Thursday, January 21, 2016

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.

Saturday, January 9, 2016

Ten Things

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

this online store. i want it all, especially those bandana bibs for Wes
a friend gave me a sample size of this facial treatment from kiehl's, and let's just say I'm a believer
a wonderful, whimsical home tour
a genius app to help manage your closet and improve your style
i'm in need of this wall decal for my master makeover
dockatot, i want a deluxe and a grand for both my boys
memory journals for your kids, a great idea and one i hope to realize this year
UO has some seriously stunning bedding, this one is on my wishlist
the ideal winter boot, cute and functional
another beauty product win

Winter is .. slow mornings, hot coffee, a good book, and fireside snuggles.
So looking forward to the first snowfall of the season with my crew.
Sledding, snowball fights, and building snowmen are a few of my favorite things.




Monday, December 28, 2015

Happy Holidays to You and Yours

This holiday season has not been calm, but it surely has been oh so very bright! 

We spent the Eve with my family at our house this year. The night was full. All thirty of us ate filet and crab bisque. We drank wine and sang Christmas carols. There was no shortage of gifts, the kids made out like bandits once again.  It was a bit exhausting, but in the best way possible. My extended family has so many wonderful holiday traditions and I was so excited to share them all with my own children. 
Christmas day was so thrilling. Watching Alec's eyes as he surveyed all his gifts under the tree from Santa was everything I imagined. He was over the moon. "I be a good boy, I get presents from Santa!" The rest of the day was spent with my husband's family. Alec and Wes are the only grandchildren on this side, so needless to say, they get smothered with love and attention. (Which they don't mind one bit.) The Drakes are incredibly generous to not only the children, but to Kiel and I as well. They are thoughtful, wonderful gift givers, and we all walked away from Christmas day very pleased and grateful. 

I am sad to see the Christmas holiday pass, but I am beyond ready to slow down a bit. I want to soak up every last bit of my maternity leave.  It's hard to believe I only have about two weeks left at home. Although I only work two nights a week, those twelve hour all-nighters do take a toll on me and my husband. I am nervous to leave my little one, as I have been handling all of the night feedings myself. Wes loves his mama, probably because of the milk, but I'll take what I can get. Alec has been regressing a bit in the sleep department, so I already know the nights without me at home will be long. The boys are growing so quickly. It's amazing how fast time flies. It feels like just yesterday that Alec was placed in my arms for the very first time. Now I am a mother of two, my littlest being nearly seven weeks old. How did that happen?! 

And how is it nearly 2016?! I am working on some resolutions. Nothing too intense, I want to make sure my goals are attainable. Most of all, I want to live in the present. I want to live simply and with intention. That's my main focus for the new year. These are the days, or so I'm told, and they go by so quickly. 

So Happy New Year to all you amazing people who visit us here on this little site. Come and visit us anytime. As life gets a bit more chaotic,  I hope to maintain Good Morning Beautiful, as it's really been a wonderful place for me to share my family, interests, and general thoughts on life. I know I will look back on all of this and cherish all that I have documented here. 



Thursday, December 17, 2015

Ten Gifts for Your Best Gal Pals

image via lindsayletters

....for the world traveler
....for the hostess with the mostess
...for the homebody
...for the trendsetter
...for the tech savvy
...for the gourmet cook
...for the new mama
...for the chic lady
...for the gal on the go
...for the beach lover

hoping this helps with last minute gift ideas. happy gift giving friends!

Monday, December 14, 2015

Lately...

Reading: Ha! Reading for leisure, I wish! I did just download Pretty Girls to my kindle and maybe someday I'll get a chance to dive into it. Any free moment I have is spent doing laundry or sleeping in this current stage of life.

Wanting: To exercise! Like really exercise. I can't wait to get medical clearance to hit the gym again. My follow-up appointment with my OB cannot come soon enough. I am done with this flabby figure of mine. I am ready to make some serious moves. I will, amongst the rest of the world, be hitting the gym hard in January (or so I plan to.)

Eating: Too much. I have never been hungrier in my life. Breastfeeding burns a ton of extra calories each day, but I can't really use that as a reason to justify my daily uncrustables indulgence. It's just the perfect quick and easy snack/meal, plus Smuckers really gets that peanut butter/jelly ratio just right. And the christmas cookies.. don't even get me started.

Drinking: COFFEE. A must. And I am consuming wine, far too much wine. It's the holiday season after all.

Enjoying: My babies. Alec is really starting to grasp this whole Christmas thing. He is such a little lover of lights. I mean the Christmas tree alone, has him completely mindblown. And Wes, I really don't need to explain. That newborn smell, those early morning snuggles... I am drinking it all in.

Wearing: Leggings. Loose, comfy cardis. Nursing tanks. Nothing exciting and I probably won't be until this body of mine figures things out. Plus everything I put on has to be nursing friendly. 

Listening: Old Christmas records I have accumulated over the years. Alec is a huge fan of Andy William's "Happy Holidays". 

Watching: Another big Ha! I try, but I just can't seem to keep my eyes open at the end of each day. These two little boys got me all tuckered out. I desperately want to finish up Homeland and The Leftovers. Hopefully, I will have this whole sleep thing figured out by April so I can watch Game of Thrones when it comes back on. 

Wishing: Everyone a happy, safe, and joyful holiday season spent amongst those you love. Cheesy, I know. 

Capturing: Every moment that I can capture of my two boys in one frame. Those precious moments are short and sweet and I never seem to have the camera ready, so many of the images I have are on my iPhone. I need to work on it, because I will want these images forever.