Since MM was an itty bitty newborn, we've always taken a few minutes before bed time to read stories to our girl. Over the past year we have acquired a few favorites- Giraffes Can't Dance, Llama Llama Red Pajama, I Love You Stinky Face- children's books that have now become some of my most loved stories. And since day one, our favorite has been an adorable book about a little one's worries called No Matter What- a sweet story that I can now recite blindfolded.

The holidays are officially upon us. Giving us all plenty excuses to clank our glasses together while we spread that holiday cheer. While this season is perfect for a variety of libations, as an admitted wino I'm partial to a nice glass of red this time of year.  And seeing as my mommy-time is often comprised of a delicious glass of wine {or two} and a whole lot of Bravo, I figured no time better than to share some of my tried and true favorites. And I can assure you, a lot of research went into this guide. A Lot. So whether you're celebrating with family and friends, picking up a hostess or holiday gift, or family functions are getting the best of you- here is my guide to the perfect bottle of red wine for any budget this holiday season. 

And then there were three.

As the oldest of four, I'm no stranger to a bustling house. Growing up, ours was the one friends flocked to- my mother always abiding by a strict stocked fridge and open door policy.  So with my immediate family spread across the country, it sometimes remains an adjustment to the slower pace of a family of three.

As promised: Mom Approved Holiday Gift Guide for Boys.  As a girl mom, this one required a little more legwork- polling a few of the little fellows in our life. I included the usual suspects: legos, firetrucks, tools and super heroes. As well as a few of the less obvious gifts that I've seen win over some major hearts: teepees and headdresses, anyone?

It's November 1st, which means the holidays are officially right around the corner. This leaves us a little less than two months to check off all the good boys and girls off our shopping lists. The last few months of the year are always some of my favorites- bringing us holiday music, peppermint lattes, twinkling lights and all things red and green. But as the year comes to a close, things can also get a little hectic- as holiday visitors, parties and recitals can take over our already busy schedules, making it difficult to find time to pick the perfect present for each and every loved one. So in order to take the guesswork out of holiday shopping, I've rounded up my favorite gifts for girls: baby and toddler.

Like most years, I've found myself totally smitten with this year's fall. Leaves are changing, the house smells of apple and pumpkin and cinnamon, we're cozying up to spooky movies, and the countdown to the holidays has officially begun. There really is just something about it that feels like "home." And like most things, it feels just a bit more special enjoying it with our girl- watching her devour her first apple cider donut, pick her first pumpkin and play with her first golden leaf making this time of year all the more magical.

So we officially have a sixteen-month-old on our hands. A little toddler that doesn't just walk, but runs; a Chatty Kathy whose pastimes include making pretend phone calls, building little lego lands, hours of board book reading and hanging with Peanuts and the gang.  And while I'm not always sure exactly what she's saying- she's saying quite a lot; those little babbles filling my heart with so much joy and excitement for the words her sweet little voice will someday say to me.

TGIF- And a long weekend ahead of us, to boot.

The next week brings us a lot of excitement: a visit from Nana, our three year anniversary, a holiday family photo shoot, and our little one turns sixteen-months old. We're looking forward to enjoying some major family time in this crisp fall weather- walks in the park during the day and maybe a glass of wine or whiskey on the front porch for us adults- cozied up under a comfy blanket.

So tomorrow brings us the month of October- perhaps one of my favorites of the year. It's now officially fall, all things pumpkin are back in style, and autumnal decorations are in full swing. It's also host to one of my most beloved holidays, the day I married my best friend, and the moment I found out I was pregnant with my little love. Not a bad resume for one little month. And while I'm happy you're here, October, I can't deny the beauty that was our September. We celebrated a wedding, showed our girl her first apple orchard, enjoyed a few final beach trips, took a much needed vacation out east; and in its final days decorated our home all-fall-like... And Maddie seems to approve.

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.

The last few weeks of summer are upon us, and if you follow along with me you know I'm pretty excited for what's in store. Theres a crisp chill in the early morning air, orange + black goodies grace the market aisles, and the days are ending just a tad bit sooner; meaning the leaves will soon turn into that magical burnt color that makes my heart melt. That being said, I don't think I've ever quite enjoyed a summer the way I've enjoyed this one- and while I'm excited for fall, there's a small part of me that is sad to say goodbye. I guess a little one will do that to you.

A week back from vacation and boy does it feel good to be home. Yes, I miss the breezy perfection that was the nor-cal air; but nothing beats mornings waking up in our cozy home with my two loves. And since our trip out west kicked Maddie into a routine of 12 hour sleeps, I've had a little extra energy to spruce up the house, organize MM's wardrobe (this girl's a-growing) and spend some extra time in the kitchen during these last few dog days of summer.

This summer has made it official: my baby girl is a beach bum. It comes as no surprise really, as her dad is a lover of all things nautical- sand, sea + ocean air. And just like her dad, she's happiest after a few hours spent running along the shore + kicking around the Sound. Luckily, we are just a few minutes from the beach; making daily trips possible, if only for an hour or so.

Truth: sometimes when MM won't nap I drive her around until she falls fast asleep. And sometimes those drives take us to Buy Buy Baby. Which works out, because I almost always need something there. And even when I don't, I always end up finding something I never even knew I needed- baby must-haves that totally up my mommy-game.

Yesterday was one of those days.

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.

As I've mentioned before, books have been an important part of our daily routine from the beginning. In fact, I don't believe a day has gone by over the past ten months without turning the pages of a sweet story

I bought Madeline her first book months before she was even in my belly- a board book version of Guess How Much I Love You. In the throws of fertility treatments, this purchase served as a reminder of the little one that would eventually come, and the memories we would someday create as a family. Today, that book will forever remind me of that strange time in our life.

Books are funny like that- serving as symbols of various events throughout our lives. Over the past several months I can think of countless examples: The Poky Little Puppy will always remind me of the time my six month old sat patiently while I read the entire book to her (and that's a long one, folks); Giraffes Can't Dance will always conjur giggles as I remember my husband's rendition; I will forever think of Valentine's Day when I see You Are My Sunshine; and Bathtime Peekaboo will always make me nostalgic for the first time my mother read to my daughter.

And the truth is, no matter how many books one has in their library- there is always room fore more stories; more memories to be made.