." We could pay our bills (thanks to student loans), basic life necessities, and with a side job we could also afford some travel. There was little left over at the end of each month for any kind of luxury items, and when we began talking about getting married, it was clear that we would be doing so without the customary sparkly diamond ring. My husband sniffed around a bit, hoping that a family heirloom would suddenly appear from thin air, and after a while I offered up a basic band that had been my great-grandmother's. I had been wearing the ring for years, but it took on a new meaning when my husband moved it to my ring finger the night he proposed. We always said I'd have a "rain check" on the ring of my dreams, and over the years my taste changed so much that I was more than happy to wait until an occasion arose that warranted such a memorable gift. Sometime during my pregnancy, we decided that the birth of our second child would be a perfect time to find the perfect ring.

I knew early on that I didn't want a solitaire. Mostly for practical reasons, but also because on my too short and too stubby hands it would take one big rock to look right. I had always loved these Tiffany Legacy bands, and when we found out that we would be having another baby boy, I finally knew what kind of ring I wanted. Actually, it was more like three rings... one for each of my boys. Or, as I like to say, "they liked it so much, they put a ring on it."

The two sapphire bands have each of the boy's birthday's engraved on them, and on the diamond, my anniversary. I wear them on my ring finger and every time I look at them I am reminded of not just my commitment to my husband, but also to the family that we created together. Looking back, I am glad that we waited as long as we did. When you get engaged, you never really know what you are getting into. Now, some 9 years later, I know exactly what I signed up for, and to each of my boys I give an enthusiastic "I DO!"

Contrary to popular belief (my sister's) I did not choose them based on my obsession with nautical stripes (I need a program) but the navy and white stripes are one just happy coincidence. :)

Water Babies.

2011-08-30T14:49:00.001-04:00

Some parents want their kids to be athletes, some golfers, some avid readers, and some young scientists. While I would never pick anything for either of my boys, we have always said that it would be quite a shame if our kids were afraid of the water, given our undying love of the ocean. I remember when the LM was three months old, and we started group swimming "lessons," people would laugh at us saying that we were starting him a little young. I would always respond that there was no such thing. At the time I had no idea that eventually he would be part fish, like he is now, but I have to think that we played a part in his absolute comfort in and under the water.

At this point, I'm not taking any chances with little squish. When your brother thinks he's going to be the next Michael Phelps, I'm thinking that at an early age this kid is going to need to learn to sink or swim. Literally. After seeing his comfort with the pool last week, I'm pretty sure that (thankfully) both my boys are going to be water babies.

Here is Thing 1, in Costa Rica age 4.

... and Thing 2, from the Cape age 4 weeks.

Don't be fooled by that little scowl, the boy happily floated around the pool for almost twenty minutes!

Hmmmm.... guess I better sign up for those lessons soon ;)

A Grown Up Apartment... On A Budget.

2011-08-29T15:37:00.000-04:00

I'm ending my hiatus! I thought it would only take me a week to get my s**t together, and couldn't believe it when I went on the blog and saw it had been over two weeks since I had last posted! Where has the time gone? I wish I had more detail regarding what we've been up to, but the last few weeks have been kind of a blur. A blur that involved endless diaper changes, feedings, and (sadly) sleepless nights... oh, and lots of similes too (melt.) I packed up and said goodbye to my two big boys, and have spent more than my fair share on Skype, hearing about all of the fabulous adventures they are having. I re-organized most of my house, and am finally getting some use out of my dream nursery. There was a mid-week trip to the cape with my sister, and squish which was definitely the highlight of my Summer. Lots of girl time, lots of kid time, even more pool time, and I even had my first legitimate New England Lobster Bake (the steamers were by far my favorite!) We even had a hurricane (err tropical storm) to boot!

You would think taking care of a newborn would have consumed most of my time, but alas it was my first born (aka my sister) who took up most of our "free time." I knew I'd owe her for all the help she has been with the kiddies, and as planned she collected by way of moving/assembling/ and decorating her new apartment that I procured for her. (Which just so happens to be right around the corner. Coincidence? Yeah, I don't think so ;))

She moved out a few weeks early, and straight out of college, the girl had nothing. NOTHING. We figured that since she was moving across the country it would be cheaper to buy everything new, than to ship, and we were working with a VERY strict budget. A under 1,200.00 budget. For EVERYTHING. When I say everything, I mean everything from the mattress, to the light bulbs. At first we weren't sure it could be done, but after hitting my favorite budget shops over the past few months (Ikea, Target, Urban Outfitters) we saw that it could be possible.

How did we do? You be the judge.

The before:

5 hours into the assembly: Gray was overseeing the construction.

7 hours in: A much needed beer after realizing we put the wrong piece in about an hour earlier. (I blame Gray, he was supposed to be keeping track of the directions.)

Some two days later... the final (and fabulous) result!

A grown up apartment... on a budget!!!

I couldn't be happier with the end result and the best part is that it totally reflects my sis's young and bohemian style. Every pice of furniture does double duty (drawers are built in under the bed, a bookcase in the headboard, and wheels on the desk) and we can't believe how much storage she has in one tiny room! It is such a happy place, and perfect for a girl who, in my eyes, deserves the world!!!!

What do you all think??? Such a fun girl's room, right?

A Little Blogging Maternity Leave.

2011-08-15T12:08:00.000-04:00

You know that saying "sleep when the baby sleeps?" Well, I'm pretty sure these words were uttered by someone who did not have an active 4 year old to look after while said baby was sleeping. We are managing well with the two boys (with some serious help from my amazing Sis) and I feel like I am on top of everything... everything but the blog. Every time things are quiet around here, I am faced with the same decision, nap, shower, or post? As much as I love you guys most of the time you are beat out by the thought of an hour of uninterrupted slumber.

Next week that's all about to change. Big time.

Next week my two big boys (hubs and little man) are jetting off for a two week vacation back to Costa Rica, leaving me and squish to fend for ourselves (whatever will we do??? Oh I know... sleep, blog, bond, feed, relax... the list goes on and on.) Given that I have to get everyone ready for the big trip this week, I figure I will take a little more time off from here so I'm not just "phoning it in" to get something up each day.

Next week I'll be back... It's hard to believe that by then Baby Gray will already be 4 weeks old!

I hope you all have a great week.

Pinch Me.

2011-08-14T08:41:00.001-04:00

Yes, Baby Gray is an awesome sleeper. This was not the case with the LM and I am acutely aware of just how rare this is.

For the past week he has been giving me a 4ish hour stretch at night which I could not be more grateful for.

Last night?

Well that was heaven.

9pm to bed, and I had to wake his tush up at 4 am to feed.

4 AM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dude would have slept all night.

Can someone pinch me?

I realize that the chances of this happening again are about 1 and 10,000... but at least there is a chance!!!!

Oh sleep, how I've missed you. You were a good friend to me. I hope soon we can be reunited on a more regular basis.

Happy Sunday to you all!

My Family.

2011-08-11T12:11:00.002-04:00

The entire time we were trying to conceive our second baby, I would always say, "I really am okay if it's just the three of us, but I can't help feeling like someone will always be missing." Of course, my husband thought I was a little crazy (I was) but now, having my ENTIRE family here, I know for certain that it was always Gray who was the missing piece. Here, for the first time is my family. The family that was meant to be... all four of us.

Beautiful photos taken by Jaimie, of Jaimie Arnold Photography. Thank you Jaim for capturing so perfectly one of the best days of my life! I am so blessed to have this wonderful family, and such amazing friends!!!

Bachelor Pad Recap. Bottom Line: I'm Obsessed.

2011-08-09T14:22:00.000-04:00

You KNOW I had to take a break from all things baby, to watch last night's premiere of the Bachelor Pad (my absolute favorite guilty pleasure from last summer.)

Here are my thoughts...

Jake and Vienna (aka Sausage) are soooooooooooooooooooooooo boring. I love that they call each other "fame whores" and they both find that to be incredibly insulting. Hello! You are BOTH fame whores. Own it. Love it. Live it.

More on Jake.

He's a total douche.
Who wants to date this guy?
Gross.
Double gross.

I Know He's Quiet, But...

2011-08-05T17:06:00.000-04:00

Earlier today my husband called to check in,

TH: How's my boy doing?

Me: Which one?

TH: What do you mean? Liam (the LM)??????

Me: You do know that we have two of them now, don't you?

TH: Oh yeah, I totally forgot. How's the other one?

Me: Really? I know he's quiet but... HOW DO YOU FORGET WE HAVE ANOTHER CHILD?

TH: Well, he does sleep a lot.

Okay, fine I'll give him that one. Maybe it's time I pass him on during one of his "not so quiet times." Oh wait, those only happen at 3am!

I predict some serious diaper changes in store for him this weekend!!!! It's time this baby makes his presence known!

Here's baby doing what he does best.

Fall Must Haves.

2011-08-04T17:35:00.002-04:00

Okay, I know it's crazy early to be thinking about Fall clothes, and considering that it is about 1000 degrees in most of the country, the last thing that people have on their mind is flannel and wool, but for me the fact that I know longer have to shop in size "pregnant" has me planning ahead, and looking forward to wearing anything that doesn't have to have room for a spare human. Here are some of my "must haves" for fall. As in, I MUST have them. Hey, they say the early bird gets the worm, or in this case the early bird gets the awesome red blazer that is almost sold out ;).

I think I might have to go to "redaholics" anonymous this Fall. Same goes for you leopard. I. Just. Can't. Help. Myself. It's a sickness, really. As in these things are so sick how can you not love them!!!!!

Clockwise from top left:
Denim Shirt: Emersonmade
Blazer: J. Crew
Jeans: MIH
Scarf: Leigh & Luca (from Dress, Boston)
Silk Tee: Emersonmade
Skinny Jeans: J. Brand
Leopard Flats: J. Crew

Out With The Boys.

2011-08-02T18:24:00.000-04:00

At the end of last week I started to get a bit of cabin fever, and figured that the weekend was as good a time as any to attempt to take both boys out... at the same time. Of course, it didn't hurt that Grandma and Grandpa were still in town, and with a 3 to 2 ratio, what could go wrong?

Surprisingly, absolutely nothing.

We took the T from Cambridge down to the Frog Pond, and since squish slept almost the entire time, we almost forgot that he was there. Having gotten that first trip out of the way, I can definitely say that I am already feeling much more confident to travel out with the boys on my own. These past ten days couldn't have gone any better and I almost forget what it was like to only have one little monkey to chase after. Almost.

10 days??? Where has the time gone? Can someone please make it slow down? I feel like another 4 years is going to pass with the blink of an eye.