Because the birds have been chirping and the skies have been blue, I've been looking towards springtime now more than ever.  MM has been living in her Hunter Boots {here}, and I can't wait to dress her up in all things seersucker and floral in the upcoming months.

Schedule

These two have been thick as thieves lately. No doubt about it.

I can't say it was love at first sight. In fact, it took  MM quite a few months to even notice Henry existed. But nowadays, she's in love.

Schedule

A few weeks into the new year, and this Connecticut weather has me thrown for a loop.  Some snow storms here, a little rain there;  and then a string of balmy forty-five degree days before it drops back down to freezing, Just to keep us on our toes. 

When I was pregnant with MM, my mother and I serendipitously came upon the most magical baby store a girl could ask for. It was a cold, snowy day in NYC, and we were determined to ignore the weather and enjoy a shopping day in Soho. Looking for some much needed warmth, we hopped into what world be one of my very favorite baby boutiques: Bonpoint.

I loved everything. The decor. The color palette. The whimsy of the little French dolls, stuffed animals and keepsakes. And the clothes. Ahhh, the clothes. And so the addiction began. 

If you looked outside, you'd never know it. But we got one heck of a snowfall last weekend. And it was the perfect opportunity to bundle our little girl up and take her for a sled-ride in one of her very favorite Christmas presents. Because she's just a little thing and it was cold {like really cold} we didn't venture too far; my other half just leading her around the front and backyard.

The last full week of October and we already have our first snow fall under our belt. Thankfully, it was short and sweet- quickly turning into a rainy fall day. Which made for a cozy, albeit interesting afternoon- all cooped up inside with one very busy toddler. So although it was a tad chilly and drizzly, I took the opportunity to dress the mini up in her very first raincoat and pair of Hunters for a quick trip outside- to kick around some wet leaves and work up an appetite for a much needed nap.

Yes, I know: it's not yet Halloween and I'm posting pics all red and green. But the most wonderful time of year is so close I can taste it; and it's never too early to invest in a little holiday cheer. Particularly when it's spotted on adorable baby bums. And I fell so in love with these itty bitty bloomers from Monogram Mary that I just couldn't wait to share. They're the perfect addition to any festive dress- each one customized to suit your fancy. From whimsical to classic, she creates the perfect accent for any occasion.

Oh, Zara: let me count the ways. There are few brands that can pull off affordable coolness the way Zara can. I've been a fan of their women's clothing for years; and when it comes to their duds for minis- they don't disappoint. I've loved dressing our girl in their chic little dresses {as seen here} since she was itty-bitty. Their prints are adorable, their palette is the perfect blend neutral and girly, and their price point is one that won't break the bank. Perfection.

Before I had MM I had a very specific vision of how I'd dress my mini. I pictured a trendy little girl clad in gender-neutral tones and cool Marc Jacobs-style prints. And no pink. None. So I guess if memory serves me,  I more took a firm stance on how I was not going to dress her: No pink. No frills. No lace. No Peter Pan collars. No prep. Nothing girly. And in the end, this list of "no's" couldn't more accurately describe my daughter's entire 'drobe- the contents of which scream "Little French Girl" much more than the kidchella-vibe I had envisioned.

Four years back in my native town in New England, and I've officially caught the preppy bug.

This weekend I wore Vineyard Vines + Roberta Roller Rabbit, and even toted a Lily beer bucket to the beach. It just felt right.

As for Madeline, I've dressed her up as a mini-prepster from the beginning- she wears corals and prints; seersucker and gingham; and has just about every pair of RRR PJ's on the market. The girl's collection of Lily dresses is enviable, and a peter pan collar was made to frame that little face. And now that I've found the most adorable monogram shop, I've taken this look to a whole new level.  

Monogram Mary has spurred a monogram craze in this household- a fun and easy way to make Maddie's pieces just a hint more special.

We started with an adorable red, white and blue number for the holiday weekend, and some super sweet Roberta Roller Rabbit PJs- successfully making this blue pair of PJs just a touch more girly with a pop of hot pink.

We're very serious about baby moccasins over here. I have been from the start- beginning Maddie's collection before she was even born. I've always loved the look of these sweet soles on baby feet; and now that Maddie is nearly walking they're basically a necessity. 

So I'm always on the lookout for adorable, well-made moccs that come at an affordable price. This sparkly pink pair from Classic Dot {here} has quickly become one of our favorites. The colors are fresh for spring- think Flamingo + Champagne- they're easy to put on, but harder for baby to pull off. Oh, and the price is just right {$35}. 

This week was bittersweet.

My mama headed back to her home on the west coast, leaving a little Mema-shaped hole in our house. It was a great three weeks with her- we cooked, laughed, cried and drank a few good bottles of wine; all while watching my little girl grow before our very eyes. And just like all our goodbyes, the countdown to her next visit has officially begun, thankfully just a few short weeks away.

On the other hand, the sun finally came out- bringing the warmth and official feelings of spring. Maddie and I took countless walks in the park, enjoyed music class with a few baby friends, and we celebrated eleven months of our baby girl.

They say a Sunday well spent brings a week of content...

Despite a few flurries, we managed to enjoy a fun-filled, sunny weekend with family and friends.

The hubby said "bye-bye" to his man cave, as Maddie Mae welcomed her very own playroom. Some Much needed spring cleaning uncovered a few gorgeous family photos that brought a tear {or two} to my eye. And while temps kept us inside, it happily left us plenty of time to snuggle and play while I worked on finalizing a few touches on my brand new shop.

I didn't have a substantial head of hair until I was at least two years old. My mother tells me I would be all dressed up in pink and strangers would still compliment her on her cute baby boy. Being that I was a toddler, I could understand - and would, naturally, respond with a scowl. So my mother took to Velcro-ing bows to the tiny hairs on my bald head; although I'm not sure it helped.

This weekend brought the sunshine + warmth, getting us seriously in the mood for our upcoming trip out west. I tend to pack for vacation way in advance, so considering the fact it's my first real trip with the little, I got a jump on packing extra early the past few days.

I had way too much fun planning outfits for miss Maddie- this romper + sweater + floral crown combo being one of my favorites.

It's like I woke up one day and this chickadee became a little girl overnight. I know she's still a baby, not yet eight months old, but she's becoming a little human more and more every day...