Oh Happy Day!

Yesterday was the day of Alec's scheduled pre-op cardiac catheterization and MRI. We arrived at the hospital at 5:30 in the morning. Within a half hour of checking in, they were pre-medicating Alec with sedation to prepare him for intubation and general anesthesia. We were overwhelmed, but he was a trooper. Braver than I even thought possible. We sat impatiently in the waiting area, trying to keep distracted as best we could. This wasn't our first rodeo, so we knew what to expect, but let me tell you, it never gets easier. After about an hour, Alec's nurse came and gave us an update. He was still in MRI. Not even halfway done, but at least one hour down. Another hour passed and his nurse came out again, but this time she called us back to meet with the doctor. His physician informed us that the views of his heart obtained in MRI were thorough enough for the surgery team. He would not need any further information; therefore, the cardiac catheterization was not necessary. It was the most blissful news, music to our ears! Within a half hour, we were able to see our little bug again. He was just waking up from anesthesia and he woke up peacefully. We were further educated on the surgery to come and, soon enough, Alec was discharged. We were home by noon and we spent the rest of the early afternoon lounging and resting from our eventful morning. As the evening approached, we were all in need of a little change of scenery, so we decided to take a little trip to Longwood Gardens. We brought along our actual camera and were able to capture some twilight photos of our family.

Yesterday had potential to be a really rough day for all of us, but thankfully the best case scenario occurred. To say we feel blessed is an understatement! One less test, one less hour under anesthesia, one less battle to fight. We are feeling pretty relieved over here! Although the days to come are sure to be challenging, I know there is light at the end of this dark tunnel. I know in my heart of hearts that my little boy is going to come out on top of all this. He is going to be stronger, healthier, and happier. In the end, it will all be worth it.

Spontaneity is the spice of life

My motherhood motto as of late... "An adventure a day keeps the whining at bay". And it rings true, not only for my littles, but also for myself. We are all much happier when we are able to get out of the house, when we are able to experience something new and different. Don't get me wrong, routine is everything to us, but spicing up that little window of time we have in between naps is a must.

I've noticed myself falling into a funk lately. I've been complaining more than usual and running out of patience constantly. It's been a tough year, and lately, I have been struggling to recognize the simple blessings in my everyday life. I end up feeling so darn guilty, and just generally angry with myself for feeling the feelings I feel. (so many feelings). So in light of all that,  I recognized the need for a change... the need for an adventure (and so did my husband).

Last month, I went to Hawaii. I traveled across the continent and paid my good ole college pal a visit. One of my best gals is travel nursing, and she has literally been all over... New Hampshire, Virginia, Texas, Colorado, Washington... and now Hawaii. She is taking chances left and right, and boy am I proud of her for doing it. I've been dying to hop on a plane and visit her, but the stars never really aligned and to be honest, I just didn't really think it was a possibility with two little ones and our chaotic schedule, that is until now. It was Kiel's idea actually. He saw that two of my other girlfriends were traveling out to Hawaii to visit and he basically said "Why aren't you there?!". I responded "Uhhh... because it's impossible." I obviously thought he was joking at first, but after a long winded discussion, he convinced me it was a must. So 48 hours before takeoff, I booked a flight and off I went. It was spontaneous, downright impulsive, but I don't regret it one bit. Because when I came to my littles and my man, I was refreshed. I was more patient, more kind, and generally just a better version of me. We all need a little break from reality sometimes, and this trip was exactly what I needed to recognize that my reality is pretty damn great.

So anyways, here are a few photos from my trip. If you ever have the opportunity to go to Hawaii, absolutely do it. And if you ever get the opportunity to take a break from reality and get away, take it.

Lately I've been...

Reading: Currently reading The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. WWII fascinates me. Such tough times, really gives you some perspective on how lucky we are nowadays. I'm hoping to start Catastrophic Happiness: Finding Joy in Childhood's Messy Years sometime very soon. I'm also interested in giving Hands Free Mama a whirl. Anything to help me soak up every ounce of joy in this chaotic season of my life. "These are the days..." and I know that I will look back on all of these unruly moments and miss them deeply. 

Wanting: A more organized routine. I'm a part-time critical care nurse, full-time mama. I work shift work, 12 hour blocks at a time. My schedule changes week to week. We don't have any childcare, other than ourselves. We make it work, but I am feeling as though my hubs and I are going through the motions of parenthood alone a lot of the time. We are practicing a "tag your it" kind of parenting and I envy those that can soak up every weekend together as a family. In fact, it's starting to look really damn good, but changing jobs is off the table, at least for now. Mostly, because I don't think I could personally handle the stress of a new job, but also, because I adore my work family so damn much, I can't imagine a shift without my people. 

Eating: Trader Joe's Mediterranean hummus paired with homemade pita chips. Trader Joe's is seriously the best place on earth. Also, their dried fruits. The sweet apple rings are the best snack this time of year.

Drinking: Let's be honest, the pumpkin spice latte is really all I want on these brisk mornings. #basic, yes! #ashamed, no! Oh, and some Sam Adams Octoberfest, it's a Fall classic.

Enjoying: 9pm. Both kids are asleep. and its either a show in bed with my man, or a drink out on the porch under the lights. After having the second babe, Alec sleep regressed and bedtime was an intense challenge. But now, Wes goes down by 7, and Alec has finally decided to stop putting up a fight. Some quality downtime before bed has been pretty glorious and much-needed. 

Wearing: Honestly, workout clothes. The funny part is that I don't work out that often, but I do chase after my boys all day long so I might at well be comfortable. And man, Gapfit is on point. Comfortable, cute, and inexpensive. You can't beat it. And now that the cooler weather has moved in, (thank heavens!), I am loving fall layers, cuffed jeans,  and ankle boots.

Listening: Pearl and the Beard and Shakey Graves. My friend, Christie, introduced to both bands while traveling around Hawaii together. I can't get enough.

Watching: The Night Of on HBO, Stranger Things on Netflix,  and This Is Us on NBC. I guess I'e been watching a lot of TV lately...

Wishing: Although I love Autumn much more than all the other seasons, I am looking forward to putting this Fall season behind us. Life has been a bit messy as of late, and I am dreading the upcoming weeks. Alec's open heart surgery is scheduled for October 19th. I can't wait to see what my boy will feel once he is fully recovered. Wishing for an even happier, healthier little dude. 


Capturing: Videos of my boys together (hubs and pup included). But seriously, these two little boys of mine are becoming best little buds and watching the two of them together makes my heart burst.

HellooOOoo.... It's me.

Well let's just say life has gotten the best of me. Since having my second little bambino, blogging has sadly been pushed aside. But lately, life has let up a bit, and I am seriously starting to figure out this mama of two situation (I think). So here I am, blogging! And for some reason, I figured the best way to make my return would be with a ten things post... here' s hoping this isn't the last time you seen me this year! Enjoy!

Ten Things

...that caught my eye across the web...

been eyeing up this delicate flower crown for a wedding I'm in next month

this instagram account is a stunner and worth the follow

the best new show on television

nordstrom anniversary sale: one, two, three

the most versatile weekender bag

once leisurely reading becomes a thing again, this will be the first book on my list

one day, i will travel here, with friends and family

loving this off-the-shoulder trend: one and two

for my kitchen, found courtesy of house tweaking

24 hrs in Philly, a venture I'm willing to try!

next up... a book report. a new post I am going to try and do monthly. our most five favorite books currently, for toddlers and babes.

Ten Things

... that caught my eye across the web...

this mum of four, thank you for your words

this would make for a great little engagement gift

my new favorite vest courtesy of target

these bandana bibs are the cutest, Wes rocks one of them daily

thinking of purchasing this sweet little sign for our living room

this home rental is gorgeous, wouldn't mind a long weekend away with my man

a little playroom inspiration

the best mascara and brow gel

as a lover of quotes, i need this sign from letterfolk

the very best baby blanket

and one more thing in honor of love day

two of my handsome valentines!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!