May Roundup
Oh, May- where did you go? I feel like this past month flew by.
There was a lot of rain, a lot of wishing for spring to appear. But when it did, it was well worth the wait. The winters are long here in Connecticut. Lasting well beyond their expiration date.
The rainy days are no fun- particularly when you're cooped up with a mini that wants to explore the world. But on that first beach day- the one with the perfect breeze; the one with a cooler of watermelon and a basket of brand new beach toys; the one when your daughter dips her toes in the Sound for the very first time; the one that leaves a grin on her face, from ear to ear, for hours- that day makes it all worth it.
Monogram Everything
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.
Learning Days
If I've learned anything about motherhood in the last year it's that just when you start to get comfortable it will throw you a curveball that will set you right in your place.
I caught one of those curveballs in the early months when my little one first tried rolling over during a routine diaper change. That day I quickly learned that the changing table was no longer a safe place, and, from that moment on, would forever required the upmost attention {and very quick hands}.
Yesterday was one of those learning days.
ez pz | Mini Mat
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.
WMW | Classic Dot Baby Moccasins
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}.
Mara Hoffman x Mini
You guys, it's finally starting to feel like spring. And we're really excited about it over here.
And while this weather has been so up and down that I can't be sure the sunshine is here to stay, I think it's safe to say that I've officially caught Spring Fever- mustering up quite the must-have list for my MM. I'm always on the hunt for pretty pieces that coordinate with my own- yes, I've become that mom- and I'm loving the mini line by Mara Hoffman.
Her vibe takes me back to my years as a California Girl. I've been a fan of her tribal pieces for myself for years- her maxi dresses and bathing suits a constant closet summer staple. In fact, I wore a flowing beaded Mara Hoffman number to my baby shower, solidifying the designer as one of my forever favorites.
Disney Kid Flicks
In less than a month we are headed to the happiest place on earth. It's been ten years since I last visited. Now married with a mini mouseketeer of my own, I can't wait to get back with my little pack of weirdos {pictured above, circa 1999}.
Growing up we would go every year, sometimes twice a year. It was a quick flight to sunny Florida from our home in Connecticut- and it was always a welcome break from the never-ending winters and sometimes-gloomy springs.
My childhood memories of Disney are some of my very favorite, and I the anticipation of creating new memories with my own little family fills my heart with joy.
Friday Favorites
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.
Modern Lullabies
A little over three years ago, I decided to make a change and embarked upon a career in education. I started with my own education- beginning my masters in early 2013; and I immediately fell in love. Being back in the classroom, learning, and interacting with both educators and little ones inspired me daily.
By the end of that year, I had landed a job in an elementary school. With virtually no practical experience, I learned on the job daily. Most of it came naturally to me, and I quickly found my niche in the upper grades. I felt comfortable in this upper-elementary world- consisting of interesting content and little humans that I could easily relate to.
When I would chat with co-workers and friends, they were always surprised by my gravitation- insisting that lower grades were more fun, and maybe "easier" to teach. For me, however, I found it terrifying. The reason why summed up in one word: singing...
I've Got Sunshine
If I ever had expectations for my first Mother's Day, they were far exceeded this past weekend.
My tribe outdid themselves: Friends sent happy wishes; in-laws joined us for brunch; my mama sent me a very unnecessary, but much appreciated, bouquet of my favorite flowers; and the sunshine finally broke through- a welcome treat after what felt like weeks of gloominess.
I truly meant it when I said all I wanted was to be Maddie's Mom this Mother's Day...
Bookroo Box
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.
Cinco de Mommy-Time
It's Cinco de Mayo!
Its been a while since I've celebrated this holiday- the fiestas for the fifth of May a little less vibrant on the east coast than they were on the west.
Luckily, my mama is in town on this years Cinco de Mayo- and that chica can make a margarita!
She's pretty particular- fresh lime juice only- but it's the best tasting margarita we've had to date. So if you find yourself pouring a cocktail tonight, pickup these fresh ingredients and have yourself a damn good 'Rita.
This Year, For Mother's Day
Mother’s Day is almost here. This year being my first as a mom.
Up until now, I ascribed to the notion that this day was just another Hallmark Holiday. A day for us to send flowers, buy a nice card, or maybe a gift certificate to the spa.
But I now know that its so much more than that- more than macaroni art from a Kindergartener or a piece of jewelry from Tiffany’s.
When I first had my Madeline Mae, I was told the same adage over and over:
The days are long but the years are short.
What? I didn’t get it at first; but now that ten months have passed in the blink of an eye, I do.
Days are long: They are tired. They are caffeine-fueled. They are spit-up filled. They are sometimes showerless. They are comprised of missteps and learning opportunities. And they are exhausting. But, boy, do they go by fast.
I’ve gone back and forth as to what I will ask for this Mother’s Day- fantasizing about my very first one in the early morning haze of motherhood...
April to Mae
Happy last Friday of April- I can't believe this weekend will officially bring us May.
I can remember time moving at a painfully glacial pace as a child- Impatiently counting down the days to summer or Christmas or a visit from my grandparents.
Today, time vanishes in a blink. Yesterday my teeny-tiny newborn transformed into a little girl before my eyes- giving herself a bottle at the ripe old age of 10 months old while mom and dad shared a morning cup of coffee.
Obviously she's still my baby girl- as she'll likely forever be. But, as cliché as it sounds, it truly feels like yesterday that we brought her home- when we were terrified of breaking her and were utterly unaware of what we were doing.
And while I'm a little less scared of breaking her these days, I'm still learning as I go along on these quickly passing days- calling my mom a little less often with tearful questions.
They See Me Rollin'
A little over a year ago we celebrated our baby girl at a beautiful backyard baby shower- just a few weeks before she arrived.
We were so blessed to celebrate with family and friends, all of whom gifted us so many amazing things in hopes of making that journey into parenthood all that much easier.
The best part about these helpful tokens was that we were given essentials we could use throughout the first year of new parenthood. Some of my most favorite gifts have been the ones we couldn't necessarily use right away. Of course we love and needed the onesies, swaddles and binkies; but there's something about opening a gift or two every few months throughout that first year that makes you feel like a kid on Christmas the whole year through.
This B.O.B Stroller is one of those gifts.
Books For Baby
I've been reading to Maddie Mae since the day she was born- my hospital bag packed with a few favorite bedtime stories, in addition to a loaded iPod to play her first lullabies.
And while she probably didn't understand the stories I read, I wanted to instill the act of reading into our daily routine- hoping it would someday perpetuate a love of books. And today, whenever I see Maddie light up at the pages, I'm grateful I made that a priority from the start.