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.

Sometimes, summer days call for an impromptu family road trip. And if you're lucky enough to have a mini traveler that enjoys car rides, those road trips can take you to some pretty spectacular places. This past Sunday my husband loaded up the car and surprised us with the most beautiful family day in Newport, RI. Having spent our honeymoon here a few years back, this New England haven will always have a place in my heart.

This particular day we spent perusing Bowen's Wharf- doing a little shopping and stopping at our favorite establishments for the freshest seafood bites around. The weather was perfect; the company perfection, the view pristine, and the food superb. It was the perfect quick getaway- and now that I know our MM is up for the trek, I look forward to more family fun days on the wharf- if even for just an afternoon.

It's hard to believe it has already been two weeks since we celebrated MM's first birthday. It turned out to be a lovely day- filled with family and friends and lots of yummy food.

After weeks of toiling and lots of pinterest research, I decided on a Onederland themed event- a Maddie in Onederland "tea party." In effort to keep the party somewhat low-key, I kept the decorations to a few cute finds on Etsy- garland, cupcake toppers, and a few other accents. And while I contemplated renting a life-size chess board, I opted to have the kiddos paint a few large roses red.

Live in the sunshine. Swim in the sea. Drink the wild air. 

I fell in love with the beach soon after I fell in love with my husband; his affinity for sandy feet and salty hair being infectious as they were. Despite growing up more poolside than seaside, he made a convert out of me- persuading me with clambakes, beachside corn-hole, summer sails, and sunset picnics replete with our favorite wines. 

And while corn-hole and sails come a little less often now that we are a party of three, the sunset picnic still remains a weekly tradition.  Living just a few miles from our local beach, we often throw together an impromptu picnic a few times a week- packing the essentials for a quick an easy weekday date, if only for a glass of wine and quick bite while the sun sets. 

Before Maddie was born, my mother had a dream about her future granddaughter.  I was mid-way through my pregnancy and knee-deep in envisioning what my daughter would someday be like.  Who would she look like? What would she smell like? Would she be happy or fussy or somewhere in between? Would she be gifted with our best qualities or cursed with our worst? 

It's a conversation we'd have often- a guessing game with no real right answer, other than to have a healthy baby girl.

In her dream, my mother's reverie painted the picture of a free-spirited blondie- a girly-girl twirling her skirt, dancing barefoot on the grass; with not a care in the world. She called me the next morning to share her predictions of my little one- giggling to herself as she imagined this carefree foil to my very tightly wound self. I think it made her the perfect combination of both nervous for me and slightly satisfied- the way grandmothers can sometimes feel when their daughter's first discover what it's like to grapple with their own children's personalities. {Some might call it karma.}

And it made me somewhat nervous too, at the time.

In less than a week my little lady will turn one. And I really can't believe it. It feels like only yesterday we were sleeping in shifts; rocking a five pound new born to sleep into the wee hours of the morning. That little peanut has quickly transformed into a little human- one with a big personality and an even bigger smile.

It's like I've said before- the days are long, but the years are short- and this one flew by in the blink of an eye.

But before the big day arrives,  there's much to be done. This week I'll be in full on planning mode- preparing for family to arrive, gathering some finishing touches for my girl's Onederland and putting together a slideshow as I very likely fight back tears.

And like all other busy weeks over the last year, I'll likely be sporting a mom-bun- because who has time to blow out their hair when you're raising a tiny human?

I've been obsessed with little gold necklaces for as long as I can remember.

It probably all started with Carrie Bradshaw, as most fabulous things did twenty years ago. Admittedly, I was a sucker for her "Carrie" necklace- asking for my own for my fourteenth birthday. I wore it with fidelity until one blurry night in my mid-twenties.  I miss that little necklace; and often still look back fondly on the sweet memories made while wearing it.

Now, a mom in my early thirties, my love for little gold necklaces continues.

A year ago my sister gifted me a beautiful nameplate that would perfectly fill the shoes of the one I had lost- this one engraved with a much more important name than my own. It's stayed on my neck since the day my Maddie was born, and it will forever be one of my most favorite things.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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}. 

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. 

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.