This Is My Village

September 6, 2015

I tend to be a horrible photographer. Actually, I should just not use the words “I” or “photographer” in the same sentence unless I am saying, “I am hiring a photographer.” But, as I was flipping through my phone’s images, I came across the one above which I took last week.

You see on the left is my grandmother, Meema, my sweet baby girl and my Mom. As I was behind the lens, four generations of women are interconnected in this shot. I am in love. My heart is full. It is a picture that I know I will forever cherish.VIEW STORY »

You Will Always Be My Baby

July 31, 2015

You little lady, you rocked my world 13 years ago.

Finding out Mom was pregnant, well let me tell you… that was just so embarrassing. I remember the day she told me like it was yesterday. “I am pregnant,” she declared, with a smile on her face. Although, there was a definite nervousness too, as if she knew telling me could go one of two ways. Terribly good or terribly bad. I am so sorry to say, it went the latter.
VIEW STORY »

Life’s Little and Big Transitions

July 14, 2015

Transition.
noun
1. movement, passage, or change from one position, state, stage, subject, concept, etc., to another; change:

When I read that definition all I see is the word “change.” Up until lately I feel like I could easily be defined as a person who was adaptable to change. I tended to roll with the punches. That doesn’t mean I always had a smile on my face or didn’t put up a fight but I do believe while I may go through pout stages, I can quickly accept and move forward.

The thing is most young adults are actually okay, no, great with change. They have to be and they don’t even realize it. Within such a short period of time think about how much change a young adult goes through. There are so many transitions as one weaves their way through schooling, circles of friends or ever changing cliches, career paths, moving out of their parents home, falling in love, moving in with another, marriage and then boom, a baby!

That is where I am today. Looking back, the past 10 years have been full of change. It is now as we settle into adulthood, into norms, into routines that we become scared of change. Maybe it is because we have worked so very hard for what we have that we are afraid to “rock the boat,” as they say. That is also where I am today.

One thing Motherhood is teaching me is that change is inevitable because my baby is growing. This week I have been attempting to transition Baby Lo from our room to her own crib. I have made excuses for weeks as my husband pushed for us to begin a new routine months ago. Part of me wants her beside me for the pure comfort factor we have developed. Another part of me loves the fact that I am able to sleep, actually sleep and well, after so many months of not doing so, and this new set-up takes me back to newborn days when I awoke in a panic to make sure she was okay. Mostly though, I yearn for her closeness. Her being in that bedroom across the hallway is like a dreaded distance. She was not long ago inside me. Where I felt I could protect her. Soon after entering this beautiful yet scary world, she laid on my chest for those early weeks and we bonded. Placing her sweet self beside our bed every night never felt far, because she was an arms length away. But now things are different.

Now a walk stands between me and her. I watch her sleeping face on a monitor versus lifting my head to see hers. The anxiety of this transition may seem odd to most, including my husband who laughs and says, “What? Are you going to allow her to sleep in here until she is 12?”

“Yes!” I jokingly state.

But now as I write this post I am watching her peacefully sleeping from her monitor. Checking on her often. And, when I don’t get what I want from the monitor screen I make my way to her crib and look in on her. I tell her “I love her,” and most likely look so sad as I feel sad and almost sorry for this step of independence I am giving her.

I realize though, this transition is going to be one of many in our lives. I look back on those youthful years I described above. Full of so much change. All I can think about is my bouncy, happy self. I think about the days and how I choreographed my move out of the only home I knew and how much excitement I had as I started a new chapter. The only emotion I remember is happiness. Which leads me to finally realize what my parents went through as they nodded and smiled and slowly let me go. It is the same thing I am feeling. A new panging kind of pain I am beginning to experience for my girl.

Change is inevitable, it is how I choose to react that impacts the most, and in this situation it seems like this Momma, is going to have to for the first time fight back the tears and put a smile on my face. Because looking into this monitor, baby girl is just fine.

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Surviving Beach Vacation With Children

July 5, 2015

Well we successfully completed our first family vacation. I was very hesitant about the whole experience. I know, hesitant over a vacation? Yes. The factors of a young baby (she just turned six months), traveling 10 hours to our destination, gangs of sharks hovering the Carolina Beaches (have you seen the news?), plus, did I mention we vacationed as a FAMILY? One House + Eight Adults + Seven Children (under the age of six… let me repeat, under the age of six) = One nervous Nancy of a Mommy!

However, with what would seem like the cards were stacked against us, our beach vacation actually went pretty swimmingly (pun, so very much intended!).

Strategically plan your travel time.
With a 10-hour drive upon us, Nathan and I had to come up with a game plan that worked best for our family. Our number one goal was to plan our travel time around Baby Lo’s sleep schedule; yet, we also had to consider not rolling into South Carolina too early for fear of hot, sweaty hours to kill before check-in.Keep in mind when packing what you may need access to. For a trip that long we knew we needed access to a cooler and Baby Lo’s diaper bag. Be sure to pack so you have easy access to any items you or the baby may need for the journey.
Call your hotel, rental, etc ahead of time and beg and plead for an early check-in.
It did not work in our case, but my point is there may be a great opportunity there, so don’t overlook. Apparently our Rental Company LOVES every cranky road warrior chomping at the bits to get into their rental at the same exact time, because that is exactly what happened.Because this may not work in your favor, pack a small arrival bag. Ours had a change of clothes for each of us and some toiletries. We were able to change and feel a bit refreshed for our nomad state while we waited patiently for our home. A nice cool restaurant for some grub and refreshments also gives you a nice boost!
Be proactive with baby gear and supplies.
If your vacation entails a roadtrip with lots of room for luggage and / or you know that if you forget something, it is not the end of the world because there are stores nearby, do not allow this to make you lax. We well thought out what we needed, what we could share or split among families and what we could bring from home. Exersaucer, Baby Swing, Bouncy Seats, High Chairs… yes, we took it all loaded down in a pick-up! Why, wouldn’t we? If I wasn’t us and watched us unload into our rental I would have thought these people were running a week long daycare to pay for their place.By the time we made it into our home, unloaded a truck load of stuff (true story!), we were all pretty tired. This proactive tip includes supplies and food and I was so glad I packed a box of wipes, diapers, a case of formula, etc, so I did not have to rush out to the market upon arrival. Instead, we were able to just chill! Also included… pack great beach fashion essentials. I will admit, Baby Lo’s fashion, materialistically, provided me with great entertainment. Beach hats, sunglasses and suits… she squealed as did I, both for different reasons.

Keep in mind the groceries tend to be more expensive in heavy vacation locations. You can save some money by buying supplies locally that you need and know will travel well.

Here, Baby Lo successful shows off her 1950’s inspired swimwear and one of the many baby contraptions we could not live without and threw in the back of our pick-up!
Different things will entertain you now.
Pre-baby we looked forward to looking up what live bands were playing at local hot spots, strategically planned which restaurants we would hit up for breakfast, lunch and dinner and packed our coolers and parked our butts on the beach for the long haul. Post-baby… HaHaHaHa.Hold, on, I am still laughing.

Kids have a way of putting things in perspective or maybe just exposing you to a whole new angle. Experiencing our baby dip her little toes in ocean waters for the very first time or sit her little bottom in the sand, made us giggle in joy, walking babies dressed in PJ’s in the wee hours or late evenings when the beach returned to a quiet state, was a great highlight and watching all the little cousins interact meant memories were being made.
Beach naps are the best!
This is so true for adults and babies! There is nothing like a nice afternoon nap with the sun on your face and the waves crashing in the background. Ah, take me back now. In this case, we strategically planned our beach time around Baby Lo’s nap schedule. We would get about 30-minutes of beach time entertaining Baby Lo, walk her along the crashing waves until she fell asleep and then let her nap, in the shade, under a 10×10 pop-up and on a nice clean towel. During her naps is when we could, together (this is the ONLY time during the entire week I saw my husband. Not because he was out having fun without me somewhere. Remember we were running a daycare.) get in some beach time and work on those sun kissed tans!Pack a “mini beach diaper bag.” Mine consisted of a change of clothes (usually a romper or something lightweight), swimmies, diapers, wipes, a lightweight receiving blanket, sunscreen, baby toys and if it was close to a feeding a bottle cooler with the necessities. If Baby Lo got wet I made sure to strip her down, and place in her a clean diaper before allowing her to nap. Also, baby powder is great at getting the sand off of baby!

Parent’s note: This is when you enjoy an adult drink, or two, or three. Actually just drink as must as you can until a child wakes up! 🙂

Bonus points if you can get multiple kids down at the same time!
If you can, invest in a pool.
Seven kids under six, oh, and did I mention one pregnant sister-in-law too? The weather forecast – heat wave! Of course the weather would be hot during our week and we were under a heat advisory most days. Thank goodness we had a place with a pool. I am almost certain every kid from our imaginative six year old down to the 4 1/2 month old (yes, Baby Lo, wasn’t even the youngest one), enjoyed our pool. We spent many of hours splashing, floating, having water battles, tossing kids into the air to come down and make a splash and even quietly floating the babies around. It was wonderful!Don’t forget to pack your baby monitor! Because our pool was directly off our deck, one of us could enjoy the water or porch with the monitor while Baby Lo took a nap. Also, for the bigger kids, don’t forget to pack the pool toys!
Don’t assume you cannot do things because you have kids.
I think sometimes parents think they cannot do things they use to do or enjoy because they have kids. Now I am speaking as a parents of one, but even Nathan and I plenty of times turn things down or immediately think, “Not going to happen!” just because we have a child. Give them the benefit of doubt sometimes. It does work and if it doesn’t what is the worse thing that can happen? Your child has a meltdown and you have to pack it up and go home. Not the first time, and won’t be the last.We, holding our breathes, broke away from the group for a dinner date and Baby Lo could not have been any better. Just prepare well with binkies, toys, bottle, diapers, etc, or whatever it takes to make baby happy!
Remember who this vacation is for.
Many people will say, “It is all about the kids on vacation!” While, I agree, keep in mind that it is also for you. Every single person deserves what vacation is meant for… relaxation and an escape from the everyday stresses. While our crazy house was not 100% relaxing, it was still a week away from the office and a week away from emails and office calls. It was an escape. More importantly, it was a great memory for us and our children. We deserved this week. It may have been a little chaotic here and there but it was 100% worth it. I mean just look at all the smiling faces.

I know the feeling Kid, the drive home from vacation is the worse!

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3-6 Month Baby Must Haves

July 1, 2015

It happened. Just like that I turned my head and my sweet little swaddled baby has now graduated to a squirmy infant. Still sweet, though. Actually the thought of swaddling her now cracks me up as I think of my little Houdini grunting and breaking free from any restrictions. She is officially curious. I adore her and this stage.This morning I could not help but smile as I watched her for a few minutes moving her little fingers in front of her face, in pure amazement of her own hand and the movements she was creating. Her face was in awe as this small motion filled her with a sense of wonder.

When Baby Lo hit the three month mark, I celebrated with This Post. As baby grows, I have learned that so does her and my needs. That is why I want to share with my fellow parent and pregnant friends and followers some of the items that made our life convenient.

Baby Must Haves

1 – Braun Forehead Thermometer and while we are at it, a Digital Rectal Thermometer – Baby Lo had her first real fever and it scared me. Shook me up. The first fever does that to first time parents. I am what some like to refer to as a “worry wart.” So, I am sure it is really no surprise to close friends and family that this would be a top must have and ironically #1 on my list. Poor Baby Lo though, not only was she running a low grade fever, but she probably felt like groceries as I scanned her forehead so often through the night.

2 – Sophie the Giraffe – I registered for Sophie because EVERYONE registers for Sophie. You could say, I joined the Baby Stroller bandwagon. Although, I now can say, I underestimated the power of Sophie. She is a life saver, no, actually a pain saver, as those nasty teeth rear their heads and cause your sweet little baby to turn into a whining, not quite their self creature.Yes, creature. Sophie seems to do the trick though. This is a teething toy I definitely recommend! Come join the Baby Stroller Bandwagon with me.

3 – Brica Day & Night Light Musical Auto Mirror – This may seem minor in the grand ole scheme of things but let me tell you when your child looses it as you are driving home and proceeds to cry so hard for their dropped binkie that they hold their breath, forcing you to abruptly pull over for fear they are not breathing because again, you are a “worry wart,” you will wish you had a mirror. I quickly installed ours and learned it has been so helpful when checking on the baby while driving. Plus, our little miss loves seeing her reflection, so she is much happier on car rides.

4 – Graco DuoDiner LX High Chair – When baby hits the four month mark, most pediatricians will give you the “go” on starting solids. We waited a little longer with Baby Lo, but regardless a high chair is necessary for this next step. I love this Graco version. I truly had no idea just how great it would be when I nervously registered for one, and am so glad this one caught eye. One perk is that this high chair grows with baby and is super easy to clean, which let me warn you, is an absolute must for feedings.

5 – Gerber Graduates Rest Easy Spoons – You have a high chair, now you just need the spoons. Once you move to rice cereal and solids, well, it is quite obvious why you need spoons. I am a fan of this kind because of the built in rest. Baby Lo is a fan of holding and throwing spoons onto the floor from her high chair and I am the sucker who picks the spoon back up and plays this game.

6 – Pacifier Wipes – I am a “worry wart.” Do we have that established yet? With that, add in “germaphobe.” At six months your baby starts to learn cause and effect. Congratulations! This means lots of toys and binkies will be thrown, no chucked, across the room and sometimes land on the floor of a public space. Yuck! These wipes are so helpful for crazy Mommas like me who don’t want to go hunt down the nearest bathroom, yet are not crazy enough like Mommas of two, three or more children who “clean off” the binkie by sticking it in their own mouth before handing it back. I am just being real!

7 – Oball Bounce-O-Bunch Activity Center – Now is the time when baby wants to touch everything and explore their surroundings. An Exersaucer or Activity Center allows for baby to see the world from a new angle, hone in on new skills and allows Momma and DaDa some time to tackle things around the home with free hands.

8 – Baby Bibs – One word… teething! When teething arrives so does the drool. It is water works city and you need to protect your Saint Bernard, I mean, baby! A bib will help minimize chapped skin or rashes that can come from drool. Plus, once you start feeding your baby solids you will quickly learn that more food will make it on your baby’s shirt than in you baby’s mouth, so a bib will protect those pretty little clothes.

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Happy First Father’s Day

June 21, 2015

I have an amazing Dad myself. I have told you before. To me he just gets better with time, because as our memories grow, so does my appreciation and love. Although, today, I want to also celebrate my husband, because today is his first Father’s Day. I tell him he is a great Dad, and maybe he knows. One look at our Baby Lo as she grins at him and we all can see her love for her Daddy. While she can’t quite tell him how she feels, if she could, I think it would go like this.

I came into this world like a flurry. I am pretty sure you and Mom were scared, because so was I. All of a sudden the only world I ever knew changed. We had never set eyes on each other before, but I heard your voice so much that when I entered the world and saw those bright shining lights, scary equipment and strangers with masks mumbling, I screamed, no I wailed, until they handed me to you.

I could hear Momma and your voices and I scanned a room full of people looking for you. Wanting to meet you both. When you came to my side while the nurses weighed and cleaned me up, I immediately felt okay. You were the first one I locked eyes with.

Since Momma could not hold me, you were the first one in this world to do so. Others in the hospital room passed me around until the nurses placed me in your arms, it was you who truly, lovingly held me, because I was your own. Soon, you took me to Mom and I could finally place faces to the voices I heard for so many months. You and Momma. I was home.

Thank you, Daddy. You were the first one by my side before I even could comprehend that I needed someone. When they took me from Mom to the nursery, you followed and waited patiently and carefully alongside me. You took me to the window, so proud, and held me up to meet my family, our family. And, when we finally got the okay to go you took me back to really get to meet my Momma and so willingly handed me off for her to cuddle and love, even though I know you equally wanted me in your arms.

You took me on my first car ride, as we left the hospital a few days later to head to our home. I am sure you were nervous as you drove just two people in that car days before. You were patient, gentle, kind and loving as together as a family of three we learned and defined our new world. From my first Christmas, to my first bath, from my first snowstorm to my first laugh.

As your first born, you have become a pro as you learned to feed me, change me, bathe me and put me to sleep. It has been six months since the day I first laid eyes on you and I have not stopped. If my first words, “Da Da” are not enough, it is pretty obvious that I am your girl. Just like the morning when I was born and I searched through strangers to find the face to the voice to whom I belong, to this day, when I hear your voice in a crowded room, I stop and look for you.

Today is your first Father’s Day and I just want to thank you for all the firsts you have given me. You are a caring Daddy and I am a lucky little girl. Since, I can’t really tell you how I feel, please know that my morning smiles and late night snuggles will have to do until the day I can finally say, “I love you,” for the first time.

Happy Father’s Day! Love your, Baby Lo.

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Dear Graduate…

May 26, 2015

Dear Graduate…

Congratulations. You have reached a milestone in your life. This is a big accomplishment. Celebrate, smile and be proud. You are one step closer to your goals. One step closer to your dreams. One step closer into what was once the future but is now becoming the present. And with that, please keep that in mind. Life is… a present.

I remember my high school graduation and college too. I felt so eager and so ready to tackle the world. I was naive and green as they say. I wish I knew then what I know now. Although, I think everyone says that as life goes on. I am sure in ten more years I will look back now and shake my head at today’s me.

I, just like you, made mistakes and continue to make mistakes daily. I am no martyr. I am just a human who has a few more years under my belt. Life has a way of opening your eyes as you get older especially once you leave the comforts of your classroom, say goodbye to friends, walk away from sports, drive away from your home and embark on your own path in life. Today you begin focusing on defining who you are as a person and where you will go.

Never stop learning. Be eager to learn and absorb. No one ever said, “That is it! I am done learning all I need to know.”
Manners go a long way. I repeat, a long way. Being polite does not make you a suck-up. It makes you likeable.
There is a reason why they say, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” Seize the moment!
Networking. Success in life is all about meeting people and knowing someone at the right place and time.
Luck… it does exist too.
Do not Reply All. Learn email etiquette.
With that said, email is not the same as texting. Practice using proper grammar and complete sentences. It is appreciated. Proofread!
Don’t assume everyone is your best friend and don’t assume everyone is your enemy.
Actually, just don’t assume.
Young men, always open the door. Chivalry does not have to be dead.
The left lane is for passing. Please, drive in the right lane. Don’t hold people up.
Yes, the world is yours but it is also everyone else’s. Entitlement gets you no where. I repeat, no where.
Selfishness is the root of most of the world’s problems. Consider others when you consider yourself.
Invest in yourself. Put a little back for a 401 K. Be diligent on saving. Even if it is $10 a month. You will be mad and annoyed with your first few paychecks, but you will learn to get by without it and then one day you will thank yourself.
Life does not revolve around your smart phone. Put it down every now and then. Look around you. Take life in through your senses versus your fingertips.
Treat yourself. Every now and then, indulge. Buy a cup of overpriced coffee, a pair of expensive shoes, a new watch or a new piece of wardrobe.
Believe in yourself. Think about those you believe in. I bet they all know their self worth.
Respect yourself. Love yourself. You have to first do those things before anyone else will.
Speaking of love. When you finally find the “one,” treat them well. Respect them and say ‘I love you’ every day.
Put yourself out there. You may get hurt but no one ever found happiness without first being vulnerable.
Every now and then do something that scares you. You cannot get over fear without first exposing yourself to the fear itself.
It is easy for life to get you down. When that happens look towards the small things in life. The big things will overwhelm you, but the small things are what make people smile and feel grateful.
Speaking of that, be grateful and say ‘thank you’ often. A hand written thank you is a lost art. Pick it back up.
Pray.
Learn to cook. Even if it is just scrambled eggs and grilled cheese. Pride can grow standing behind a frying pan.
Be a decent human being in life. Vanity will fade. Measure a person by their heart.
Wear sunscreen. Every person who has every had beautiful skin in their 70’s and over, all accredit sunscreen and water.
By the way, drink lots of water.
Thank service members. You can have any political stance you desire, but thank a service member and support them. Understand that the reason you can voice your opinions in life is because of them.
Don’t judge. We are a society that loves to judge. We love to beat the man or woman when they are down. Reach out a hand instead. Know there are two sides to every story in life.
Look people in the eye. It makes you confident and trustworthy.
Speaking of trust. You must earn it in life.
Give back. Even when you don’t have enough for yourself, someone always has far less. It will make you feel good.
Always, always dance. Especially at Weddings. Don’t be that boring bystander.
The blame game gets you no where in life. Be accountable.
Take chances. Those who succeed… took a chance.
Learn from your mistakes. Don’t dwell. Move on.
Life is not about money! Don’t expect to make a lot of money once you are done school. Expect to work hard and earn a living. That is how the world is supposed to work.
Speaking of money. Save for something big. Once you finally have earned enough to buy it, I promise it will mean so much more.
Things were harder for your parents growing up and even harder for your grandparents. Respect them and their views.
Make your bed! My goodness, if it is the only thing you do in a day. You will feel accomplished and after a long day when you are ready to crash. It feels so much better to pull back the sheet than to climb into a crumbled mess.
Find your passion. Life doesn’t have to be a boring ride. Love what you do.
At the same time, some of life’s best lessons come from pushing through something you don’t love to do. It will reveal that passion. Work hard. The reward is so much sweeter.
The word “can’t”… well, it should not exist.
Call your Mom and Dad. Visit your grandparents. As you get older you will appreciate them more and realize the sacrifices they made to get you where you are standing today.
Be authentic! People want to get to know you. The real you.
Laugh at yourself. If you can accomplish this then you are already miles past others in life.
Smile. Even when you don’t want to, just smile.

Congratulations graduate. Your adventure begins and the world is yours!

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This Little Gem I Cherish

May 6, 2015

I break out this picture every May 6th and here is why.

As us girls gathered for pictures before my wedding ceremony, my photographer took some solo shoots of me. Laughing on cue is not my forte.I mean whose is it? So, we enlisted the help of none other than my Uncle Barry. He stood behind our photographer, Katie, and was able to get a genuine laugh out of me, helping her secure a shot. As I type this I feel like I sound like a four-year old at Sears getting photos with someone squeaking a toy in the background for a good laugh.

I digress.

Uncle Barry stated to Katie, “Now if you are really good, you will capture a photo of TR (that’s my Dad!) smiling.” She gave him an odd look and I am sure she thought to herself, “Why would I not? It is his daughter’s wedding day?” But, she did not yet know TR.

Here is the thing, my Dad is a stoic guy. He is a man of few words. Always has been. Never once did I take his seriousness in life well, seriously! In fact, we took his seriousness in stride and knew no different because that is who he was. I think it never really dawned us either because we grew up in a home filled with love and support. Our Dad, alongside our Mom, was and is our #1 fan. Now don’t take this wrong but we never equated his quiet personality with his happiness. So, don’t let all his seriousness fool you, because behind that furrowed brow, is a big heart. A really, really big heart! And, here is the thing… TR can be quite funny! My favorite is his ability to seize the awkward moments with strangers by making an absurd joke which as a teenager mortified me, but now as an adult I giggle at the exchange. He also gets a kick out of his kids for some reason. We just must be a bunch of comedians or something, because he actually fights back his control to laugh at us. Leading us to say, “Oh, come on don’t smile or anything.” To which he will typically excuse himself and chuckle as he walks out of the room.

We have this joke among our family about my Dad. We say if he smiles that is equivalent to a chuckle. If he makes a sound when he smiles, that is equivalent to your belly laugh and if he actually laughs out loud, well ladies and gentlemen, you just peed your pants in laughter.

Katie, proved her photography skills on my wedding day. It was like Barry put her up to a challenge she had to fulfill. I can just imagine her looking through the lens, waiting for a smile. She actually captured quite a few, because that day my Dad beamed a bit. Basically, we all peed our pants with laughter all day long if you equate it to our joke above.

It was my father’s idea to surprise our wedding guests with a choreographed dance. As our father-daughter dance to Tim McGraw’s “My Little Girl” started to wrap, the music cut into Sweet’s “Ballroom Blitz.” An odd choice of song but a song that was our song as I recall many moments we would blare the speakers in the car and sing along. We rocked and rolled and danced a bit as our wedding guests cheered, clapped, squealed in laughter or were wide-eyed and shocked, like my Mom, as they watched this quiet man turn into an extrovert for a minute.

So, my wedding guests, who truly know my Dad, got the surprise of a lifetime with our surprise breakout dance, our photography got that smile and I got this little gem to always cherish.

Happy Birthday to my Dad! While you often get picked on for being a man of few words and smiles, we know you reserve them for us and the best part is you give us so much love, support and gratefulness that we do all the smiling for you.

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Who Da Boss

May 2, 2015

7:15 am – Me: Looking at clock, looking at sleeping, peaceful baby, looking at clock, feeling sleepy, no – shake it off, look at clock, look at baby. I get up.

At this point, I had already been up early with Baby Lo, changed her, fed her and rocked her back to sleep. I contemplated, “Do I go to sleep to or take advantage of the time?” Time won over sleep. I took a 15-minute glorious shower, tippy-toed through my bedroom to get dressed (Baby Lo was morning cat-napping on my bed) – I even caught myself sighing at myself for being too loud, something I usually reserve for Nathan. I quickly, and I mean quickly got ready for the day. In those tense moments I realized something… this is her world and I am just living in it.

Yep! That is it. Having a baby demoted my status in the chain of command around this here house. Fellow parenting friends, lend me your ear, and just think about it for a moment. But, hurry as you read… you never know when the Boss may need you.

Strict Hours – Early starting hours and late evenings. Bedtime… we can’t push it. If we do, we pay for it with a cranky, crying meltdown. The Boss has strict orders. She knows her limits and we have learned from our mistakes.
Time is of the Essence – She does not mess around. Time Management is key to our success as a family. I wish there was a camera on Nathan and me as we get ready to go somewhere. She sits in her car seat, eyes moving back and forth watching us as we scramble – “Bottle? Pacifier? Change of clothes? Wipes? Extra blanket?” Once we decided to stop and have a drink by the water cooler (aka – in the kitchen) and when we made eye contact with her… it was the end of that!
Expects Us to Read her Mind – Man, I wish I had an HR to report to on this one. She is a lady of very few words. Very few. I stare at her sometimes and think, “What do you want?” Every now and then she smiles, giggles and then just loses it with a scream. I grab a bottle, a pacifier, do a little bounce dance until finally the right solution does the trick.
Demanding – She knows what she likes and the way she likes it. Swaddle – Heck no! Oh, you just sat down for dinner – Yeah, I smelled it cooking, I think I want held now. It’s Monday – let’s sleep in! Oh, wait, it is Saturday – yeah I am feeling this 5 am hour thing. We learned it is best for us all to go with the flow.
High Standards – Guilt. When I get home late from my day job, I feel guilty. If I need a babysitter for a few hour on the weekend, I feel guilty. If she falls asleep earlier than usually (rough day in the office) and I don’t feel I have spent enough time with her, I feel guilty. When Nathan rocks her to sleep over me, I feel guilty. Her high standards are reflective in the kind of Mom I am. It is a terrible thing. I hear it does get better.

The good totally outweighs any bad, my little Boss displays. She is lax in the dress code department. No such thing as “dress down Friday,” she is cool with whatever I have on and never judges, she shows compassion, she listens, she acknowledges our work with the best smiles and giggles, she generates a real happiness in our workplace, I mean home and she pushes us to be our best. The best we can be is because of that little lady.

Oh, and deadlines… I will take the late shift, Boss. You just rest your little head.

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Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

April 23, 2015

Mother’s Day is quickly approaching and it holds a whole new meaning for me this year. Last year during Mother’s Day we knew we were pregnant but the secret was still too new to share with others. I often think back to where I was this time last year and am in awe over how quickly time moves.

As I mentioned, I was just a few weeks pregnant last Mother’s Day. I remember thinking, “Do I celebrate or not?” And, just thought I will let Nathan take the lead. That day we had plans with our families and as I jumped into the truck I noticed an opened card and envelope laying on the front seat. Thinking it was a card Nathan picked up for his Mom and needed us to sign I opened it, and just like a little kid who walks in on their mother wrapping Christmas gifts, I realized it was a card for me. I quickly placed it how I found it, but as Nathan jumped in the truck he could 100% read through my, “Card? What, card? I didn’t see a card” face. Later he revealed he had an intention on surprising me with a kayak but ran out of time that weekend. Yes, a kayak. The perfect gift for a newly pregnant gal! (In his defense, he got one for Christmas and we had all these visions of spending that summer on the water). I guess the whole pregnancy thing hadn’t quite sunk in for either of us yet.

1 – Secret Garden: Adult Coloring Book
For the Artistic Mom… Is this not the coolest? There is something therapeutic about coloring, and Mom, could use a little R&R no matter what form. If you go this route, don’t forget to pick up crayons or markers that she can call her own! Ain’t no’ body have time for sharing broken red and purple pieces with the kids!

2 – Philosophy: Amazing Grace
For the Fragrance Loving Mom… Such a feminine scent from a favorite beauty brand. Plus, who doesn’t love the name?

3 – TOMS: Women’s Classics
For the Mom Who Likes To Give Back… TOMS Mission, “With every pair of shoe you purchase, TOMS will give a new pair of shoes to a child in need.” TOMS come in a variety of styles and designs are super comfortable. Pick out a pair for Mom and feel good knowing someone else is benefiting from your purchase.

4 – Lilly Pulitzer: Cover-Up
For the Beach Loving Mom… Contribute to Mom’s beach vacation fashion with this perfect cover-up. Have fun and throw in a pair of sandals and a cute fedora. I am eying this one up.

5 – Amazon: Equil Smartpen 2
For the Techie Mom… Like to doodle? Who doesn’t? Here is how this bad boy works. Basically it is a digital pen, that is connected to your iOS, Mac, Android and Windows devices via Bluetooth. You can share your creations to iCloud, Dropbox, select social media sites and more.

6 – Etsy: Laptop Sleeve
For the Traveling Mom… I just adore this traveling sleeve for a laptop or MacBook. I am also a big fan of soft colors and anything on Etsy. It is functional and a homemade gift, so not every Mom on the block will have one.

7 – Anthropologie: Iridescent Jar Candle
For the Spa Going Mom… I adore this candle mostly because of the color. That blue just speaks to me. Throw this in a basket with some bubble bath and a new robe and tell Mom to shut the bathroom door, turn on some music and kick her feet up in a bubble bath. And, don’t you dare interrupt her!

8 – UncommonGoods: Succulent Living Wall Planter
For the Green Thumb Mom… I can just a envision this on a beautiful brick exterior wall or inside a dining room wall with the sunlight streaming in. Who needs a boring watercolor painting when you can have living wall art?

Maybe one of these Mother’s Day gift ideas can work for your Mom or maybe you will go a different route. Whether it is a card or a getaway, a phone call or breakfast in bed, or heck, even a kayak… one thing is for certain, take time out of your day to say “thank you,” and be sure to let Mom know she is special and you care.

Happy Mother’s Day, early, to all you Momma’s out there.

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