When getting prepped for my hospital stay, I have to admit I didn't put too much thought into a bag for the Mister. Lucky for us, we live minutes away from the hospital, and he was able to sneak home for a shower, change of clothes, and a few essentials once I was settled and hanging with the family.

Well it would seem that winter is finally here- the temperature has dropped, some snow has come with more looming in the distance, and we have officially started hunkering down indoors. A few days have been spent walking the mall; but most are spent at home, leaving us to make our own fun. For MM this means lots of play time, nursery rhymes, and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

I'm guilty of it- I let my baby use my cell phone. I won't plop her down with it during the day, but I will use it in a pinch- most often when we are out and her normal toys are no longer keeping her entertained. With some research, I found there are actually a lot of fun, educational apps out there for baby.

In the months leading up to MM's arrival, I would often think about how she and Henry would get along- Would he welcome the new addition to our family? Would Maddie be scared? Would she be allergic? We did all the things we read to do- weaned Henry off of sleeping on the bed weeks before her due date, brought her newborn cap home for him to smell, and made sure to continue to make him feel special- although, if I'm being honest, we fell short on that last one in the early days.

I'm a planner- big time. So when it came to packing my hospital bag, I did some research well in advance of my due date, and had my duffel ready to go about three weeks before Maddie came. Laugh if you will, but it was a welcome luxury when the babe came two and a half weeks early...

It's official- I'm back on that Vitamix train. Two weeks in, and 2016 has been chock full of quick, easy, healthy morning smoothies. This Kourtney Kardashian-inspired Avocado Pudding has been my daily-go-to; just two ingredients...

I know, I know- Maddie is only seven months old {today, ah!} so what do I know about kid shows, anyways? Truth be told, I've been a fan of cartoons for a while.

Have I told you about my love affair with Buy Buy Baby? Totally obsessed- since the first day I set foot in the superstore to register for MM.

There once was a time, not so long ago, when the word "bubbles" was used strictly in reference to the sparkly goodness that is a cold flute of champs. Today, it is now part of my every day vernacular.

These easy-peasy S'mores Treats bring back such memories of my childhood. I've had a sweet tooth since the beginning, and there's something about this marshmallow-graham-chocolate goodness that will always be sweetly nostalgic for me.

Before Maddie Mae was born, I stood up on my soap box and denounced the color pink. I was very adamant about the idea that MM shouldn't be forced to like the color, or bows, or hearts or anything too "girly" simply because she was a girl.

One of my favorite things about Lilies + Lambs is that I'm often forced to really think- to reflect on my life as a mother, wife, daughter and friend.

This smiling babe just finished celebrating her first Christmas- filled with friends, family and lots of pretty presents. Madeline made out like a bandit, getting spoiled by us all.  

Not nasty wasty or full of gunk- even though they look a tid bit scary- these Grinch inspired cookies are a fun + festive treat that are easy enough to make with even the littlest of seasick crocodiles.

There's something about celebrating the holidays with a baby that makes them so magically exciting again. Although I continued holiday traditions in my adult life- hanging stockings, watching Home Alone {incessantly}, mass on Christmas Eve- there's just a new excitement that comes with Christmas with a little one.