Breakfast 'Dilla
Recently, I've gotten really into making breakfast. I was never a big breakfast-girl growing up, but in my adult years I've made a point to at least eat something- a bar here, a smoothie there. But now that I've been cooking breakfast for Maddie Mae on a regular basis- the girl loves her pancakes- I've started thinking about some quick and delicious meals I can make for myself and the hubs.
I came across this recipe for breakfast quesadillas on Pinterest- they looked colorful and delicious, and the fact that I had all the ingredients on hand completely won me over.
Beachside
Sometimes, Monday's call for a beachside ending- one complete with your babes, burritos + an ice cold beer.
Our local beach is a real beauty- particularly on these gorgeous spring nights when it's not too hot and not yet filled with the summertime crowd. We are lucky enough to live moments away, allowing us to swing by for a quick bite before sunsets.
These sweet moments with my family are ones that I live for, and can make any case of the Mondays drift far, far away.
5 Things
This past weekend was pretty perfect- the sun was shining, we spent some much needed time outdoors, and Maddie Mae + I got to watch Dad coach his very favorite sport. We also enjoyed our first good old fashion bbq of the year- complete with delish margaritas, family + friends.
It's weekends like these that make me stop to count our lucky stars, and feel humbled by how blessed I really am.
Here are five things I'm currently {extra} grateful for:
Friday Favorites
Friday already?! This week's been a fast one- starting off cold and snowy and ending happily sunny + spring-like.
The past few days have been filled with a few fun excursions, afternoon walks + shipping off lots of pretty packages filled with lyrical baby onesies.
In the midst of it all, my Maddie Mae turned ten months old- blowing my mind when I finally made the realization. My little babe is no longer such a baby- she stands + babbles + is so close to walking; but she'll forever be my little girl. It goes way too fast; and as exhausting as it sometimes is, these 10 months with her have been the best of my life. And I can't wait to explore another season outdoors with her this spring.
April Showers
If April showers bring May flowers, then we are in for a treat.
Spring has been a bit shy the past few days- giving us glimpses of its glory, then sneaking away to hide behind the clouds {and snow}.
Thankfully, forecasts call for brighter and warmer days in the near future, getting me super excited to explore another season with my loves. As those sunnier days approach, I've been thinking about my spring favorites.
WMW
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.
L + L
I started this blog a little over a year ago- the February of my pregnancy, four months before Maddie Mae arrived. I founded L + L as a creative outlet; a way to focus my energy during a not-so-great pregnancy. I had hoped blogging about cute baby clothes and fun recipes would take my mind off of the Morgan-shaped divot I was creating in our bed while I watched Netflix and waited for the little one to arrive. Shockingly, the worries and mandatory rest that consumed my pregnancy left me wholly uninspired, and not such a great writer.
I was also entirely too afraid. Way too scared to voice the fears about my first, fragile pregnancy to the world.
OK, that's dramatic- at that point only my mother and husband would have read them. The world would have had better things to do. But you get the point: I couldn't muster up the courage to put pen to paper, and Lilies + Lambs was barren as could be for several months.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
Rain, rain go away / Come again another day.
Maddie + Mommy want to play / But I guess we'll settle for baking all day.
Those are the words right? Anyhoo.
The rain {and snow} has kept us cooped up once again. And while Maddie can't yet enjoy the fruits of our labor, we spent afternoon in the kitchen whipping up some yummy treats.
I'm a fan of oatmeal in my cookies, so when I found this recipe for cookie-bars that called for all my favorite ingredients- vanilla, chocolate, oatmeal- I couldn't resist.
Bottle Bullies
Hello, my name is Morgan, and I bottled feed my baby. And, what's more: I'm not ashamed of it.
My milk never came, so I can't say this was much of a choice. The decision not to torture myself with lactation consultants, pumping, and triple feeding on the other hand, was.
I tried a week. That's right- just one week, before I threw in the towel, and decided to stop forcing my body to try to do something it might not ever do. The decision was difficult- gut wrenching, in fact, for a person who didn't buy a single bottle before her baby arrived; confident she would breast feed for months, or maybe even a year.
Friday Favorites
Happy Fri-Yay, ya'll! This week has been a great one- despite the fact that I have a little girl with some very sharp teeth coming in. The weather finally got a little warmer, my sister spent a few days off with us, I was able to get a few very necessary workouts in, and my first article was published on The Huffington Post. Not too shabby.
So besides the fact that this week has been sleepless, caffeine-fueled and somewhat fussy- it's also been a beautiful, beautiful joy,
And that, is exactly what I've been talking about...
Mom-Mantras
Seven month ago, just two and a half months into motherhood, I wrote about the ten things that had made my transition into life as a mom as smooth as it could be.
I stressed the importance of laughter; of taking pictures and asking for help. I encouraged myself and other new moms to take time for ourselves; and to sweat as soon, and as often, as possible. And I made a pact to be patient- not only with myself, but with my husband and child as well.
Now, almost ten months a mom, I look back on this list and I still firmly believe in all of these mantras.
HANDS FREE BAGS
I've been a bag girl for as long as I can remember. In middle school I rocked Kate Spade with the best of them. In college it was all about Balenciaga. I've had a love affair with Marc Jacobs and Louis and, of course, Chanel. And most recently I've been obsessed with all things Celine. I'm a firm believer in the idea that the bag makes the outfit- even if the outfit is sweat pants and a tee, paired with a pretty purse dangling from a forearm.
Easter Weekend
Like most great weekends- this past one flew by. Ours was filled with sunshine, friends and family, yummy brunches, pretty springtime colors and, of course, some chocolate eggs. This marked another first for Maddie Mae; and although she's not sure about the Bunny yet, she sure did love the basket he brought her.
Friday Favorites
Despite the manic weather, this week has been a pretty great one. Maddie Mae and I were able to take quasi-daily walks in the park together, and we're even able to meet dad at the train station for his walk home at the end of the day. It makes me so excited for the upcoming season- days greeting us with birds chirping, filled with outdoor activities, and a whole lot of sunshine. Days are a getting just a little bit longer, and I can't wait to spend that extra daytime al fresco with the family.