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.

Balance

We are two and a half months in now as a family of four. Things are going rather smooth most days. Alec is adjusting to Wes and Wes is adjusting to life on the outside. Honestly, I think the one struggling to adjust the most is me. It's the lack of sleep that I find most challenging. Getting out of bed in the morning has never seemed more difficult. But whether I like it or not, I hit the ground running every day. I wake to a whimper or a cry... and hardly get a chance to pee before I am assuming my role as Mama again. I often drink my coffee cold, and I seriously can't remember the last time I shaved my legs, but ya know, it's worth it. Every damn bit of it.

Time seems to be flying by, but somehow the days seem so long. Getting out of the house on these chilly winter days seems to be more hassle than it's worth. We've been spending most of our time at home, and to be honest, it's been easier than I thought it would be. My big boy has been playing so well on his own. He is learning that I can't tend to him at every moment of need. He heads down to his playroom every morning after breakfast and can sometimes occupy himself for hours. The boy has quite a vivid imagination and I am so grateful. He's a great kid, but that's not to say he doesn't have melt-downs every now and again. I mean he's two, so it's to be expected.

And my littlest guy, he is just the smiliest little dude around. And I feel like I am really starting to figure him out. Wake, eat, play, sleep... repeat. He takes his meals very seriously. And the kid can't sleep a wink without being tightly swaddled. At night, he is sleeping in his own room, in his own crib, which is a real fete for me. (Such a drastic difference than with my first). I was hoping this transition would help him sleep longer stretches, but we are still managing about two wake-ups per night. I know it could be worse, but it doesn't mean I'm not exhausted.

I started back to work about two weeks ago. (I'm a nurse if you didn't know) It didn't take long to get right back into the swing of things. Just like riding a bike, it all comes right back to ya. This transition has probably been the most challenging. Wes is still so young, and I had to return after only eight weeks at home. Sleep is minimal, all around. Restless nights at home, and sleepless nights at work. Coffee is truly the best thing on earth, it keeps me sane. The hustle bustle of balancing it all has been tough on my husband and I, but we are managing. And although things are a bit chaotic now, I know they will get easier with time. There is light at the end of this tunnel, and I just need to remind myself that one day I will look back and miss all of this. These boys of mine are only this little for so long and I need to cherish these days spent at home with them as much as possible.

So overall, life is kind of crazy right now. And honestly, it may only get crazier. And I have come to terms with the fact that I may have permanent spit up stains on my shoulders, and my coffee may never be hot again. I'm learning to accept my Mom bod as best I can. I'm realizing that it's okay if the house isn't perfectly tidy at all times of the day. I'm embracing the crazy, because these boys of mine are so, so worth it and life is just too short to worry about all the nonsense.

Holiday Gift Guide: For the kids

This holiday season we decided to take a different approach. Shopping for our little ones can be fun, but also overwhelming. Being that I am home with my two babes most days, especially now that the cold has set in and I have an infant to care for, having quality toys that occupy my toddler and keep him excited throughout the day are important. I often rotate toys, moving them from room to room, as well as putting a few away and pulling them back out to re-excite him on long days spent indoors.

 When purchasing items for my children, I am a firm believer in quality over quantity. That is why this year we decided to go by the "want/need/wear/read" method that I found via It's The Little Things. I also added a "learn" category to this gifting philosophy, as well as, a few additional items to fill their stockings. I love the idea of keeping things simple, year after year. And this is a brilliant way to avoid the unwanted clutter of toys in your home.

Ideas for your toddler:

Want: Train Table

Wear: Patagonia Fleece

Need: Sleeping Bag

Read: Steam, Train, Dream Train

Learn: Transportation Puzzle

Stocking stuffers: Bath Toys, Play-doh, Coloring Pad

Ideas for your infant:

Want- Walker

Need - Luggage

Wear- Halo Sleep Sack

Read- You're Here for A Reason

Learn- Shape Sorter

Stocking - Plush Stacking Blocks and Stacker, Num Num Dips, Organic Snap-front Onesie

I am really looking forward to switching things up. I am hopeful that this new philosophy encourages my children to recognize their many blessings. I hope it enables them to comprehend the true meaning of Christmas... that giving to others is just as important as receiving.

Anyway, happy holidays folks! We are in full Christmas spirit over here! The tree is lit all hours of the day, the stockings are hung, and our holiday records are spinning on repeat. More importantly, both boys are currently napping (AT THE SAME TIME, it's a christmas miracle) and I have time to write a blog post in peace while sipping on HOT coffee. Cheers to that! And happy shopping!

Introducing...

Our baby boy. Isn't he just the sweetest little thing you've ever laid eyes on? 

Things are going well over here. Kiel is officially back to work after the long holiday weekend and it's just me and the boys from sun up to sun down. I was nervous. How was I going to comfort both of them when needed, how will I find the time to change two poop-filled diapers at once? But to be honest, it's okay. I'm figuring it all out, slowly, but surely. 

Life with two is actually pretty grande. I often find Alec standing over baby Wes in his swing... speaking softly "hi baby wes, how ya doin in there". And just before bed each night, we all five cuddle up in our big king bed. Alec watches a little show, Wes nurses into a deep snooze, and all is well in the Drake household. That's not to say we haven't had our fair share of hiccups here and there. Nursing a newborn is challenging. It sometimes feels as though my arms are always full. My husband has mostly been tending to Alec and it makes me happy to see their little bond grow, but I can't help but feel a bit envious too. It's interesting and somewhat difficult to embrace the new dynamic. But so is life, and I realize that things will change, and it will get easier and we will all eventually adjust in due time. For now,  I am doing my best to embrace it all. To soak up that little baby smell, to bask in those quiet moments that I am nursing in the wee hours of the night. After all, they are only this little for so long... and who knows if I'll get a chance to do this all a third time. 

I hope you all had a lovely holiday amongst family and friends. Ours was one for the books. We ended the day with stuffed bellies and full hearts.

And yay for the upcoming holiday season! Bring on all the Christmas cheer! 

Baby Prep

Nursery. Nearly complete, needing a few minor touches here and there. Tour coming soon.

Name. Got it, love it, yet saving to share until the his big arrival.

Pump. Ordered and should be arriving any day. I am excited to give breastfeeding another shot. The first go-round came with lots of challenges. From latching initially, to dozing during his midnight feeds... Al could just never seem to nurse long enough to fill his little belly. He was tearful, I was tearful, and so the unfortunate double breast-pump was our solution. It did the job, but it was more of a hassle than anything else. I was bottle feeding, pumping, washing bottles, repeat... it was three times the work and eventually, after about 5 months, I tuckered out. My supply dwindled during his recovery, mostly due to stress, but also because I headed back to work, which was an additional stressor. Towards my final month of nursing, I did breastfeed him some during the day here and there, and my comfort level did grow quite a bit. I started to kind of love and look forward to those quiet, special moments of bonding with my boy. I really pray this next time comes easily to both me and my littlest one. I know now not to put too much pressure on myself. I know to focus on his hunger cues as opposed to the clock. I know about 'cluster feeding' in the evening and how to prepare for it. I know that breastfeeding is beautiful and to not be overly modest about such a normal and natural thing. I'm ready to give it another go.

Hospital Bag. It's packed and ready to roll. Just the essentials.
For Mom - a button down pj set, slippers,  flip-flops (for showering), two nursing tanks, new (large, cotton) black undies, leggings, a loose tunic or two, and my go-to prenatal vitamins.
For Dad- comfy sweats, slippers, chargers, iPad, camera, and snacks.
For the Babe - a going home outfit, hat included (newborn and 3 months, just in case he's a chub), swaddles, a boppy pillow for nursing, pacifiers, and a soft blanket for the ride home.

Big Brother. Well, I'm not sure if he's fully prepared, but it's safe to say we have made a solid effort to prep Alec for this huge life change as much as possible. We've read about five books about becoming a big brother (at least 15 times each). We've taught him the importance of being mommy and daddy's big helper once baby arrives. We've purchased at least three new 'big bro' tees for him to rock when he visits his new little brother at the hospital. We have lined up my parents to watch him overnight for a couple days or so. They will be staying at our house, with the goal being to disrupt his routine as minimally as possible. We have put together a special big brother kit, consisting of some new toys, movies, games, and snacks to keep him occupied while we are away. I realize that no matter what we do to plan for our new babe's arrival, it will no doubt be a large adjustment for Alec. But I figure every effort to make the transition just that more gentle is worth it.

Baby Gear. Fortunately, because it's our second, and because it's a boy, we have most of what we need. We have the swing, the rock'n'play, and the pack'n'play. We have a play mat, a bumbo seat, and about a hundred swaddles, velcro included. We have bins upon bins of clothes that will hopefully translate into the appropriate season. We have three different baby carriers, an infant car seat with two bases, and three different single strollers. But although we have a ton of things baby, there were a few new things we needed to invest in.

A double stroller, we chose this one, currently on sale at Babies'r'us for only $239.99 (which is actually a stellar price). I was initially interested in this one, but after reading a ton of reviews and an actual test drive at the store, I was super happy with our choice.

A bassinet. I actually didn't have to purchase a bassinet, as my sister had one that she was willing to lend. I'm sure some folks don't think this item is incredibly essential, but to me it is, and I'll tell you why. Alec slept in the rock'n'play for his first few months of life. Because that darn piece of baby gear is so dang cozy, we literally had to wean him out of it. The crib transition was incredibly challenging, involving a wedge, a fleece blanket, AND a towel roll. Excessive I know, but it was about survival. Sooo, in an effort to avoid all the extra hassle, the bassinet is going to be my initial go-to.

An additional crib. We chose this one, super basic, but all we should need for the first six months or so. I just didn't feel like Alec was ready to go into a toddler bed. He has been sleeping so well in his crib, I figure, why disrupt the routine right before a huge life adjustment. So we will attempt the crib weaning, as well as, potting training after the hustle bustle of the holiday season. Hey, if all is well, why rock the boat?! At least that's my motto.

Some fresh pacifiers and a few bottles. I didn't go to town when purchasing these two items, because I remember going through lot of trial and error before we found the go-to pacifier and bottle that worked for Alec. Every kid is different, so I didn't want to limit baby number two to what worked for baby number one. I'll let him decide what he likes best, and take it from there.

A sound machine. A must in my book, especially now that we have two children. These handy little devices drown out just about every noise, and allow for a restful night's sleep, even when chaos is potentially brewing in another room of your home. That noisy trash truck, not a concern. Putting away dishes during nap time, no problemo. I also love the projector feature on this particular model. We didn't use it initially, but now gazing at the stars has become part of our nightly routine with Alec.

Anyways, that's the extent of our baby prep. I've done some intense cleaning, rearranging, and organizing as well. And at this stage in the game, I am feeling more than ready to welcome our new little babe into our home. I pray that labor comes easily. I pray that Alec adjusts well. I pray that God gives me the strength and patience to handle two little ones on my own each day. Wish me luck! And a huge shout out to all you moms out there doing your best to make it work each and everyday. Motherhood is quite possibly the most rewarding, yet challenging, adventure that I have taken on in my lifetime that is for sure.

I am so ready to experience this cuteness all over again. Bring on that baby smell, those snuggly warm naps, and milk comas galore. 

Just Keep Swimming

I'm about to get a little serious over here, so if you're not up for it, back away from the blog. I am not sure if it's my pre-menstrual self (too much I know) but this week has been hard, especially hard and there have been moments where I just want to scream. But I don't, instead, I take a few deep, cleansing breaths and do whatever I can to keep myself together.

For starters, Alec's first set of molars are coming in and let me tell you, the kid is a hot mess… like melt-down city for the last week and I am digging deep to find every ounce of patience I have within me. I think it's so challenging because he is normally this really go-with-the-flow toddler so all this tantrumy (yes, tantrumy) behavior is so out of character for him. I realize that he can't be comfortable, but at the same time, I am wondering to myself… is this his teeth or he is just testing me? Is he hitting that stage of life where he wants to test the waters, see what he can get away with, see what Mom and Dad will do? I am a first-timer at this whole mom thing and most days I think I am doing a pretty decent job, but this week I just don't know. It's been a hard, challenging week and I am really hoping all of this crazy behavior is just a stage that will resolve very soon (actually, today would be great).

I also got some crumby news at work this week. I was told that I won't be able to move into a new position that (I thought) was completely set in stone. This 'new' position was going to be so great for me and my family. It offered better hours, less out-of-pocket cost for benefits…it allowed Kiel to spend more time at work, so he could focus more attention on his blossoming career… it allowed me to be home ALL week with Alec so I wouldn't have to constantly sleep deprive myself while working shift work. There were so many positive changes that this new position would offer and I am beyond bummed that it's suddenly not in the cards for me. But alas, I know things will work out. They always do. So, in the meantime, I've just go to keep my chin up, stay busy, and focus on the now. I should probably just be grateful that I have a flexible job in the first place. So, grateful I will be.

There's more on my mind, there is always more, but no need to dwell. Because the truth is, we all go through these little rough patches in life. Sometimes things just don't go as planned and life gets kind of hard… and then suddenly it gets good again, like really good and this roller coaster that we call life wouldn't be nearly as beautiful without moments like this to put it all into perspective.

Anyway, that's my two cents this week. I hope life is treating you well.

18 Month Must-Haves

1.2.

3.4.

5.6.

7.8.

1. The GYRO bowl. It's a non-spill snack bowl. We use this just about every afternoon after his nap. He likes to enjoy some cheerios and milk while we shake out the cobwebs and catch a bit of Daniel the Tiger on the tube.
2. Books, specifically bright baby books. First 100 words is a current favorite. I feel so proud (and nervous) when the room goes quiet, and I find him sitting in the corner of the room flipping through a good book.
3. Elmo's World dvd's & Daniel the Tiger on Netflix
4. LEGO my first number train. This will keep him occupied for 20-30 minutes and it has the added benefit of teaching him how to count to ten and color differentiation.
5. Melissa and Doug Animal Magnets. Let's just say, he now knows ALL his animal sounds. He will sit at the base of the refrigerator and 'moo' away while I prepare dinner.
6. Mini iPad and velcro car holder. Judge me all you want, but this bad boy has saved us a many times. Long car rides are now a breeze, and tears during Alec's cardiac tests are minimal. We only break this out when absolutely needed, and when we do, it's a true life saver.
7.  Chunky Wood Puzzles. Mickey is our favorite, of course.
8. Circo Smoothie Cup. A special sippy cup used only for his daily smoothie. Without this little guy, I'd never get Alec's heart meds in. I crush them, and sneak them in daily. I also use it to sneak more fruits and veggies into his diet.

Snow Daze

Today marked Alec's first official snow day! He knows the word 'snow' but had only ever experienced it from the window. This afternoon, we bundled him up, (Next year, we're going to have to invest in some appropriate snow pants and gloves) and trekked out into the backyard. Kiel introduced him to snowballs and sledding, ya know, typical boy stuff. And he and I took a scenic stroll along the line of woods behind our home. Alec was a total skeptic… he didn't have any desire to roll around in that powdery white stuff (And to be honest, neither did I. It's frigid out there!) Either way, it was a fun moment that I am sure to remember and cherish. I so look forward to all of his 'firsts'. It's so amazing to experience life all over again through my little one's eyes. Parenting has it's challenges, but I wouldn't trade any of it for world. 

Fifteen.

Alec is fifteen months old today and as I write this post, I can't help but admit, that my eyes are beginning to well with tears. Happy tears for the amazing amount of joy this little boy brings me each and every day of my life. And a few sad tears too, because my little baby is getting so darn big and time is passing too darn quick. It truly feels like just yesterday that we welcomed our little bug into this wild world.

Fifteen months is fun. It's seriously a great stage of life. I've already shared about how fantastic the one nap transition has been for us. He's sleeping better at night which is amazing for everyone in our household. And his naps are longer during the day so I am able to get a bit more done than before. So, needless to say, it seems as though we are all happy campers thanks to the big transition. Sleep really is everything, isn't it?

Alec is becoming quite the little chatterbox these days. He doesn't make too much sense, but the inflection is there, and I almost feel like I understand what he is trying to say. Every now and again, he gets out a word clearly and I'm amazed and I cheer and clap and he repeats it until the applause stops. He has a vocabulary of about fifteen or so words/phrases that he uses regularly and it's fun to hear him apply them accurately. "Nigh, nigh" and "All done". Kids are amazing, like little sponges soaking up every little thing they see and hear. It's nuts.  What is best about his new-found speech is that we are able to communicate a bit better with one another which allows things to go much smoother throughout the day.

I am really loving his growing personality these days. This kid is seriously the biggest goofball. He loves to laugh, and to make you laugh. It's seriously all fun and games, all the time.  He is constantly egging me on, trying to get me to tickle him or chase him. It makes for a fun (and super exhausting) day, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I am very grateful to be able to work part-time so that I can be home with my boy. I know not many moms have that opportunity and with Alec's heart condition it's a real blessing to be able to avoid daycare these first few years.

Lately, Alec is leery of unfamiliar faces. He's got that 'stranger anxiety' thing going on I guess. It doesn't take him too long to warm up, but I am hoping it's a passing phase. Once he warms up, he will run circles around you and within minutes he will put on a dance performance that will have you in stitches. Ahhh, I love that little boy so darn much. I almost want to try for another, BUT not quite yet. I want to relax and enjoy this holiday season and then who knows what 2015 will bring? Happy fifteen months little bug, mama and dada (and pup) love you dearly.

How Could I Forget?

As I sit here, during Alec's nap time, and make lists and lists of presents to buy for family and friends for Christmas, I started to realize that I have totally bypassed another very special holiday all together! Maybe it's because I have to work Thanksgiving this year, or maybe it's because I want to stay ahead of the rest to avoid mall crowds at the end of December… but either way I have decided to pump the breaks just a tad and refocus my energy on next week's holiday of thanks. 

As I reflect back on this passing year, I become overwhelmed with joy just thinking of all the amazing things that I am so very thankful for. It has been one of the best, and most challenging, years of my life. As many of you readers probably know, our son, Alec, has a very serious heart condition. He was diagnosed in utero at just nineteen weeks. Last November, only two months after his arrival, Alec had major open heart surgery. It was the absolute scariest time of my life. Nothing will ever be as difficult as the moment I walked my boy to the operating room doors. We held him, and kissed him, and then as he rolled away, Kiel and I held each other as tears rolled down our faces. I swear the stress of that moment alone has taken years off my life...BUT with great faith in our medical team and God, the support of our family and friends, and Alec's amazing strength, we got through it. Our babe has thrived like we never imagined, and with that I am eternally grateful. Not only has he gotten stronger, but so has my marriage and the bond we share with our supportive family and friends.

'Thankful' doesn't really begin to describe how I feel about this passing year. It's hard to believe that so much has changed in just a little over 12 months. We are now parents to a beautiful, strong boy. We settled into a new home, which we could never have done without the help of my parents and grandfather. We celebrated our boy's first birthday, which was an amazing milestone after all he's been through. My sister-in-law set us up with a 'Go Fund Me' account and with the generous donations from family and friends we were able to pay off all of Alec's medical bills and create a savings account for future procedure/surgery costs. A close girlfriend of mine organized a heart walk team in honor of Alec and an amazing group of family, friends, and co-workers walked to support the cause in 2014 and 2015. 

They say it takes a village to raise a child and I swear I don't know where I'd be without my incredible village of supporters out there. So so so many truly awesome things happened over this past year or so and I am grateful beyond words. I feel so incredibly loved which is really all you need in this world. I only hope that this upcoming year is just as fabulous as the last. Thank you for reading. xo -L

image courtesy of nestofposies.com

Transition

ONE > TWO.

Why did no one tell me this!?! Or maybe people did, but I was too exhausted to remember. All I know is that my little babe is napping once a day now. And to most new moms that probably sounds like the worst thing ever, but rest assured, it is not. It is sooo NOT. It's amazing actually. Because although he is only taking one nap… it's a solid two to three hour nap. Imagine what you can do with that much time… and all at once! No more cramming my entire adult life into one, one hour nap. I can actually sit down during nap time and not feel guilty for once.

Not only is the one LONG nap fantastic because I have time to actually do things, but because he is actually worn out and ready for a nap when the time comes to take one. Also, bedtime is no longer a struggle because as said before, he is actually tuckered out and truly ready to rest. Just the other night, he literally grabbed his lovey, walked up to me with his arms up in the air, and said "nigh nigh mama". It was the most amazing thing. Now we make a little routine of it.. nigh nigh dada, nigh nigh mama, nigh nigh doggie.. and so forth. I can't even take the cuteness. I am seriously loving the one nap transition. Our days are running much smoother now that we have an agreeable routine.

*Side Note. Kiel was away for three days last week. He had a work conference in Baltimore and it was just me and little bug for three days straight. My husband's time away was difficult. We reaaally missed him, probably me even more than Al. Alec was actually incredibly good, like unbelievably good. But regardless of how amazing our little one can be, come 6 pm, (most nights) I am ready for a little break and really eager to see Kiel walk through that door. There is something to be said for the little team we have created over the last year. When it comes to parenting, we have developed a nice little system that allows both of us some "me" time throughout the day.  My husband is a truly awesome partner, and such an amazing, hands-on papa to our boy. I am very verrry lucky and what I truly realized while he was away, is that I am so glad that I don't have to do this whole parenting thing alone. SERIOUS props to all the single parents out there. You are amazing. I don't know how you do it.

Why yes! We did dance to Christmas music all afternoon one day. Kiel often proclaims that I 'jump the gun' on things… and so what, maybe I do. But damn it felt good to bust out the ole Nat King Cole and Bing Crosby Christmas tunes while Dada was away. Judge me all you want folks, but I am soaking up every ounce of this holiday season! 

Five Faves

…Alec's five favorite things currently...

Tegu Magentic Blocks: According to Oprah Magazine "embedded with magnets, these adorable, non-toxic, delightfully low-tech, wooden blocks are guaranteed to get your kids imagination up and running"... and I couldn't agree more. Seriously, this block set is awesome. Alec and I literally play with these at least once every day. They keep him occupied for up to a half hour and sometimes that's all the time I need to prepare dinner before Kiel gets home. 

Melissa & Doug Deluxe Pounding Bench: This specific toy is recommended for children 2+, but Alec has been playing with it for months. He mostly loves the wooden hammer. He carries it around almost all day. He uses it mostly to soothe his gums (teething is in full effect), but he also enjoys pounding it on the bench. The puzzles are also great. I, in general, love all Melissa and Doug toys. They are well- crafted wooden toys that promote hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

Little Tikes Cozy Coupe: Alec got this for his first birthday from Kiel's parents. At first, we had it in the garage and it was seldomly used because we didn't go out there much. So one day, we decided to bring it down the basement with the rest of his toys. It was a great decision, because he now uses it daily. He will literally get in and out 15 times in a row, and I will occasionally give him a wild ride full of vroom's and sharp turns. He loves it. 

Bright Baby Book Set: Alec loves these books. They are just his size and they fit easily in my bag. He mostly browses them in his car seat, or occasionally in his room before his nap. Sometimes, we sit together and go through each page, pointing and naming all the objects we see. 

Ikea's Circus Tent and Play Tunnel: Ikea is the best. I love their children's department. Everything is super inventive, and SUPER affordable. I wanted to get Alec a play tent, but I didn't want to spend over a hundred dollars, which many of them are. I found the circus tent at Ikea for under $20. It was a steal. I will admit it isn't the most quality product, but it gets the job done. We play peek-a-boo in this tent often, it's one of Alec's favorite games. And the tunnel was also a great buy. 

All of these items have something really important in common. Not one of them lights up, sings, or moves. Each one of these toys encourages imaginative play and I really appreciate that. I feel like most children's toys are super over-stimulating and what's funny is that Alec really gravitates towards his more basic toys. Does this mean that he doesn't have a singing Elmo, or a light up keyboard, absolutely not. He does and he likes those toys too, but they don't really hold his attention like these items do. 
It was always important to me that I do my best at keeping things simple. I don't want to have a basement filled with toys that are never touched, only to hear my child complain that they are bored. I want my kids to learn how to entertain themselves, how to use their creative mind to make regular things fun. I think I am doing an okay job thus far, but every now and again I have to reel myself back in. I have to remind myself to let go of my type A behaviors and just sit down and play with my boy. These moments don't last forever, so I am doing my best to soak them up as much as possible.

Ten Things

...to give a new mom after the birth of her little one

• the coziest, softest swaddle blankets out there
• the only baby booties that will stay on her little one's feet
• a warm home-made meal, with a loaf of italian bread
• dry shampoo, because let's face it, some days you just don't have the time to wash your mop
• a nursing tank and nipple balm to make breastfeeding a bit more bearable
• the ultimate parenting guide, thank the Lord for the five S's
• a basket/cooler of hearty & healthy snacks; trail mix, granola bars, fresh 'pre-washed and cut' fruit
• a monogrammed tervis tumbler to help her stay hydrated
• cheek and lip stain, a quick way to brighten up her face on those extra exhausting days
• an everyday piece of jewelry, monogrammed with their child's name or initial 

So many of my girlfriends are either new mamas, or are currently pregnant. In spirit of all of the new baby excitement, I decided to step outside the box this week, and dedicate a post just to them. The initial transition into motherhood is not easy, and anything you can do to make her life just a bit easier is monumental to her day. 

Jump Start

Reading a national bestseller by Harvey Karp to discover how to make Alec "The Happiest Toddler on the Block (how to eliminate tantrums, and raise a patient, respectful, and cooperative one- to four-year-old)".
We have entered the beginnings of toddlerhood and I am doing my very best to prepare myself for what's to come. Currently, Alec is still pretty cooperative. He goes with the flow rather easily and only usually puts up a fight when he's tired or feeling under the weather. Though things are going pretty well now, I am starting to see glimpses of the little opinionated person he will soon become. Since he began to walk, he has become a bit more inpatient during outings. He absolutely hates being contained in the car seat or stroller for longer than 20 minutes and he's very vocal about his feelings, always has been. I've also noticed a bit more resistance when it comes to doing things he isn't interested in doing; such as napping, or sitting on mama's lap for story time. He just wants to wildly explore and practice his newly acquired skills. With that being said, I am trying to get a bit of a jump start on things. I really loved Harvery Karp's "The Happiest Baby on the Block" and found many of his methods super helpful with Alec during those first few clueless months of parenthood. I am really hopeful that this next book will be just as helpful in guiding us through this first go-round of toddlerhood. Wish us luck, I'll let you know how it goes.

My sweet boy is having a rough one. And when ma baby ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. I'm not sure whether it's teething or possibly the start of a cold, but I do know that this little one is getting all the snuggles today.  

Motherhood is this amazing combination of messy and beautiful all tied into one. Sometimes your days are wild and down right hard, but then there are those sweet little moments that simply take your breath away… and those moments are the ones that make it all worth while, that make you realize you were meant for this. When times get tough, which they undoubtedly do, I take a deep breath and remember 'this too shall pass'… and by the end of the day I will get my sweet moment and all the chaos will be forgotten.

Twenty Nine.

Today marks my twenty ninth year of life. I am getting so close to thirty I can taste it. I have noticed a big change in myself since my wild early-twenties. Nights once spent out on the town with girlfriends til the wee hours of the morning have been replaced with cozy nights at home filled with bath time, bottles, and netflix. What's funny is … I am totally okay with it. Although an occasional night out is relaxing and fun, I am most happy when I am home. I love rocking my little to sleep. I love crisp nights on the porch with a glass of wine. I love watching a movie in bed and falling asleep before 10pm. I love it. I love twenty nine.

What I think has changed the most in my twenty ninth year, is that I think I have finally learned how to live in the moment. I recognize that I am very Type A. I love to be one step ahead of the game at all times. I buy Christmas and birthday gifts months in advance and I plan evening meals for the week every Sunday before my Monday morning shopping trip. I realize that I swear by my planner more than most, but I will say that I am learning to use it more as a reference, rather than a lifeline. Having Alec has really helped me loosen up, mostly because I am no longer in control of my time. I am learning that there will always be dishes in the sink, and I will always get to washing them eventually, but if there is an opportunity to play with my boy instead… that's just what I'm going to do. I am learning to put the phone down and pay attention to what is actually going on around me. These current moments are so so important, so very precious, and I don't want to miss a thing.

My goal for my twenty ninth year is to focus a bit more on myself. Last year was an awesome, challenging year. Not only did I bring a little babe into the world, but I had a bit more going on than the average parent due to his heart condition. Like most new moms do, I hurled head first into motherhood and somehow managed to lose of little bit of me in the process. This year, I want to be a little more than just "Alec's mom". I want to start eating better and exercising more. I want to try and paint my toe nails every now and again. I want to stop rocking this "natural ombre" look I've been working on lately. And maybe I can even manage to plan a little girlfriend getaway. I want to go out on a real date with my husband at least once a month. Don't get me wrong here, there is absolutely nothing better than being a Mom, (really it's the best thing ever and I honestly can't remember life before) but I just want to start to take a little better care of myself, both physically and personally.

'MOM' Style

I am finding as I get older ( And as I chase after a wee babe) that some of my pre-baby clothes just aren't A. appealing to me anymore and B. unrealistic on a daily basis. These days I am constantly on the lookout for comfy, yet stylish, clothing that is practical for my everyday  'mom' routine and easy on the wallet. I just recently came across a new line at Loft, called Lou and Grey. Let me tell you people... it's been a real game changer for me. I've never been a huge Loft shopper, but this collection alone, has seriously won me over (To the point where I may or may not have opened myself a LoveLoft credit card). Check it out.

Nine Months.

Nine months, say what?! Alec is nine months old and before I know it we are going to be celebrating his first birthday. This past month has been especially great. Alec has discovered so many things that he can do and it's both amazing and hilarious to watch him grow into this incredible little human. He says "Dada" pretty much all day long. "Mama" is reserved for when he's sad or when he wants more food. Other than our names, Alec can clearly say the words  "dog" and "hey"... there is a lot of 'hey dawwwg' being said around our house.  He is obsessed with our dog, Oliver. Just the sight of him entering a room makes Alec's eyes light up with joy. It really is adorable. Alec's little tuft of strawberry blonde hair is getting thicker with each day and he has developed this intense little side part that makes him look like such a young gentleman (just like his Dad). He just started clapping along to songs and waving hello and goodbye. He has recently become a bit shy... leaning his little head into my shoulder when someone new walks into the room or says hello. After about five minutes or so, he warms right up and is more than willing to make a new friend. He is pivoting around in a circle and rolling all over the floor, but still not officially on the move as of yet. Ten months is the month though.. I can see it happening any day now. Nine months has been a good one and I just can't wait to see what ten months brings. 

As for his heart, check-ups have been going well. Alec has weathered his first cold and recovered quite quickly. His color is great and his oxygen levels are holding strong. We are so proud of our brave boy and we are so very grateful that Alec is thriving. God is good.