Sunday Soup

Things have been crazy around the house lately. Trying to keep the house perfect while caring for a newborn has been pretty challenging. Since our place went on the market, we've had constant showings, most of which have been in the evenings. Because of the awful timing.. our little family has been dining out quite a bit, and it hasn't been good for our health or our bank account. This weekend I was determined to hit the grocery store and plan out some quick and easy meals for the week. So I hit up my "Mmm" pinterest board and picked out a few dishes. 

On Sunday, I made Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Soup in the crockpot. It was incredibly easy and the ingredients were inexpensive. The recipe makes about 6-8 servings, and it pairs perfectly with a side of italian bread. This soup is the perfect meal for a crisp, fall afternoon. 

1	(19 oz.) bag frozen cheese tortellini
1	lb. sausage (I prefer Italian)
1	bag fresh spinach
2	cans Italian style diced tomatoes
2	cans low-fat chicken broth
1	(8 oz.) cream cheese, cut into cubes

Brown the sausage in a skillet on the stove top

until cooked and crumbled. Drain. Add the sausage and remaining ingredients to a 6-quart slow cooker. Stir to combine. Cook, on LOW for 5 hours, stirring twice during cooking.

Over the Weekend...

 Kiel went back to work when Alec was about two weeks old. I have been left to handle the little guy all day every day, by my lonesome, until about 6pm. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining, because I really wouldn't have it any other way. But the days can sometimes get a bit redundant, and by around 4pm I am really ready for some adult interaction. Let's just say.. I have really learned to live for the weekends. I LOVE the weekends. Waking up slow, all together in our big comfy bed with nowhere to go, is just about the best thing in world. Kiel is a super hands-on Dad and he loves taking over on the weekend. It's amazing to watch, and I do love the little break it gives me too. The free time I get to myself over the weekend is filled with luxurious activities...i.e. eyebrow plucking and extra long showers for leg shaving. 

It's crazy to think that I only have two weeks left of my maternity leave. Being a nurse, I have the luxury of going back to work part-time. I will have to work two 12 hour shifts a week and I have chosen to work all nights shifts to avoid childcare. I am now coming to the realization that I should probably establish some sort of a routine with Alec before I return, especially an evening routine. At least two nights a week, the hubs will have to put Alec down for the night and wake up to feed him throughout. Fortunately, once he goes down around 9:30 or so, he usually only wakes up between 2 and 3, and then again between 6 and 7. Regardless, it's a lot of work, and I want to make sure we have a system down pat so Kiel can get the most amount of rest possible. Any recommendations welcome!

Kiel and I took a few fall family photos over the weekend (Yes, I dressed my newborn in a ridiculous flannel and some denim... I just couldn't resist!) 

Let's Be Still

One of my favorite bands, The Head and the Heart, have released their second album this week, Let's Be Still.  If you're a fan, definitely give it a listen. It's just as good as their first album, an easy listen from beginning to end. Kiel and I are going to see them for the third time November 9th in Philly. They put on such an incredible live show. If you ever have the opportunity, go check em out! You won't be sorry. 

6 Weeks

It's so hard to believe that my little boy is 6 weeks old already. It feels like just yesterday that I peed on stick and shared the great news with my family. Time is flying by, and I am doing my very best to soak up every minute. I know that he will only be this little for so long, so snuggling in bed until 11 am is totally acceptable in my book.

The three of us traveled up to CHOP yesterday for a cardiac check-up. All went very well. The doctor seemed happy with his progress so far. Alec weighed in at 10 pounds, 4 ounces and measured 21.5 inches tall. He's growing like a weed, and I am so proud because most of his nourishment is coming straight from me. Surprisingly, I am still breastfeeding and it is nowhere near the struggle it was in the beginning. 

Although our check-up went super well yesterday... I found myself feeling a bit down. The realization that my beautiful little man is going to need open heart surgery in the upcoming months has started setting in. Most parents are just now fretting about their little ones getting their next set of vaccines and it just seems unfair that Kiel and I have to worry about so much more. But life isn't fair, and we were both hand-picked for this special job... and I'll tell you what we are going to do the best damn job we can, because Alec deserves nothing but the best that two parents can give. There is no doubt in my mind that we have some serious obstacles to face in the future, but I know that we can totally handle it, because we have the most incredible support system in the world.

I mean look at all these amazing people that came to support Alec at the Heart Walk. 

Surprisingly, amidst all the worry, parenthood has taught me to be so grateful for every moment.. every smile ... every tear... for God sake's every poop. I am grateful for all of it, for the opportunity to be someone's mother. It is truly the most amazing experience that any woman can have.

Every moment is a gift. Be grateful for it.

Camo Green

I can't get enough of camo green these days. 

Below are a few of my fave finds.

 Factory Hooded Parka

 Factory Garment-dyed Skinny Jean

 Factory Funnelneck Sweatshirt

 Ecote Festival Ankle Boot

Hunter 'Tour" Packable Rain Boot

Chaos.

Chaos is among us! Not only do Kiel and I have a four week old, but we are about to put our home on the market. Insane, I know. But a home just down the road, in our same safe and beautiful neighborhood, became available to us just recently and we couldn't pass it up. 

We have lived in our town home now for just over five years, and it has been a great run. I wouldn't even say that we have even outgrown it yet, because it's a pretty spacious house.. over 2000 square feet. Even so, Kiel has been on the hunt for a single family in our area for some time now, and nothing has really hit the mark in regards to our must-list. Of course, at the most chaotic time ever, a beautiful single family became available and it just so happens to have everything we want... nice curb appeal, a huge fenced-in back yard for the pup, a large double driveway and two-car garage, a pretty open floor plan, a finished walk-out basement, and some recent upgrades that were pretty much just a bonus at this point.  Even though this place offered us everything that we ever wanted, I was still on the fence about purchasing. It just didn't seem like the right time and we would have to stretch ourselves a bit financially to make it work. Needless to say, my parents and Kiel convinced me that if we didn't put an offer in, I'd regret it... and so, we put an offer in and our home inspection is already in the works. We are set to move in early spring... yikes.

I love our current home, it's ridiculously cozy and the color scheme is so warm with hues of tans, oranges, and reds. But as much as I love our house, I am so excited to have a new blank canvas to work with. My style has changed drastically since we bought our town home five years ago. I have been pinning like crazy and I have come across some really inspiring decor ideas.

 The perfect bright white kitchen and open concept living space.

 An inspiring entryway.

 A quaint little coffee bar.

Laundry room organization at it's finest.

Life Lately... according to my iPhone

Jaime & Dan's Gorgeous Beach Wedding 

Alec's First Ocean View

My little baby boy is weeks already... time is flying by.