this little life...

I am...

2012-02-12T11:02:00.003-05:00

Prior to being a Mommy, I thought I'd be the Mom who had it all together. What did that mean...

The Mom with her nails done.
The Mom with a fresh, pretty face every day - make-up on, hair done.
The Mom who has a great relationship with her hubby and holds hands, takes time for date nights and rarely fights.
The Mom who keeps in touch with her girlfriends and goes out for girls nights every once in a while.
The Mom who cooks dinner during the week.
The Mom who can balance her work life and do really good things professionally.
The Mom who has a clean, tidy home.
The Mom who doesn't realize she is running out of diapers on the last one.
The Mom whose baby sleeps all night (in her own crib) and wakes up fresh and happy, after I've taken a shower and have gotten ready for the day.
The Mom who keeps up with the laundry.
The Mom who wakes up a little earlier to get some things accomplished before her baby girl wakes up for a new day.
The Mom who has a chance to read her Real Simple magazine with a glass of white wine.

What the hell was I thinking?

That shit was so unrealistic! Really. They don't give you a manual that says, "ok here is what it is going to be like every day and here is how you can prepare and do well at this whole motherhood thing." Nope, that manual doesn't exist. Every day is unpredictable. Hell, every night is unpredictable.

When I went back to work my baby was sleeping through the night (in her own crib) and didn't wake up in the morning until after I was already showered and half-way ready. Once I even woke her up before I left for work because I wanted to see her and snuggle her before I left for a 9+ hour work day. I used to even be dressed when my babysitter came every morning. That went out the window, some time a while ago, actually.

I love this shot of Molly on the go - she's fast!

So, really what is the point of this post?

Well, I'm defining myself as a Mommy and that will take me some time. It's funny because so many people (in the blog world) give themselves a title, "Mommy Blogger". Is that me? I'm not so sure. I am a Mommy. I am a blogger. I am so much more. Do I even want a title?

Sometimes I get my nails done - and it is a treat!

I wear minimal make-up every day and I like it that way.

My relationship with my hubby has changed as we have both taken on the new role as parents. We're working on it. Our love is not simple, but I would never want it to be.

I go out with the girls every so often, even though I'd like to be home with my baby girl. I've listened to the advice. It's important to get out and have some "me" time.

I still hate cooking. I am trying to be better about thinking about weekly meals, but I'm failing here too. It is important to my husband and so it needs to be important to me. I'll take slow improvement over no improvement.

All I can say about balancing my work life is, being a working Mom is hard. I've accepted the challenge.

My house is our home. We love it. We look forward to coming home to it, even with some Irish lace in the corner, dog hair on the rug, leftover baby food on the countertop and laundry over there.

Molly has everything she needs. She will never go hungry or cold or without a clean diaper on her cute little bum.

The fact is, I like when my baby sleeps in my bed. Do I sleep? No, not really. I'm too worried about her. I know she is better off sleeping in her own bed. I do. Waking up next to her with her little breath on my face is pure Heaven though.

Laundry - bleh. Screw you laundry!

I just cannot wake up earlier. I'm tired. Maybe one day a week could be a goal...? We'll see.

The Real Simple magazine gets read (maybe not in one sitting) before the new edition comes for the next month. These days I'd rather sip tea than wine. Girl still loves a nice, cold glass of white every now and then.

So that's where I'm at. I'm still growing into my new role - Mommy. This, I know, is going to be the best adventure of my life. Glad your along for the ride.

monday, monday

2012-02-06T20:36:00.000-05:00

I'm linking up with one of my favorite bloggers, Lisa Leonard today for a little "hello Monday" and Carissa at lowercase letters for Miscellany Monday. A little random writing today!

Hello new week with sunny skies and a chill in the air.

Hello to this mild Winter weather we are having on Long Island - so ok with me!

Hello to a pretty, red "happy valentine's day" banner hanging in my kitchen.

Hello to my new Real Simple magazine that I plan to read cover to cover.

Hello to a new project I have in mind. I'm getting inspired, now I just need take-off!

Hello to a few new, cute items added to Molly's wardrobe - including an adorable wool coat for $1.97 from Old Navy. She just had to have it!

Hello to a baby girl with a little, white, sharp tooth sticking up!

{I am trying to get the perfect picture of it!}

Have a good week!

What are you saying hello to today?

Midweek Confessions

2012-01-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

I was going to title the post "Confessions of a Working Mama" or something cute-sy like "Just Another Manic Wednesday" or something stupid like "You Chance to do the Hump" in honor of Wednesday/hump day, but alas I stuck with the norm Midweek Confessions, partly because I'm not feeling super creative tonight and partly because my confessions can come from a working mom or a stay at home mom or someone who is not even a mom at all. You be the judge of that! Off we go....

I confess that I have rewashed a knife in the dishwasher 3 times now and the darn thing will not come clean. So now, it sits in the sink. Damn you knife!

I confess that I love warm, sunny 53-degree weather in the heart of the winter. I wish I would've taken a walk today, but Tuesday are going be my crazy days at work this semester, and so I was tied down in the office today.

I confess that I would rather drive ten minutes out of my way to find an ATM rather than pay the ATM fee.

I confess that the President is giving a State of the Union address in a few minutes and I would rather go to bed than watch it. Sorry Mr. Obama, I'm tired this evening. I did vote for you though!

I confess that since I became a mommy I love staying home on the weekends more than ever! I've always been somewhat of a homebody, but now more than ever I just love staying inside and spending time with my hubby and my little girl. I love my home and I love the memories we are making here.

I confess that sometimes I fake online shop. Yup, I do. Fake online shopping means you go to a web site of you choice and fill your cart with all kinds of things you would want to buy and watch the price tally go up and up and then you just exit the site. X right on out and move along. Stupid, I know. But I do it sometimes. Oh well!

I confess that I am already thinking about my baby girl's 1st Birthday party celebration. I have a theme. I have a date. I have ideas. She is only 8 months old, but I've been thinking about it for a while. I'm not rushing it by any means, but I do love hosting parties and gathering with loved ones and having a theme. I'm all about that!

hello Monday

2012-01-23T22:02:00.000-05:00

Linking up with the fabulous Lisa Leonard for a little "hello Monday" today. Here is what I am saying hello to today...

Hello to a new, fresh week with ideas streaming through my head.

Hello to a new semester and a whole new batch of students back from intersession break.

Hello rainy Monday with rubber rain boots and a bright pink umbrella!

Hello eight-month old baby girl {so super cute} standing up all the time!

Hello to a little sugar pick-me-up in the middle of the day.

Hello to Mom's delicious barley soup for dinner. {I love soup and bread for dinner}

Hello to clearing my head, writing a short and sweet blog post and kissing my hubby good night.

Have a great week!

Liebster blog award

2012-01-21T10:57:00.000-05:00

My friend Michele over at Imperfectly Wonderful World gave me a blog award. Michele is the best! She has two of the cutest little boys with super cute names. Michele taught me that blog friends are real friends! I hope to meet Michele in person one day soon if {when} her hubby and her take a trip back to New York! Thank you my friend!

This award is given to bloggers with less than 200 followers, in the hopes that it will bring many new friends/followers. Liebster is German and means 'dearest' or 'beloved' but it can also mean 'favorite'.

There are some rules when given this award:

1. Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.
2. Reveal your pick(s) for the award and let them know. {It's really supposed to be "5" picks for the award, but I sometimes make up my own rules! Yup I'm like that! }
3. Post the award on your blog.
4. Bask in the love from the most supportive people on the blogshare-other bloggers.
5. Finally and the best rule of all..........have fun and spread the love!

I am giving this award to Allie of A Couple A Baby A dog Their Blog. Love the title of her blog! And, her little boy - super duper cute!

I'm also spreading the love and fun and giving the award to my friend, Kathleen of Simple Silly Life.

Midweek Confessions

2012-01-18T07:17:00.002-05:00

It's Wednesday again, and it's time to confess all the craziness that runs through your head that you {may, or may not} tell anyone else, except the loyal readers of your blog, and then you feel really great to put it out there and link up with some other cool bloggers here, on the E Myself and I blog!

SO without any further ado, I confess...

...that I really love reading the confessions of the other blog mommies that link up with E.

...that I laugh out loud at some of them because they are SO true!

...I got this really super cool video camera for Christmas and I tape Molly every day (just for a few seconds, sometimes even a minute) and I have yet to upload about 20-something videos. Yes, they are short! Yes they are so fun. Yes, I will get to it - soon!

..On that note, I really need to back up some of my photos. Cause if I lose any of them (knocking on wood as I type) I will cry!

...I have to work on Sunday and I'm not thrilled about it!

...If we went through this entire winter with no snow, I'd be fine with that. I love living in New York and experiencing the seasons, but to me experiencing winter on Long Island is wearing a heavy, bulky, warm coat with gloves and a hat and scarf, and starting your car early in the morning to warm it up. Yup, I'd be ok with doing all that and not seeing any snow.

...I fell asleep on the couch with my baby girl last night at about 8:20pm. Loved it too!

...I really wanted to get a haircut before Thursday. See, we are taking professional head shots at work on Thursday morning, so I would love my hair to be super shiny and be sporting a great new cut. Bottom line, it's just not going to happen.

This next one is BIG.

...after I had a baby, I was so lucky to stay home over the summer and extend my maternity leave to a four-month leave. Unfortunately it was unpaid, but we won't go there. Anyway after I had a baby I started wearing less makeup, keeping it very minimal. And I really love it! I am comfortable with the amount of makeup {or lack of} I apply these days. I do love a great lip gloss and cannot walk out of the house without curling my eye lashes and applying mascara. Now that we got that straight, I feel the need to practice my make-up before my photo shoot at work tomorrow. Is that a little crazy? Yeah, I thought so too!

Have a great week!

dear baby girl...

2012-01-13T21:25:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I've written to you a little love letter. You are growing so big, so fast. Like too fast! It is unbelievable to see how you change each day. With each month that you get older, it becomes my new favorite. At seven months you are eating, crawling, smiling lots, pulling yourself up to standing position and being quite an active little girl. You don't have any teeth yet, but the Pediatrician suspects one of those little white boogers is going to pop very soon!

I'm writing this right now after I've just put you down to bed. For a while, it was a bit of a tough go, bedtime that is. First Daddy and I let you sleep with us. We loved it so much, snuggling in our big bed with you right next to us. But in the end we knew t wasn't best for any of us. We knew the best place for you was in your crib. So, we tried and tried, and tried some more, but we just couldn't bear the sound of you crying and being sad. Then we got stronger. I assure you, baby girl, it was only in your best interest. Placing your little body down in the crib every night and hearing you cry was the hardest thing (so far) that we've had to do as your parents. That lasted for about a week, like they all said. And with each night it got better, as in less time that you cried. The first night was gutt-wrenching. I had to go to another ara of the house because I was so sad to see you go through this. Daddy was even worse! By the middle of the week your cry time was only about twelve minutes. Go baby girl! And then by day seven, you just went down for bed in your crib like the amazing little girl that you are.

I love every.single.little thing about you.

I love...

...your little toes - that I kiss every time I pull them out of your jumper, even when they have toe-jam!

...when you do raspberries, even when I'm feeding you and your food goes all over!

...when you wake up in the morning ever so peacefully and just make a little sound to let me know you are ready to start the day!

...when you laugh at our dog, Auto when he barks!

...when you go super fast in your walker.

...when you crawl around the furniture I've made as a blockade so you don't go any further.

...when you open your touch and feel book and start running your little fingers over the furry animals in the book.

...when I lay you down on your changing pad to change your diaper and you look into my eyes and give me a little smile as if to say, "mommy, I sure do love you."

...when you go right up to the baby gate and it looks like you are in jail!

...when you sit in your new wagon.

...when I put the Backyardigans on and you watch it as if you love that show! Pablo is our favorite, right baby girl?

...that you go to church on Sundays with your Nanny (and Chuckie too!) and listen to the music and look around at the pretty stained glass.

...that you love to play peek-a-boo these days!

There is so much more that I love about you. You have made my life complete. I am blessed to be your Mommy. There is no other place in the world I'd rather be than with you.

I love you, Molly. I look forward to watching you grow each and every day. You mean the world to me and Daddy.

Love,
Mommy xo

Blog Award

2012-01-12T20:52:00.000-05:00

Thank you to Emily over at Live a Charmed Life blog who gave me a blog award! She is a mommy to a little girl who is a few days older than my baby girl. I love "meeting" new people in the blog world.

Now I'm supposed to share seven random things about myself, but instead I thought I'd share seven words with you. This year picking a word of the year to focus on was quite tough for me. I've picked words in the past like, live, simplify and balance. I think I should've saved the word balance for this year, since it is proving to be quite tough to balance this working mother thing. I call it a thing, cause it is an icky, yucky thing!

Here are seven little words that mean so much...

LIVE
I am really trying to be in the "present" and live my life simply, taking time to enjoy the little things.

LAUGH
Because humor is essential to get through this crazy thing we call life!

LOVE
I continue to work hard to keep my love and my marriage fresh and exciting. Recently, becoming new parents, this has been pretty tough, but I hope that 2012 proves to be a year we grow into our new role as parents and continue to grow our love each day.

CREATE
I love being creative. I love writing. I love supporting those that create. I strive to keep it local and shop locally and I really want to utilize Etsy this year, especially as we (gasp!) plan for Molly's first Birthday party in the spring. Holy moly, how is it that I have an almost eight-month old baby...???

SIMPLIFY
I've shared before how I really want to simplify and just how I plan to do it. Even small ways count and make me feel better. I want to enjoy my little, simple home and my little life that I have created with my husband.

SHARE
Sharing laughs and good times with family and friends is essential. I feel so blessed that my sister and I have such a wonderful relationship. I am grateful to my Mom that she can spend time with her granddaughter and babysit for us two days a week. This really help and I know how much she loves it! I am really lucky to share a life with my husband and to be welcomed and loved by his family. Some people have mother-in-aw issues, and I feel blessed that I do not.

DREAM
Never stop dreaming. Never stop improving. Never stop growing. After all, "a dream is a wish your heart makes..."

Midweek Confessions

2012-01-11T20:54:00.000-05:00

Happy Wednesday! I'm back and virus-free. Well, my compter is virus-free, not me. If you can believe it, this almost-32-year old mama has the chicken pox! I know, it's crazy! I never had them as a kid, so here they are. I'm out of work for a bit and just praying that my little girl does not get them.

So, here's what I'm confessing this week...

Chicken pox stinks but being home with my baby - the best!

When I do get to stay home with my baby, I don't get out of my pajamas. Today I took a shower at about 3:30pm and put on a fresh new pair of pajamas.

Not having a computer was tough, but it was kind of nice to take a break from the world wide web and just be with my baby and my hubby at night after work.

Having to think about dinner every day is awful. I hate eating, basically I just do it to survive. I know my hubby, after working a long, cold day in the city looks forward to a nice hot home-cooked meal, but I'm just not that into it. I wish I knew how to cook. I wish I could creatively come up with meal ideas.

I am in desperate need of a pedicure, like a good one! Not a 20-minute quicky job where the scrubbing of my heels only lasts for only a few seconds. I want an in-depth pedi that really focusing on my drying heels. Then I want a bright fuscia pink. Nobody even sees my toes, but I love toe nail polish and I love pedicures.

The little girl across the street from us is a Girl Scout and is selling cookies. Girl Scout Cookies rock! I can hardly wait for my 5 boxes to come in! Maybe I should order a few more, ya know, just in kcase...!!!

I think I'm a little bit of a tea snob. I prefer Bigelow green tea and really don't like anything else. Yup, kinda snobby!

Hope you are all having a good week. I'll be back tomorrow with my blog award from my blog friend, Emily, who has a cute baby girl a few days older than mine!

Linking up with E, Myself & I.

Infected

2012-01-03T12:48:00.000-05:00

My computer, not me, thank goodness! So, my computer is suffering from a terrible icky virus right now, hence my absentee-ism from the world wide web and my precious little blog.

I've got loads of ideas streaming through my head for my blog and lots of great inspiration from other bloggers. It kinda stinks that my computer is not working properly right now, but in another sense it is kinda refreshing. Now at night I've been reading my new book, Good Enough is the New Perfect: Finding Happiness and Success in Modern Motherhood, organizing mail, talking with my husband (very much needed - since we transitioned our baby girl back to her crib and out of our bed - yes, it was tough and yes I will most likely blog about the experience) and going to be early. It's been ok, really. I hope to be "not" infected very soon!

In other exciting news...I reached 50 followers on my little blog! Wahoo! I know that compared to many other bloggers it's small potatoes, but to me it's pretty fantastic! For me it's about the quality of my followers, not the quantity. I couldn't possibly read comments from hundreds or thousands of people reading my blog, that would be impossible. So to my 50 followers out there, a sincere thank you to you. I have enjoyed your comments and I hope you have enjoyed my little blog.

It's Tuesday, yet it feels like Monday, so here is what I am saying hello to today...

Our babysitter is back! After sicknesses (ours and hers) and Christmas/New Year's and time off from work, etc. etc. we are ready to get back on schedule. I'm looking forward to it! Happy Tuesday all. Make it a good day!

Simplifying for 2012

2011-12-29T10:08:00.001-05:00

Simplifying my life is one of my goals for 2012. If you read this blog post you can see that living simply was definitely on there. I love calling them goals rather than resolutions, I just feel more accomplished that way! Besides I've read (and heard) that most people fall back on their New year's resolutions by January 17...bummer!

So, when I say simplify my life I am really serious about it. Here are just a few ways I plan to do it...

1. Keep all my reusable bags in the car and with every Target/Stop n Shop/King Kullen/HomeGoods visit, use 'em! I know, I should simplify my life by not visiting so many stores, but that just helps me accumulate my "stuff" - another goal I'd like to work on.

2. I've already started wearing less makeup and not fretting so much over my hair and looks in the morning, but to take it a step further I really would like to have my clothes ready the night before. Standing in my walk-in closet in the morning is a routine that just takes too long. I look at the clothes in there and try to pick out an outfit based on how I feel that day. Sounds crazy, but has worked all these years.I would like this to change though since it does take up too much of my time in the morning.

3. Organize my jewelry. Thanks to my sister (and a great Christmas present) I have a really cool way to hang and display necklaces, but the organized fashion I would so love is just not quite there yet. I'm looking forward to working on it.

4. Create a system to organize the mail and pay the bills. This is such a pain! I hate when my hubby opens a piece of mail and then just leaves the jagged envelope sitting there with the other envelope that comes with it, along with the miscellaneous papers, etc. etc. right on the table or wherever he is at the moment he opens it. I pay all my bills online and get most of the bills the green way but we still seem to get so much crap in the mail every day. We just need to be mindful of the extra stuff and shred it/burn it right away. It's actually fun to make a fire pit in the backyard and bring out a bag of stuff that can be thrown right in. Anyone want to come over for a paper-burning party???

5. Donate. I have really been clearing out lots of "stuff" lately and calling places like Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Amvets for pick ups. I have found real joy in knowing that the stuff that has-no-place-in-my-home could be useful to someone else and would rather donate it than worry about it taking up space in a landfill somewhere.

6. Shop - online. I've recently started food shopping (my least favorite kind of shopping) using the Peapod service through Stop n Shop and I really like it. The delivery comes right to your door, so we don't have to worry about the heavy stuff. The delivery is usually free or minimal (and worth it) with coupons. I can pick the time for delivery. And, I really think I save money. The reason why...? When I am sitting in front of my computer I stick to the list. There's no browsing every aisle just to see if I want anything else. I can just type in what I need and it pops up and I order what I need. Brilliant! Oh yeah, and staying home instead of being out and about really saves me money!

7. Not worry so much. If there is anything I've learned this year (and believe me I've learned a lot!) it's that I cannot control things. Let me say that again....as much as I'd like to, I cannot control things. What is going to be will be and accepting it for what it is and letting go of that need to control is going to be a big step for me, I know, but I really have to embrace this in my life.

8. Take time for the small things. A story that always stays with me is the man who was running a few minutes late because his kid wanted to have breakfast with him, wound up missing the train to work that day and arriving to work late. That day was 9/11. I get chills when I think about this. I never, ever want to take the little things for granted. I always want to remember it's the little things that make a big difference in my life.

I wish all of you a simple and wonderful 2012...

Check back for my best of 2011 post where I will share all of my favorite moments of the past year - and what an amazing year it has been!

Christmas recap

2011-12-27T07:21:00.002-05:00

Celebrating Molly's first Christmas was lots of fun. It was filled with such special moments that I know I will remember and cherish for the rest of my life.

Christmas Eve was celebrated with family and friends and the classic fish dinner including spaghetti and clam sauce, stuffed flounder, calamari, shrimp and Mom's famous Caesar salad.

Mommy and her baby girl ready for Christmas Eve dinner at Nanny's house.

My baby girl on Christmas morning

Checking out her gifts...

Molly with her I-phone, made by Fisher Price, of course and her mini American Girl doll, Molly!

On Christmas morning my Mom and sister came over with loads of special gifts and breakfast. This is a tradition I hope will always be.

Molly and her Nanny. Ya think Nanny is excited for Molly's first Christmas...? Um, yeah she is!

Hope your Christmas was filled with happiness, joy and sparkle! I'm linking up for a final Christmas week link up with From Mrs. to Mama and E Tells Tales.

It's baby's first Christmas...

2011-12-24T09:28:00.000-05:00

...and we are so excited to spend this holiday with our baby girl.

Happy first Christmas to my precious little girl!

I love this one!

Merry Christmas from our family to yours...

photos by Artistic Images

mid week confessions

2011-12-21T19:30:00.000-05:00

Linking up with E, Myself and I and confessing during the week.

1. If you can believe it....I still have two presents to buy for Christmas. In my defense, I get paid today and they are gift cards. Am I way behind this year? Sure. Have I even started wrapping yet? Nope. Am I over it? Just about.

2. I confess that I stayed in my pajamas all day today. My babysitter called in sick. She had a fever and a cold and I appreciate that she called in. So, I called in too. The day was spent snuggling my little girl, who was clearly tired since she took a 2 1/2 hour nap, drinking lots of tea (since I am battling a sore throat), watching tv, and writing/reading blogs.

3. I confess that sometimes I turn on the tv for my baby to watch sometimes. Usually The Backyardigans on Nick Jr. or a Baby Einstein dvd.
4. I confess, I can't let me baby cry it out. Not a fan of that method. Hubby agrees. We just don't like it.

5. So, we let her sleep in our bed. I know, dreadful.

6. I don't care what others think when it comes to me and my baby. I've always struggled with this concept and have always cared what others thought of me and if others liked me. But now that I am a mommy, I am learning to let go.

7. I don't care about food. I don't like it. I don't enjoy it. And I feel badly that most nights my hardworking husband comes homes to no dinner.

I love the way my girl looks at her doggy.

Why yes, that is a laundry basket filled with clean and unfolded laundry in it. I'm so glad you asked!!!

Head on over to E, Myself and I to read more about what bloggers are confessing this week.

Christmas Traditions

2011-12-20T08:57:00.000-05:00

Wanna know what we do?

We rock around the Christmas tree! Seriously! Since I was young I can remember the volume being turned way up after (or sometimes during) dinner and the dancing shoes going on! Most of our celebrations involve dancing in some form or fashion. It's so fun! I WISH I had a photo uploaded on my computer from years ago of my Nanny getting it started.

Our favorite song to rock around the tree to...? Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee.

A new tradition started years ago with my hubby's family is baking. My mother in law always likes to get the family together for a bake-fest! This year it took place at my brother in law and his girlfriend's home on the east end. They enjoy peaceful living on the north fork of Long Island. We always bake tri-colored Italian cookies and they are yummy! Though we aren't usually permitted to eat anything we bake until Christmas, every so often someone sneaks in a little taste.

I love that their wooden "family" sign made it into the photo!

How cute are these cousins? Molly is going to love her big boy cousins and they sure do love her!

I hope Molly enjoys traditions that both families will bring to her little life, especially kisses ALL THE TIME!

Linking up with Becky of From Mrs. to Mama. Happy Christmas and Merry Holidays to all.

10 things for 2012

2011-12-16T22:00:00.001-05:00

Today I'm linking up with E Tells Tales ( favorite blog of mine) for 10 Little Things...

Here is my list of 10 little things I'd like to do in the new year. You can think of them as resolutions (if you want), but I'd prefer to think of them as personal goals. Did you know that most people defer, aka fail, on their NYE resolutions by January 17? That just stinks!

So here goes. In the new year I'd like to...

1. Write more. Blogs. Letters to family and friends. Professional articles. Start on the memoir. Whatever it is, I just really enjoy writing and would like to do more of it.

2. Keep up with my coaching practice in a few ways that I know I can; send emails to past clients, take free courses through the Life Purpose Institute, and continue to research the idea of starting a coaching group that working moms meet over the phone once per month to hold each other accountable and be able to share stories with each other of things that work and things that don't in terms of achieving work-life balance.

3. Walk.

4. Leave my desk at lunch, even if it is only for a few minutes.

5. Paint my nails.

6. Sip tea (or maybe wine once in a while) and read my Real Simple magazine from cover to cover.

7. Pay no mind to my cell phone when I am at home.

8. Play with Molly. Like really play. Roll around on the floor. Giggle. Make funny faces.

9. Take vitamins.

10. Be simple. Live simple. And, be ok with it.

For now, I leave you with a photo that truly touches my heart. A baby girl and her daddy - the loves of my life, my real-life Mike and Molly!

It's beginning to look a lot like....

2011-12-14T09:41:00.001-05:00

The day after Thanksgiving we went to Shamrock Tree Farm out on the east end of Long Island and picked out our tree. It was such a beautiful and sunny day, we didn't even wear coats! We decided, to commemorate Molly's first Christmas, to get a tree with a ball on the bottom so we could plant it in our yard after Christmas and always remember her first Christmas and watch it grow over the years. Here we are on Santa's sleigh enjoying hot cocoa.

We were advised to leave our tree out on the deck for approximately two weeks and not bring it in the house for a while so that is made it through to Christmas day. Michael dug the hole in our yard last weekend, when the temps hit almost 60 degrees! Good thing because now the ground is frozen! We also have small artificial tree in the kitchen right near Molly's high chair that is filled with fun, cute ornaments, most of which have our names on them, and multicolored lights! I am a white lights kinda gal. My hubby tries to change this every year! Here is our tree, ornament-less.

Here is Molly's tree... She likes it!

Some of Molly's ornaments close up...

I love the Gingerbread - so cute!

Molly also received a Lisa Leonard stocking ornament from her Auntie Ashley. I love it!

We are so excited for Molly's first Christmas!

Do you ever put up more than one tree? It's my first time and I like it!

Linking up with Becky at From Mrs. to Mama

mommy guilt

2011-12-08T19:37:00.008-05:00

It didn't take very long for this to happen. And, from what I hear from other moms, it doesn't end - like ever. Once you are a mother you are faced with the task of looking guilt right in his yucky face.

Today I have mommy guilt.

It's not even the fact that I am at work, and go to work every day to provide a good life for my baby girl. It's more of the feeling of guilt that is if my baby could talk she would be saying...

"But mommy, you go to work every day and leave me home and so, when I cry at nigh time, all I really want is for you to pick me up and snuggle me."

Now, is that too much to ask...? I think not.

It's no secret that my little girl started sleeping through the night early on, like around the 6-8 week mark. I now - lucky! I attributed it to the fact that she was a formula baby, pretty much since the beginning, since I could not produce enough breast milk for her. Again - guilt. For the last two weeks or so she has not been making it through the night and sleeping all night long. It makes me sad. As I sit at work tired and sleepy, to the point where I almost fell asleep at a webinar today, that is not even the worst of it. Why is she waking up? Why is she crying? Why is she sad? Oh the questions!

So, to piggy back on my mid week confessions post yesterday, I am confessing that I just cannot let my baby cry at night. I cannot not pick up my baby when she is crying. I cannot let her "cry it out". I ~~like~~ love picking her up and soothing her by wrapping my arms around her little body. I ~~like~~ love kissing her all over, especially when she is crying. I ~~like~~ love taking her into my bed and snuggling her and letting her sleep on me. Go ahead, judge me. Actually if you plan to do that, please just keep it to yourself. Thanks.

This working mom shit is tough. Oh shit, I said shit on my blog! What kind of gutter-mouth mommy am I?

I love my baby girl so freggin much! Being her mommy is an unbelievable honor and an amazing journey. I know the rough times will pass.

Midweek Confessions

2011-12-07T12:41:00.001-05:00

Got this idea from another working mama, E, Myself and I. Love her blog! Check her and her sweet little boy out. So here goes, my first week of confessing...

- I'm tired! The nights have been late, or shall I say early, (my baby girl has been up most nights, poor thing is teething) and the mornings come around quickly!

- I watch the Kardashians. Rob on Dancing with the Stars. Chloe and Lamaar. I just started watching the new season of Kourtney and Kim Take New York. If I catch it on tv, I'm usually sucked in.

- I still have not finished decorating for Christmas. I usually like to take down my fall leaves and pumpkins and as I do replace them with red, shiny Christmas balls and trees, etc. but I am just not done yet. I will be, soon, I promise!

- I love bread and butter! I love a toasted, soft roll in the morning with some butter. I know - dreadful!

- I wore tights with holes in them to work today - and I so don't even care. In my defense, my skirt covers them. Oh, how I have changes since entering mommy hood!

- I need to go get cash, but it's raining, soooo....I've decided not to walk over to the other building and just ask my hubby to go to the drive through atm later tonight. Is that bad? Nah, I don't think so!

Hoping this becomes a link-up party soon. Love the idea!

miscellany monday - it's December!

2011-12-05T13:12:00.001-05:00

Holy moly - can you believe it is December?! Ok, correction, it is December, the fifth!

I'm linking up with lowercase letters today and writing a little Monday random-ness.

1. I hate couponing! I feel like when I find a coupon for what I need, I need to buy three of them just to save 50 cents. Um, no thanks. And also, I try to be good and clip the coupons and then I try to be even better and put them all in one organized space and some how, some way, I wind up holding up the line, or the coupon doesn't work, or whatever.

2. I'm a little disappointed that Dunkin Donuts stopped serving their hot apple cider. It was so yummy.

3. I'm not done with my Christmas shopping yet. I'm a little bummed about it. I had a goal to be finished by the first weekend in December and I'm just not. Oh well, guess I should just accept it an move on.

4. Ok, I've accepted it and now I'm moving on!

5. This weekend we took my baby girl to our photographer friend, Artie and he shot her six-month photos. Um, seriously, I have a freggin' adorable kid. She is such a pretty little girl. We had fun! After Artie took some cute normal shots, he created a Christmas scene with cheap boxes and decor and we changed my baby girl into her Christmas dress and had some more fun. I'll be posting them soon.

6. Got my FREE cards from Tiny Prints, and let me just say I love them! I love Tiny Prints!

7. Have I mentioned just how much I love the weekends? Take it from this working mama - the weekends rock! At about 2:30-ish on Friday afternoons I get a really excited sensation and I just can't contain myself. Like I feel like doing a cartwheel in the office just to let everyone know that I am so freeking excited to be waking up and spending more hours than a normal work day with my baby girl.

Happy Monday to you!

Happy Birthday to my Dad in Heaven. Today he would have celebrated his 59th Birthday. I miss him, especially around this time of year. I wonder what he thinks of my life and my little girl...

Turkey Weekend

2011-11-26T08:50:00.008-05:00

Thanksgiving at my Mom's was so lovely. It was fun and cheerful and delicious - all together. The company was great and the day was perfect.

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours...

The dinner

The centerpiece

Yesterday we headed to the east end of Long Island to Shamrock Tree Farm and planned to cut down our Christmas tree. Then we discovered the balled Christmas trees that can be planted after the big day. So, for $20 more we decided it would be a perfect way to celebrate Molly's first Christmas. Ya know the funny thing, my parents did this for my first Christmas and the tree is huge now, 31 years later! I'm so excited!

Today we are spending the day cleaning the yard, raking, mowing, etc. and decorating outside. We are so lucky with sixty degrees and sunny weather! Tonight we are heading to a Christmas festival on Main Street one town over. Should be fun!

Tomorrow our plan is to start decorating inside. First up, the Christmas villages in the kitchen. Then we have plans to join some friends at their house for dinner. I wonder if they'll serve turkey...???

Happy Weekend! Have fun!

Six

2011-11-22T18:20:00.004-05:00

...the number of months my baby girl is today!

I can't believe it! She is getting so big too! Check her out just chilling in her crib.

She is just the sweetest lil thing! She brightens my life every day! I am truly thankful that God blessed me with a little girl to love.

So what's been going on...?

Eating
Molly eats sweet potatoes now. She seems to be enjoying them. She did not care for barley or rice too much. She likes oatmeal in the morning too!
I addition to eating solids twice per day she about about 4-5 bottles per day.

Playing
She plays with her teething toys in her big girl chair, also called a high chair! She loves to roll around on the living room floor. We lay out a sheet and off she goes. She likes books, which is a great thing. For now she puts the board books in her mouth, but that's ok. One day she'll be a reader I'm sure. She still goes in her swing for a little bit, but she leans forward, since she likes to sit up on her own now. She still likes her bath too.

The Pediatrician says she can drink water now, out of a sippie cup! Ahhhh..my girl is getting too big too soon. Next visit to the doctor is in two weeks so there will be height and weight updates then.

We are so looking forward to celebrating Thanksgiving with our girl.

five years...

2011-11-19T08:45:00.006-05:00

...and a beautiful little life.

My hubby and I have been married for five years today. What an amazing roller coaster ride it has been. It has been full of fantastic love and good times, and some tough times too. But we make it through every day and I think that is what it is all about. I love my husband a little more every day. I look forward to growing old together.

What I love most about my husband is his drive and energy and his dedication and loyalty to our family. He is such a loving daddy, father and a hardworking man. For our anniversary we will go back to the place where our wedding reception was held and enjoy brunch. We are bringing Molly with us! I suspect it will be a perfect Sunday afternoon together!

This photo captured the essence of the day, which was love, smiles and good times. It was a great wedding!

Wishing you a little love today...

I am thankful

2011-11-17T12:23:00.000-05:00

Linking up with Adventures with Gwen to let y'all know what I am thankful for today. If you read her blog, you'll see how thankful she is today.

I am thankful...

...that my babysitter didn't injure herself when she fell yesterday.

...that my colleague just shared her kettle-corn popcorn with me. It was yummy and just what my afternoon needed.

...that my baby wakes up happy every day and in turn makes me so happy to wake up! I am not really a morning person, never have been. But, seeing that face makes me the happiest, most thankful person in the world.

...that my Mom is coming over to make us dinner and hang out with me tonight. We are going to watch Private Practice together. I love that show. Tonight is going to be a great episode entitled "The Intervention" about the doctors holding an intervention with one of their own who is addicted to drugs and alcohol. Powerful stuff. On that note, I am thankful for good tv!

...that next week is a short week in which we get to celebrate with family and friends and eat good food and not have to worry about gift= wrapping, yet!

A to Z

2011-11-16T20:47:00.008-05:00

Got this fun blog idea from Jody over at Keeping Up with Kennedy.

A. Age - thirty, ack, one - 31
B. Bed size - Queen
C. Chore that you hate - Scrubbing the bath tub, though I do enjoy a sparkly, clean tub!
D. Dog - Auto, our border collie
E. Essential start to your day - I like a nice hot cup of green tea and kisses for my baby girl

F. Favorite color - Pink
G. Gold or silver - silver
H. Height - 5’2"
I. Instruments you play - I used to play piano as a kid and clarinet in junior high
J. Job title - Molly's Mommy first, then Career Counselor

K. Kids - my baby girl, Molly Eileen
L. Live - Long Island, all my life
M. Mother’s name - Colleen
N. Nicknames - I actually don't have one!

O. Overnight hospital stays - When I gave birth to Molly I was on the hospital from Sunday to Wednesday, after my c-section.
P. Pet peeves - slightly open drawers, cracking gum, when people say "idear" instead of "idea"
Q. Quote from a movie - "Ever thine, ever mine, ever ours..." From Sex and the City the Movie, one of my favs!
R. Right or left handed - Righty
S. Siblings - one younger sister, sissy, Ashley
T. Time it takes you to get ready - About an hour or so.
U. Underwear - Um, yes please, I like Victoria's Secret undies, cotton.
V. Vegetable you hate - brussel sprouts - yuck!
W. What makes you run late - pressing snooze too many times, followed by not finding the "right" outfit and then chatting with my babysitter before leaving for work.
X. X-rays you’ve had - At the dentist and I had an MRI once due to two herniated disks in my neck.
Y. Yummy food you make - I'm not really a good cook at all. I made an eggplant dish with tomato and mozzarella. It was a Rachel Ray recipe and it was pretty good.
Z. Zoo animal - Molly likes giraffes, especially Sophie the giraffe.

Road Trip

2011-11-15T17:46:00.000-05:00

Molly went on her first road trip and traveled across 3 states! We drove to Scituate, Massachusetts to visit our cousins and celebrate a special baby girl's Christening. Olivia Paige Butterworth, aka Livey, aka our Godchild was baptized on Sunday and it was an honor to be there and be her godparents.

We arrived in a little over four hours and when we got there bundled up the girlies and went into town for a brisk, fall walk. It was a chilly day but I enjoyed the conversation and looking at the homes in Scituate. After our walk we went to a brewery for an early dinner filled with good brewed beer, some appetizers and yummy entrees. Olivia and Molly were so good at the restaurant. Livey had a slight situation that involved her taking a trip to the ladies room with her Mommy and coming back with no pants on! Luckily her cousin Molly had a pair to spare. Fun times!

After dinner we went back to the Butterworth home and enjoyed a cozy fire. It was so fun! We laughed and talked and had a great time catching up and watching the girlies have tummy time on a blanket fire side. I love that these girls will grow up together so close in age, just like their Mommies!
In their jammies!

On Sunday Livey was baptized in a lovely ceremony at a glorious church in town. She didn't even cry when the water was poured over her little head. She was a perfect little angel. We enjoyed a catered lunch back at the house complete with a red velvet cake and lots of laughs.

The Butterworth Family

Us at the church

My cousin Jill and I are exactly six months apart and spent lots of times together when we were kids. Dress up parties, pool parties, sleepovers, tap class! We shared our pregnancies together and now we get to raise our daughters together. It is amazing! The love we have for our baby girls is just simply amazing!

Molly and Mommy ready to go to the Baptism

Jill and Olivia

It was a great weekend! Thanks to Don Ayer for the photos!

Trick (or treat?)

2011-11-14T17:09:00.006-05:00

I know Halloween passed. In case you missed my little cutie pie all dressed up, here ya go!

But actually, this is not a Halloween post. This is a post about how I trick my baby girl into eating. No judgement please! She just doesn't seem to be enjoying her food as much as I thought she would.

Now, to be fair, she has only had rice, oatmeal and barley (in that order). And, she has only been eating solid foods for a little over three weeks. I know other mothers have started their babies on veggies and fruits by this point, and some chose to introduce foods earlier than me, but I opted to wait to feed my baby girl until she was {almost} six months and I have chosen to follow the instructions recommended by my Pediatrician.

I should also note that I love my Pediatrcians and I trust them. The office I go to is owned by a female Nurse Practitioner and there are two practicing female doctors. I really love the practice.

So, Molly loves to chomp on a wet wash cloth, since she is clearly teething. And she opens her mouth wide to let in the coolness of the cloth rst upon her gums. As she does so, I quickly shove the spoon into her little mouth and then she proceeds to wiggle it around and swallow. It works! It's also pretty cool because feeding time is quite messy and the wet cloth wipes her mouth clean at the same time as it is soothes!

But really, in the end, if she could talk she'd be saying, "Mommy, I just really enjoy my bottle, so I'm going to grab it and put it in my mouth now, k?"

Just look at her holding her own bottle! I just love this little face!

2011 Christmas Card Blog Campaign

2011-11-08T05:24:00.001-05:00

Yes...I'm already thinking about Christmas, and Christmas cards featuring my sweet baby girl's face! I just made her appointment to see Santa. I hear he is the best looking Santa on Long Island. No joke!

I am so excited! I love Tiny Prints! Tiny Prints is having a fantastic holiday 2011 blog campaign. Here are the details...

Thank you for your interest in participating in our Holiday 2011 Christmas Card Blog Campaign!
We are so excited to read your posts about our beautiful Christmas card line-up.
We are very open about what we would like to see in your posts.

First of all, please take a spin around Tiny Prints and see what we have in store for you this year.

Next, please post about one of the following topics:
1) What card you might choose and why. (Feel free to right click and grab the image. Just be sure to link back to the page where your readers can later find it.)
2) How you display your Christmas cards.
3) A favorite holiday photo tip or tradition.
4) Anything you want pertaining to our holiday/Christmas card line.

Please make it easy for your readers to find our Christmas photo cards by directing them to this page: http://www.tinyprints.com/shop/picture-christmas-cards.htm.

Tiny prints also offers adorable holiday address labels.

Can you just imagine how super cute Molly's face would be in that ornament???

The card can be found here. So head on over to the site and find something cute to brighten your holiday season, or Birthday, or Christening, or anything else you'd like to celebrate! Have fun!

10 little things about this little blog

2011-11-06T05:39:00.001-05:00

I've been thinking a lot about the direction of my blog. I want to stay true to my brand, ya know. But, what is my brand? Well, at first this little life was That's Life, written by a Life Coach and lover life's little things. As I grew and my blog grew it developed into a bit more. It became more of a personal life journey for me, and so this little life... was created. And to answer my own question, my brand is me, a working mama just trying to enjoy this little life.

My little life included much more than just a way for me to grow as a Coach. Sure, I loved inspiring others to live their best life and improve, but it was also about me and the improvements I was making in my own life. I loved (and still do) my marriage, my house that became our home, my family and friends and my ~~job~~ career.

Then I became pregnant and it all made even more sense! this little life... is all about me and my little life, and my little life now revolves around a little lady, Molly! So here are ten things you may, or may not know about this little life...

{one} I love writing! I love that one day my baby girl can look back and see all her baby photos and stories, and even see her mommy's pregnancy photos. My blog started out as professional, but is now more a published personal journey and I love it!

{two} I think blogging is so cool! I love reading other blogs. It's kind of my addiction. I have a few blog crushes. These are bloggers I would love to meet one day and hang out with and even sip a cocktail or a cup of coffee with. If a blog "crush" comments on my blog, well then it is just a super day!

{three}
I'd love to be able to enhance my blog and have a super cool design and lots of super cool ads and use words like "super" all the time and make money too! But alas, my full-time job keeps me too busy to do so.

{four}
My hubby and I met when we were thirteen years old. Here's a little bit of our timeline.

1993 - met in middle school through our best friends who had class together
1994-1998 - I left public school to attend a Catholic High School and we dated throughout high school with a few breaks in between. Yes, "we were on a break" and we even dated other people!
1998 - attend each other's proms
1998-2002 - dated throughout college
2003 - got engaged
2005 - bought a house
2006 - got married/celebrated our wedding with family and friends
2011 - had our first baby
Clearly there is so much more to tell, but at least you have a bit of background. I am writing "our love story" for the blog. Well, it's partly for the blog and partly for one of my life goals, to publish a book, a memoir.

{five}
I do not drink coffee. I like tea.

{six}
Being a Mom is the best "job" in the world. I must confess, I never thought I would love it as much as I do!

{seven}
I am very hard on myself, at home and at work. I think perfection exists, I know, crazy! Then I strive for it and if it doesn't work out I am pissed at myself. I'm working on it, don't worry.

{eight}
My hubby has our baby girl's footprints tattooed on his arm with her name and date of birth. I think it's cool and I love it! My hubby and I got tattoos together for our eighteenth Birthdays. Our Birthdays are eight days apart. He got a cross with some vines and I got a butterfly.

{nine}
We are in the market for a new video camera. My video camera is really old. It was a gift from my parents for my graduation from high school. So we're talking like over 12 years old, old. We've been taking small videos of Molly with my Blackberry. So, for Christmas we are asking for a video camera. I'm doing some research now. Any suggestions?

{ten}
I am usually a "bah humbug". But the last two years I've really been into Christmas. I love decorating my house for the holiday and sitting in front of a fire sipping hot cocoa or hot cider. I am super excited for Christmas this year with my girl!

Thankful Thursday

2011-11-03T17:09:00.009-04:00

I just read this on the Workaholic Momma's blog (a favorite of mine) and I'm linking up with a new blog, Adventures with Gwen, to tell y'all what I am thankful for today.

I am thankful for...

...a baby who sleeps through the night. As a working mommy it really helps. I love that she loves to sleep, like her mommy!

...the mini Snickers bar I found in my desk drawer today. Came at the right time when I needed a little pick-me-up to get me through the afternoon!

...my hair finally growing out to a point where I can stand whering it down and staright and like how it looks. I've always had short, choppy hair and I have loved it! Over the summer (and even toward the end of my pregnancy) I let it grow out. It has been tough, but worth it!

...co-workers who appreciate a photo shrine of my baby girl on my desk at work and make a big deal of it!

...my Coobie bras! Um, have you tried 'em yet? Best bra eva! I have 3! Love them! (Yes, I know I spelled ever like eva, it was for the impact!)

What are you saying thanks for today?

Happy Halloween

2011-11-01T17:09:00.004-04:00

Molly's first Halloween was great! I took a half day and left work early to spend time with my little girl! She looked super cute in her giraffe costume!

We visited my nephew, Michael's school for a halloween parade and then we trick-or-treated around the neighborhood before Mommy got too cold and we went home. Molly had her own little goody bag that her cousins and Grandma helped fill (for Daddy to eat later!) She actually slept peacefuly in her stroller as we strolled the neoghborhood. The we ate pizza and cupackes and Dunkin Donut munchkins and all was good!

My favorite costume, well besides my little giraffe, was an I-phone. it was so cute!

a busy week for a little girl!

2011-10-29T10:40:00.013-04:00

We had some exiciting "new" things happening this week in Molly world!

{one}
Molly ate cereal! It was great! She ate rice cereal for the first time and did a great job! Not sure she loved it, but she didn't hate it either. We took video and pictures adn mommy and daddy both took a turn feeding her. She is the best girl!

{two}
Molly is so close to holding her own bottle. But, Mommy doesn't like that too much, becuase she likes to feed her girl and gaze into her pretty little eyes!

{three}
Molly sat in her Baby Einstein activity chair this week. Um, can we say hello over-stimulation! There is so much right in their face!

I think she liked looking at her doggy (Auto) more!

She is just an amazing little girl and I love her more every day!

wordless wednesday

2011-10-26T19:36:00.003-04:00

oooohhhhhhh......that face!

miscellany monday - evening edition

2011-10-24T20:45:00.012-04:00

It's Monday and I am reflecting and sharing and writing random. And, I'm linking up with lowercase letters blog too!

{one}
It's Monday and I'm kinda tired already. I am writing this on Monday evening as I sit in front on the tube watching Dancing with the Stars. I love this season! I was sad last week when Carson left. So now I'm voting for David Arquette. Why? Cause he's weird and funny!

[two}
But I really love Derek Hough! He is the best professional dancer. Every season - he rocks!

{three}
This is just a quicky little post to share some of my random Monday thoughts. I am anxious to go read my Working Mother magazine. The cover - "the choices we make". As I struggle with all of the things listed on the cover: go part-time, get flexibility, get promoted, stay home, start a business. Yup, it's going to be a good read.

{four}
Um, people shouldn't wear pajama bottoms in public. Enough said!

{five}
Molly got a new hat. And...she's super cute!

Have a great week!

My baby is five months!

2011-10-22T17:13:00.001-04:00

Holy jamoli - I cannot believe that I have a five-month-old baby! Time sure is flying, just like "they" said it would. Here is what Molly is up to these days...

Good Morning!
Molly wakes up usually around 7:00am and she is so pleasant and happy. It is so cute how she just makes noises to let you know she is awake and then she beams a smile at you when you go to get her. She is the best!
I bring her downstairs and change her diaper and wash up her hands and face. Then I put her in her chair (which sits right on table) while I make her morning bottle. She usually drinks about 6 ounces while I watch the morning news. If she wakes up later than 7:30, I leave the bottle for our babysitter, Judy to feed her. I am usually out the door by 7:45-8:00am most days.
She takes a good nap in the morning and it is usually her longest nap of the day.

Yum-o time!
She eats about 6oz. every 4 hours. I have yet to give her cereal. I've decided that I'd like to introduce food at six months. So, I'll give updates next month.

Shhhh....zzzzzz!!!
Her afternoon naps are more like cat-naps.

Play time
Molly loves her books! Sometimes she stares at them, other times she chews on them. I'm sure that she is teething at this point. I don't see any teeth, but the way she chomps on Sophie's feet and some of her other toys, says the are on their way! She still plays in her swing and on her her play/activity mat, which I call her farm!

This n that
We have yet to put her in her high chair but have plans to do that soon. She is getting very close to holding her bottle on her own. It is super cute!

What to Wear
Molly wears 6-9 month clothes now and her wardrobe consists of some pretty long-sleeved one-sis and stretchy pants in every color! She has some pretty sweaters too. I am super excited for her Halloween costume, a giraffe and an orange tutu.

Good Night!
Molly usually goes to sleep between 8:30-9:00pm and sleeps through the night until about 7:00am (ish).

Stats
Weight @ birth - 6 lbs. 14 oz.
Now - 14 lbs. 8 oz.

Height @ birth - 20"
Height now - 24 3/4"

I just love my little girl. She is the best!

Friday. Fall. Fill in the blanks.

2011-10-21T21:02:00.003-04:00

Linking up with Lauren of the little things we do blog.

1. Nothing says fall like...apple cider, pumpkins, crisp, cool mornings.

2. My favorite autumn tradition is...pumpkin picking, visiting the Long Island vineyards.

3. My favorite fall treat is...a manicure with the color Wicked from Essie. It is my go-to color and I pretty much do brights and pinks all summer. Then when Fall hits I go to Wicked.

4. Fall makes me think of...being cozy. Drinking a warm beverage by a nice fire. I just love that!

5. Autumn free form word association, go!...leaves, orange, red and yellow, pumpkins and apples and spices and my wedding anniversary!

6. My go-to outfit in the fall is...dark skinny jeans with my brown knee-high flat boots.

7. My favorite fall holiday is I love Halloween. It is so fun and I always dress up! But, my all time favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. I love eating turkey and my Mom makes the best stuffing. I love being with family and remembering how lucky and blessed we are and giving thanks for what we have. I love that there are no gifts. I think Christmas has become too much about material things, and so I love that Thanksgiving is not about that.

I am aware

2011-10-15T10:54:00.007-04:00

I feel so blessed and so lucky that I have never been personally affected by the loss of a baby. Having said that, I know many people who have. Some of them friends, some of them family, some of them acquaintances or people I just know.

I am aware. I am aware of the sadness that must overcome your world when you lose someone you love, an innocent, precious little baby.

For those of you who have lost, I pray that you have strength every day and if you were lucky enough to have a short time with your little one, I hope that memory lives with you forever.

Today, I will light a candle and say a prayer for those I know, those I love, in honor of their loss.

Happy Friday - fill in the blanks

2011-10-07T05:43:00.000-04:00

I'm linking up with the little things we do blog.

1. Something popular that I can't stand/just don't "get" is Pinterest. I know. I know. People love it. I’m sure I would love it too. But, I don’t get it, nor do I have time to get it. Sorry.

2. Something unpopular that I secretly love is CDs. I don’t even own an Ipod. I know I’m crazy. My sister gave me her old Ipod and I have yet to even upload my music or get the hook-up for my car. I’m sure I will love it once I do. But for now, I’m ok with my CDs.

3. When I've had a bad day I usually cry.

4. I'd prefer a spa bachelorette party to a crazy drinking or naked boys fest any day.

5. Something that makes me nervous is traveling. I’m such a homebody. Even if I go on an overnight trip the whole packing issue makes me anxious and kinda nervous.

6. Something worth fighting for is love. I believe that loves endures all things. I actually had that on my wedding invitation. Love believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. It’s from the Bible.

7. When people think of me, I hope they think that I am doing my best in everything I do.

Seriously Thursdays

2011-10-06T21:45:00.005-04:00

So, what made me go seriously...?!

I'll tell ya!

1. I haven't treated myself to a pumpkin spiced latte from Starbucks yet!

2. I wanna try the one from Dunkin Donuts also. Betcha it will taste just as yummy at half the price!

3. I need new tights! Seriously, last year when I was pregnant I cut all my tights to accommodate my growing belly. And so, now I need some new tights. I love a pencil skirt with tights, a button down shirt, a cardi, and flats or boots in the Fall and Winter.

4. I still really need a pedicure! That was on my "seriously" list last week. Hopefully it removes itself before next Thursday. Likely? Probably not. (Why...? Refer to number 5 and see why I am so tired after work these days!)

5. Work is super duper busy. We have our Fall Job and Internship Fair coming up and we are busy accommodating employers, getting students ready and all that good stuff. Our fair will welcome over 130 employers this semester and over 1200 students. It's pretty major!

6. I am loving the new show Revengee with Emily Vancamp. I loved her in Everwood and Brothers and Sisters. It is a new show on ABC on Wednesday nights. Love it!

7. It is going to be like 80 degrees here this weekend. The weather reporters are saying summer is making a return and it is going to be beach weather! Good thing I'm behind on putting away all my summer shoes and clothes!

8. No, seriously, I am way behind. I have a mix of summer and fall stuff going on right now. I have a big walk-in closet (that I love, btw) and it is outta control right now. I need a few hours to focus on it and hang up all of my stuff!

Almost Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-05T05:40:00.002-04:00

My favorite kind of time....

"....mommy & me time"

Molly, I love you so much! xo

Oh yeah, another Monday

2011-10-03T05:36:00.003-04:00

Can ya just sense the excitement in the tone of my title! Linking up with Carissa again for another Miscellany Monday with lowercase letters.

One. I am determined to make this week better than last week. Yup, I'm going to do it.

Two. We had a really nice weekend. On Saturday I watched my nephew play soccer - too cute! Then we went out east and sampled some Long Island wine - yum! We brought snacks to the winery and sat around a table and had some good talks. Molly came with us and was a super duper good girl! There were two other cute babies there. I think they were a little older than Molly.

Three. Molly is so teething. I'm pretty sure of it. I hope her little teeth don't cause her too much pain or discomnfort when they do decide to make their appearance.

Four. I am in despeate need of a pedicure.

Five. You know what makes a yummy breakfast? Green tea with an apple and peanut butter. I'm enjoying it right now as I spend time with my baby girl. Here is a shot of us at the kitchen table this morning.

Six. I am anxious to buy a Christmas gift for someone. Anyone! Just wanna say I started my shopping! My goal is to finish it by December 1. Let's see if I can do it!

Seven. My hubby desperately wants a ride-on lawn mower. He tried out his brother's ride-on and loved it. Hopefully by next summer we can get one for him.
...yes, that is a glass of wine in his hand. I told him, no drinkin' and driving!

Happy Friday!

2011-09-30T05:24:00.000-04:00

T-G-I-F! Linking up with the little things we do blog.

1. My current obsession is blog reading. Has been for a while. I love writing blogs too. I try to make sure I carve out some time in my day to do so.

2. My baby girl make me happy. She is my greatest joy in life.

3. My greatest strength is my acceptance of others.

4. Not being able to accept criticism as constructive is my greatest weakness.

5. My life is really great right now! I am loving motherhood and my family is amazing and supportive.

6. In high school I was a cheerleader. We competed and stuff! We went to Disney to compete.

7. When I'm super tired I find it very difficult to keep my eyes open. They get super heavy and then I just need to shut 'em.

Have a great weekend all!

Seriously?!

2011-09-29T09:15:00.009-04:00

It's Thursday...wahooooo! One more work day after today and then I am so excited for a lovely Fall weekend with my baby girl and my hubby! I'm linking up with From Mrs. to Mama for another Seriously?! Thursday.

{one} So seriously, it is so muggy here on Long Island. The weather has been nutty! It's been sunny one minute, then rainy, then just bleh. Not a pretty hair week. We've had the central a/c going and now they are calling for 50 degree weather this weekend. Guess we'll be switching to the heat!

{two} Seriously, I watched Home Alone on tv the other day and I got so excited for Christmas! If you know me, usually I am a bah humbug. This year, especially with our new baby girl, I am excited. However, I lost a bet with my hubby and I have to put colored lights on my Christmas tree. Darn! I'm a white-lights kinda girl.

{three} Seriously, I need a glass (or two) of wine this weekend. It's been a tough week!

{four} Maybe I need that wine tonight!

{five} Seriously...I love Seriously Thursdays! Fun!

Manic Monday

2011-09-26T21:31:00.008-04:00

Writing Random on a Monday and linking up with lowercase letters.

1. I had a terrible day at work. Tomorrow must be better.

2. I need paper towels and garbage bags. But, I do have plenty of toilet paper, baby wipes and diapers, so that's pretty important!

3. I wish I had off for two days at the end of the week, like my teacher and Jewish friends do.

4. I really love making lists. What I love even more...? Crossing stuff off my list!

5. I really, really love my Mom. She babysat today (Mondays and Fridyas are her days to watch Molly) and in addition to watching my baby girl she also helped me out immensely! I now have clean undies, soft folded towels (cause she used fabric softener), and vacuumed stairs. I am so lucky to have her! I really love her!

6. I work at a University, and in the marketplace (a convenience store) they are selling Coach bags. We had to do a double take today. Real, live, pretty Coach bags!

7. I need to send a thank you card out tomorrow and a sympathy card.

Happy Monday all! Hope your day was so much better than mine.

Fill in the blank Friday

2011-09-23T07:15:00.000-04:00

Linking up with the little things we do blog. Found this cool link up through Jessalyn Amber's blog. Shout outs to some super cool bloggers! Happy Friday all!

1. The best thing I did all week was... make my baby girl laugh out loud! It was so hysterical and so fun!

2. Good food makes me feel like I should like food more. I'm weird, I actually don't really enjoy eating. I just do it for survival. Crazy!

3. Pets are our buddies and are a part of the family.

4. My family is the best thing about my life.

5. With the cooler weather I am looking forward to... jeans and boots, pumpkin spiced lattes, snuggling by the fire.

6. Something that's on my "wish list" right now is a new coat. I want a quilted coat that I can wear every day, but in a cool color. And I also want a super cute winter coat. Last winter I was pregnant and I didn't invest in a new coat, cause I wouldn't have even been able to button it!

7. This weekend I am going to the dentist to have my teeth cleaned. Yay! Seriously, I am excited about it. I'm also heading over the bridge to visit sissy and celebrate our cousin's Birthday! It's Molly's first time going to her auntie's house!

Seriously Thursdays - Working Mama Edition

2011-09-22T05:35:00.002-04:00

Linking up with From Mrs. to Mama for another Seriously Thursday and this time it's the Working Mama edition!

Seriously...

I shaved my legs yesterday, since I was wearing a dress to work, and forgot to shave my knees. I mean, seriously, I was feeling my stubbly knees all darn day!

Seriously...

I cannot believe my baby girl is four months old today! Holy moly!

Seriously...

I need people to drive a tad bit faster on Nicolls Road at around the 5:00pm time. As in I am SO ready to get home to my baby girl and need to get there asap, s could ya move just a little bit quicker?! Ok, thanks!

Seriously...

I have such a busy Saturday planned. It's gonna go a little something like this:
10:00am - Endodontist follow-up appointment, since I had to have an emergency root canal over the summer. Seriously not fun!
11:00am - My nephew Michael has a soccer game. SO excited to see him run on the field.
After that - head to the mall to get my cousin a gift for her 21st Birthday! Very excited to spend Sunday with her.
1:15pm - Have my teeth cleaned.
After that - Head home and decorate my house for fall. Seriously, it's my favorite time of year and I have so many decorations. Time to put the shells away and bring out the leaves and acorns and fake fruit. I have a bunch of Halloween decor also, but I'll wait until the first week of October for that.

Seriously...

I've never loved my weekends more. As a working mama, which by the by happens to be one of the hardest jobs in the world (emotionally speaking), I can't wait to spend Saturday and Sunday mornings with my baby girl and I let her know how happy I am and how I am not leaving her to go to work on those days. Seriously, I love every minute I spend with my baby girl.

Seriously...

My baby girl is the best! And she looks super cute in a hat!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-21T09:09:00.006-04:00

Saw this on one of my favorite blogs, The Workaholic Momma.

Working Mama: Week 1

2011-09-17T18:20:00.007-04:00

Thank you so much to the readers who have commented and have let me know that they have been thinking of me this past week as I returned to work and officially became a wokring mama. So here is my recap of week 1...

Monday
My Mom babysits on Mondays and Fridays for us (I'm so lucky!) and so my first day back was tough but I was happy knowing Moly girl was spending the day with her Nanny. I was welcomed back at our 8:30am staff meeting. Yup, you read that correctly, we have a staff meeting every Monday at 8:30am. So the day was going well and going really fast, which was a great thing. Once 2:00 hit I was a mess! I was so ready to go home and I still had 3 hours left. When I came home my Mom had also prepared dinner for us (I'm very lucky) and I held Molly for the next few hours until she was ready for bed.
I should add that I totally thought I wouldn't sleep the night before I had to go back because I was so nervous, but actually I did. My plan (which I know will certainly not work out every day) is to get up at 6:00am, shower and get ready, that way when my baby girl wakes up around 7:00-ish, I can change her, feed her and gaze in her eyes and smily for a little bit.

Tuesday
First day with our babysitter, Judy. We love Judy and we feel very lucky that she comes to our hoe to watch Molly. As soon as I left the house and got on the road to work, I cried. Lesson learned that day, I probably shouldn't do my makeup before I get to work. Later on during the day, at around that 2:00 mark again, I becmae very upset. Luckily I had a colleague to rescue me (thanks Nikki) and take me out of the building for a little walk. I rushed home at 5:00 on-the-dot and snuggled my girl all night until she went to sleep!

Wednesday
Another great day with Judy. Her and Molly and loving each other. We are having some very nice weather and Judy takes Molly for a walk and they play together and it is going very well. Me...? I'm still a mess. Don't think I'll ever love the situation, but I remind myself every day that I want to provide the best life for my girl and work to do so. I'm also really lucky to have a job I love. My hubby worked late tonight so it was just me and my girl.

Thursday
The worst day of the week. I was so sad. I didn't want to leave for work. Judy is so sweet. I usually call once in the am and once in the pm to check up on my girl and see how the day is going. I cried, my coworker walked into my office as the tears were building and saw me, and she just hugged me and let me know everything was going to be ok. I have some great support at work. I'm lucky!
On the way home I hit traffic and I was so eager and anxious to get home. My hubby was home before me today and that was a good thing. He got to spend some time with Molly before I came home.

Friday
I've never been so excited to see the weekend! Today went very fast and I couldn't wait to get home to my girl. I just know my time spent with my hubby and my baby girl on the weekends is going to be so precious.

I really want to see the movie, I Don't Know How She Does It with SJP as a working Mom. Hope to get to do that soon. Have a great weekend all!

Has anyone seen it yet?

What I Wore - Working Mama Edition

2011-09-14T07:22:00.001-04:00

My first day back to work was this past Monday. It was tough leaving my little girl, very tough. More about my life as a working mama coming soon. Here is what I wore my first day back...

It's a little bit blurry, but I can assure you it was a super cute outfit! The dress is Merona from Target, as is the sweater. The shoes are super old, brown peep-toe wedge heels from Aerosoles, super cute, super comfortable. Outfit was made complete with a red Allora Handmade necklace and brown wooden bracelet from Kohls.

Happy Wednesday! Linking up with the Pleated Poppy.

baby love

2011-09-12T21:54:00.004-04:00

"no one else will ever know the strength of my love for you. after all, you're the only one who knows what my heart sounds like from the inside."

i love you molly!

not sure who said this, but i so love it. it is a perfect way to end my day.

linking up with carissa over at lowercase letters for some random-ness. happy monday!

one.

2011-09-11T05:19:00.000-04:00

This is it...my last day of maternity leave (sob, sob).

I just cannot believe that three and a half months have gone by. To say it went fast would be a lie, it really didn't. I enjoyed every day with my baby girl, the best ones just being those days that we just stayed home together. The mornings went by quickly. I enjoyed snuggles in the morning and stroller walks in the afternoon. I enjoyed smiles and giggles as I watched my girl grow these last three months. I'm sure I'll be super busy once I return to work and I hope that will help my work days go by faster.

My last day of work was Wednesday, May 18. I gave birth to my baby girl on Sunday, May 22. Best.Day.Of.My.Life!!!!! And it was the best summer of my life.

Molly girl on her birth-day

Molly girl today

One.

So, on this one last day, my hubby is insisting we spend it out on the east end of Long Island. With my Peapod order all complete and ready for delivery tomorrow evening, my first-day-back-to-work outfit all picked out, and the instructions for the babysitter (my Mom) on the fridge next to the emergency phone and contact numbers, how can I argue with a family day out east. So to the farms, antique shops and vineyards we will go. Maybe we'll even find some great yard sales! That's pretty typical for the east end. We may even bring home a fresh pie from the famous Briermere Farm.

Who knows what the day will bring? All I know is that I want to soak up all of my baby girl that I can get. I want to savor every minute of our Sunday family day. I want to have great conversation with my hubby. I want to thank God for all his blessings in my life. I want an anxiety-free day, filled with smiles, giggles and love.

I feel so lucky to have been able to be home with my baby girl this past summer. I feel so blessed to have a great babysitter who will come to my home and watch my baby girl part-time and have my Mom watching her part-time as well. It will be great for Molly to know so much love in her life. I feel great to have the support of the other working moms at my job who have gone through this as well. They are wonderful people to work with.

Two.

2011-09-09T05:03:00.000-04:00

Two days left of maternity leave...

I don't think I've ever been this upset to see a Friday.

I cried today, twice actually. I cried once in my car on my way to take care of an errand this morning. Then I cried this afternoon when my baby girl and I were laying down together playing on her farm, it's actually her activity mat that looks like a farm, but I call it her farm. Yup, I layed down right beside my girl while she gazed up at the hanging farm animals, musical nursery rhyme CD playing in the background. It was great! And I cried.

Molly on her farm

Today while reading the mommy blogs, my daily ritual, I was asked to comment on my favorite thing about motherhood. There are lots for me, actually. But the first thing that popped into my mind is the waking up in the morning with my baby girl. When she wakes up, she is so pleasant! She doesn't cry or scream. She just kinda sits there staring up from her crib or her pack-n-play through her little and in her little babbling voice lets me know she is awake and ready to start a brand new day. It is really so sweet.

When I go over to her crib to get and look down into her eyes and say "good morning Molly" she shoots me the most amazing "good morning mommy" smile and the day is off to a great start. A-mazing!

I wish you all a wonderful start to your day.

III

2011-09-08T06:55:00.003-04:00

That stands for three, 3, tres... the number of days I have left of my maternity leave. The number of days after today that I get to wake up to the sound of my baby and not my alarm clock. The number of days before I become a working mama and not a SAHM. Wahhhh!

I just had the best summer of my life! Becoming a mother has been the greatest joy I will ever know. It is the most amazing feeling. It's hard to actually pin point the moment when I felt like a mommy. One particular day I can remember so vividly is the day my hubby went back to work. My mom (who had moved in with us for the first week to help, since I was still on some major drugs to control the pain of my c-section) was gone and had gone back to work as well. So, it was me, Molly and the dog. I just remember feeding her and she had fallen fast asleep in my arms in her favorite position, head resting peacefully on my chest. I was sitting on my large chair in the living room with my feet up on the ottoman. It was silent. There was no noise in the house at all. The television was off, the baby chair song that played in the background ended and all I could hear were the teeny, tiny breaths coming from my baby girl as she rested so sound in my arms.

It was at that moment that I knew...I was in love! I was in this for life and I couldn't have asked for anything better.

Molly and mommy had a little photo shoot at home during the past two rainy days. Check us out!

Yes, I'm still in my pajamas in these! And I am taking the picture!

..and I got dressed the next day!

So, I started this post thinking about how (boo-hoo) I have to start work in three days and instead I took the route of letting you all in on my major life-changing moments as a new mommy. Being Molly's mommy is the best job in the world and I can't wait to do it for the rest of my life! That will always be my primary job, even after the next three days.

molly love - September updates

2011-09-07T07:13:00.001-04:00

What is my baby girl up to...? I'll show ya!

Yup she rolls over now! And she can't be stopped! She loves her light up aquarium-jungle thing.

When I put her down for a nap or for bedtime, this is typically what happens these days...

I guess she is more comfy on her tummy, my cutie pie! I let the pediatrician know and she said as long as I put her down on her back I'm doing the right thing. Ok, goody!

Molly stats:
Weight - 13 pounds, 3 ounces (she doubled her weight since birth, just about)
Height - 23 inches (up 3 inches since her birth!)

Rock on girl!

time flies...

2011-09-06T05:01:00.002-04:00

My nephew Michael is starting kindergarten today. Holy moly - I remember when this kid was born! I remember what I was wearing, leaving work early to visit my sis-in-law in the hospital, and seeing his sweet face. Becoming is Aunt was such a great feeling. He used to call me "aunt Poodge" back before he could say Aunt Paige. Now, he does it and cracks himself up! He no longer gives kisses, cause ya know, he is too cool for that. He will give his 'ole auntie hugs. And, he will always run right in my house (or wherever we are) happy and say hello to me. Man, I love that kid.

Last week I met Michael and his brothers at the dock in Great River for some fishing. Here is my little cutie-pie kindergartner...

Blondie, also known as Tommy, also known as my Godchild, is the middle brother and is starting pre-school next week. Michael tells Tommy all about pre-school since he went there last year. According to Michael, Tommy will be just fine in pre-school while Michael goes to the big time - Kindergarten! It cracks me up when they chat with each other!

Here is my baby girl with my sister in law. Isn't she super cute for an afternoon of fishing???

Michael caught one fish, Tommy caught three! Love these boys!

Eat Your Peas...

2011-09-05T14:20:00.001-04:00

A little wisdom. And a lasting promise.

A 3-minute forever book for new Moms by Cheryl Karpen. The cutest book!

A few of my favorite quotes from the book, a gift from my dear friend, Joyce...

"What you didn't get right today you can practice again tomorrow. After all, isn't that what you will teach your little one?" I love that. I hope to teach my baby girl to respect everyone, even herself, to say please and thank you, to appreciate God's gifts all around her and to love with every once of her being. Like I love her.

"Just think! Your baby is going to learn how to love because of you." Ahhhhh.... so sweet, so true.

Linking up with Carissa over at lowercase letters.

I blog

2011-09-03T05:40:00.000-04:00

...and here are eight reasons why.

one. I love it. I love writing. One of my long-term goals is to publish a book, I'm thinking a memoir.

two. You "meet" people, in the blogosphere that is. There are so many talented and pretty cool bloggers out there. I have "met" so many great mommy bloggers since becoming a mommy in late May. I spend a lot of time on the blogs and I enjoy it.

three. As one of my blog friends, Michele says, blog friends are real friends. So, you can make friends blogging.

four. I learn things. Like for example, I learned just how cool the bumbo seat is and that colic (thank goodness my baby girl didn't have it) is usually over by the 3-month mark.

five. I share things I know. I used to publish a segment called Tp Tuesdays. As part of my life/career coaching, I used to provide my blog readers with some useful tips. Topics have included Tips for Saving Time in the Morning, Tips for Setting Goals the SMART Way, and many more fun topics.

six. There is some cool stuff! People (not me, yet) make money from publishing their blogs from sponsors and stuff. From some of the blogs I read the sponsors sell great, creative, mommy-likey things.

seven. You can win prizes! Last week there was a give-a-way on a blog I read and I won! My first ever blog give-a-way win. I won burpie cloths - very pretty ones. Can't wait to get them.

eight. Blogging is a creative outlet. Blogging is (to me anyway) like a published journal entry. I share felings, thoughts, ideas, etc. It is also a great way to keep track of my baby girl's progress with photos and updates and stuff.

Happy blogging friends!

Fun Fridays

2011-09-02T05:55:00.000-04:00

Linking up with Jen for another fun Friday and sharing my weekend plans.

As we say goodbye (unofficially) to summer this weekend, I'm pleased to say that we really have no plans! I'm excited my hubby will be off for three days in a row and look forward to a few things...

* a margherita with salt on the rocks
* spending time with sissy
* looking for a dress for my baby girl's Christening (taking place next weekend)
* visiting the Dollar Tree (to see if they have any nice vases that I can fill with colorful flowers for my baby girl's Christening)
* searching for the perfect shoes/booties for my baby girl to wear to her Christening
* working on my essay to submit to Real Simple magazine (more on that coming soon)

Yup, that's about it. Have a great weekend all.

Seriously Thursdays

2011-09-01T09:27:00.008-04:00

From Mrs. to Mama wants to know...What made you go SERIOUSLY?! this week?

{one}
Target was selling some great stuff at 75% off! I got 2 pairs of trouser pants for $6.28 each! Seriously! I also got a cute t-shirt for $3.78! In my bag I also had a dress, a three-quarter sleeve dress shirt and sweater all for $52 bucks! Seriously it was awesome!

{two}
Seriously...my child learned to roll over (back to front) and now she can't stop!

{three}
I thought I wouldn't like that bumbo-seat-thing. I thought they were funny looking and never wanted one. Well....I seriously love that seat! It is so cute and my baby girl looks a-dorable in it. See:

{four}
Seriously...I love my mornings at home with my girl. Today I brought the laptop to the kitchen table and she and I are just hanging out. Me, I'm blogging and drinking tea. Her, she's checking out her hands and sitting in her chair. So freggin' cute! Oh yeah, and we're still in our pajamas and might stay in them for the better part of today!

{five}
And seriously as if I didn't give Target enough credit in this post, see #1, I have two more things to say about that fantastic store...I LOVE their zip-up pajamas for baby. They are great, so soft and the zipper is better than buttons, at least this mommy thinks so! And lastly, have you seen the Target back-to-school commercials? Hysterical! I love the "denim" commercial. I know you must know it! It seriously cracks me up!

so long, farewell August

2011-08-31T21:40:00.007-04:00

O-M-G...seriously, August is so over and I seriously cannot believe it!

So, I usually write random and link up on Mondays, but today is Wednesday, and it's 9:41pm, and I feel the need to publish one last blog post for August.

Today was my last New Mother's Group meeting. At the end we took a group photo and we all decided to connect on Facebook and keep in touch from time to time. After our meeting a few of us new mommies went to lunch. It was really nice. The babies all behaved and let their mommies enjoy lunch! We took up two booths in the dinette and just laughed and talked and, for many of us, ate our first meal of the day. Btw, it was after 2:00pm! In case you are wondering, I ate a grilled ham and cheese sandwich with a pickle and coleslaw and it was yummy!

The weather has been super here on Long Island. The days are filled with sun and low humidity, allowing me to open the windows and enjoy the lovely breeze. I've been walking my baby girl and checking out the damage in the neighborhood since Irene made a guest apperance here over the weekend. Not too bad. We are actually pretty lucky. We have power and aside from some tree branches in our yard and a boken piece of fence, we are fine.

Hope you are enjoying these last days of summer 2011 as much as I am.

Nothing better than a beautiful little girl in a crisp, clean white one-si. Love this face!

under construction

2011-08-24T15:00:00.002-04:00

Having some blog issues, but I am working with a super cool gal, Erika to fix them asap.

Blog love to you all. "See" you soon!

Paige xo

happy 3 months

2011-08-22T12:35:00.009-04:00

I cannot believe that I have a three-month old baby girl! She is the apple of our eye...the light of our life...our everything!

Happy 3-month birthday baby girl!

Sleeping...she goes to bed at night at around 9-9:30pm and she wakes up around 7:00-7:30am. She is a good sleeper! She has outgrown her bassinet and now she sleeps in her pack-n-play right next to mommy and daddy's bed. She naps in her crib in her room or in her vibrating chiar, minus the vibrations.

Eating... Molly drinks ~5 oz. of Similac Advance and has about 5 bottles per day.

Activities... Molly squeezes her "sophie" the giraffe and stares at it. She also plays on her activity farm. She likes her swing, mostly in the afternoons.

What else is going on...? Molly smiles first thing in the morning when I say "good morning Molly" and pretty much continues to smile throughout the day! She even laughs out loud! She loves dance parties with mommy and daddy in the kitchen.

Two weeks ago during her pedicatrician visit she weighed 11 pounds, 1 ounce. But, I suspect she is well over 12 pounds by now! She wears a size 2 diaper and 3-6 month clothes (depending on the brand).

Molly is such a good girl!

the simple things...

2011-08-18T11:29:00.007-04:00

Linking up with Jesslyn Amber letting you all know the simple things I am appreciating today...

... a cup of green tea while reading the blogs I love

... turning off the a/c and opening the windows for some nice fresh summer breeze

... my Mom's ears. I have never needed my Mom more than I do now, as a Mom. I talk to her {approximately} five times a day. Ok, maybe ten times!

... dancing in the kitchen with my hubby and my baby girl - so fun!

... strolling around the neighborhood with a cute baby girl in her cute hat.

... eating outdoors (minus the mosquitos!)

My baby girl with her Nanny, my Mom.

Have you ever seen such a cute face...?

What I Wore - August 17

2011-08-17T07:19:00.003-04:00

I bought this dress from Target (on sale!) while I was still pregnant because I knew it was a classic and I knew I would fit in it again one day. And ya know what...? It was too big on me! I pinned it at the back for today, but I actually think I'm going to take it in on the sides a bit. Well, I mean pay someone to take it in a little bit for me! Gotta love a good tailor!

We visited some friends of the family for a luncheon today and I decided to wear the dress...

I love, love this dress! I love the pattern and the material. It's great.

I love the flowers on top. My necklace is a photo of my baby girl from Etsy. Love it!

Molly got dressed up too!

Linking up with the Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday.

dear baby girl

2011-08-16T05:31:00.000-04:00

During my pregnancy I discovered this pretty awesome blog, Tales of Me and the Husband. The writer, Bridget was pregnant as well (she has since delivered a cutie baby boy) and kept a journal on her blog for her baby. Bridget would write her feelings and what was going on in the current stage of her pregnancy, and how she couldn't wait to meet her baby. She always started it "dear baby...". I loved it! I did it a few times on my blog and it is so cool to look back at it now. Now that I have my baby girl and I am the happiest mommy in the world, I wanted to do this again.

So here goes...

Dear Molly,
You make me so happy. I love you more than I ever knew possible. You have made life for me and your daddy so exciting. We welcomed you into our life 12 weeks ago and now, we can't imagine it without you.
You are so pretty and so cute. You laughed out loud today and it made my heart melt. You are the best little girl. I love you more every day. In the morning when you wake up smiling, you and I begin another great day together as mommy and baby girl. Thank you for being my little girl and making my life complete.

I love you,
Mommy xo

mommy toes and baby toes

From Mrs. to Mama

2011-08-12T10:51:00.003-04:00

Becky created a series on her From Mrs. to Mama blog called Meet this Mama.

And, guess who the Mama is today....????

Meeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Head on over for a read!

Fun Fridays

2011-08-12T10:29:00.005-04:00

Happy Friday! Linking up with Jen to share my weekend plans...

Today is a beautiful day! I (once again) am going to turn off the central air, sorry honey, and open all the windows. I love days like today. A light breeze, summer sun...ahhhh....love. I'll take my baby girl on a stroll through the neighborhood too. In addition to getting some mommy exercise I house-watch. I love seeing the homes in my neighborhood and get some great ideas too. Now, if only the money tree for home projects didn't die this year!

This weekend hubby if off and we plan on doing some work in the garden, it's kind of atrocious this year! I'm also going to do a little shopping for some upcoming birthdays. Sunday we are having company and I'm looking forward to that. They are calling for rain, but that's ok with me. I love when it rains and I can just stay home. Maybe we'll pop in a movie! A yummy dinner cooked by Mom is on deck too.

Have a great weekend!

I love this pic of my baby girl. She looks pissed! Ha, ha! I love her so much!

lucky in love

2011-08-11T13:04:00.008-04:00

I am so lucky!

I have the sweetest little girl in the world! If it's at all possibe, I love her more every.single.day!

I have a great hubby too who, as of today, has officially been a part of my life for more than half of my life. Hubby and I officially started our relationship on August 11, 1993, and we are now 31 years old. I'm no mathematician, but that's a long time. It's been quite a ride!

Dear Hubby, I love you. You are such a part of me. I love the life we've created together. I love our little girl and our little family. Thank you for being so hardworking and so supportive of me. I love you. (I know, I said that already, but I do.) I am looking forward to spending the rest of my life with you, babe!

My two loves

Us B.M. (Before Molly)

Check out my blog friend, Michele today over at Imperfectly Wonderful World. She is doing a super cool give-a-way. Michele taught me that blog friends are real friends. She is awesome! Hope she makes a trip to New York soon so we can meet in person!

WIWW - August 10

2011-08-10T06:29:00.000-04:00

Linking up with Lindsey at the Pleated Poppy for another edition of What I Wore Wednesday...

I have been enjoying the summer home with my baby girl. I have enjoyed dressing simply and comfortably. It is so nice to do that in the summer. I have enjoyed little to no make-up and simple hair, sometimes even letting it air dry. Yup, it's great!

Black skirt & white t-shirt: Target
Coral sweater: Ann Taylor
Flip Flops: Kohl's
Yellow necklace: Lord n Taylor

Wanna know what daddy wore...? He wore Molly girl!

Tutu Tuesday

2011-08-09T05:39:00.000-04:00

Celebrating tu-tu-tuesday!

Molly met her cousin Jen last week. It was a super fun time catching up and talking all about Cousin Jen's baby, debuting this December -very exciting!

Girl's Club! Pictured here are Auntie Ashley, Molly, Cousin Jen and me, aka Mommy.

Do you ever have fun playing dress up with your baby?

miscellany monday - august 8

2011-08-08T23:03:00.006-04:00

Hello Monday! I'm linking up with lowercase letters for some random writing.

one.
I'm looking forward to trying a recipe I saw in Family Circle magazine for carrot slaw. Sounds like it would be a great side dish with a hot dog.

two.
I know, I know. Hot dogs are terrible for ya. But...I love 'em!

three.
Seriously...? It cannot be August.

four.
I love my Blackberry, I really do. But seriously, I'm thinking about getting rid of it and simplifying my life with a simple cell phone. I'm just not sure I can do it yet...

five.
I think babies need to wear hats. I'm a fan. And look how freeking cute she is in her pink summer hat...

I love this little girl So very much!

Where the Mommies go...

2011-08-04T05:27:00.000-04:00

Do you wanna know what the mommies of Long Island are up to? Well, I'll tell ya! They are here...

Today I visited the Tanger Outlets in Deer Park with my friend, also a Mommy. Let me tell you, this place, stroller central! I've really only taken my girl to a few public places, this being one of them. I am comfortable taking her to the homes of those I love, but I'm still not 100% comfortable with public places. Like today, in Carter's, a man sneezed and I jetted right out of the store! I know, simma-down-now! What can I say? I'm a new momma, just let me be crazy!

I had a good afternoon! I returned a ton of things to Carter's and landed myself a store credit, which I promptly used to buy my girl some fall items. After shopping a bit we enjoyed pizza for lunch and I watched as the strollers kept strolling on by. Every store we went in to there were mommies holding doors for others as they struggled to get their strollers into the stores and take a peek at shoes, clothes, whatever tickled their fancy for their babies. Oh...and there were lots of double strollers! For the mommies with the double strollers - you go girls!

What I Wore - August 3

2011-08-03T07:28:00.000-04:00

So you're probably thinking, not too exciting, just a normal summer outfit... but is is super exciting. I have been waiting all summer for these shorts to fit!

Shorts: NY & Co. Top: Marshalls Shoes: Kohl's

I usually wear skirts and dresses in the summer. What is your favorite summer attire?

I'm linking up with the Pleated Poppy today.

Happy Wednesday!

the name game

2011-08-02T05:39:00.001-04:00

Linking up with Jesslyn Amber on her super cool blog, think happy. be happy. for the Name Game...

WHAT DOES YOUR BLOG NAME MEAN?

My blog is called this little life (in lowercase letters, that is). When I started blogging, gosh I think it was about 3 years ago, my blog was called "That's Life" and started out with my journey as a Life Coach. I received my life/career coaching certification in 2008 and started to blog about that, and things I related to enhancing life and feeling inspired to life your best life. For me, this included home life, family time, building my career, having fun living my little life (as I call it). My timeline went a little something like this...

2005 - buy an old house (a 1933 Craftsman), then make it our home
2006 - marry my middle school sweetheart (yup, that's right!)
2011 - start a little family

I love writing and documenting my life in this blog! I love decorating my home with simple things: fresh flowers, mason jars, magazines and books, cool finds from my Mom's garage and basement, antiques, country things, beachy things (we live close to the Bay on Long Island).

Some of my favorite pieces in my home include: an old Singer sewing machine (it was my hubby's grandmas machine), an old window we removed and now I use as decor, an old dry sink that I found at a yard sale on the north fork of Long Island (and couldn't leave without), my Mom and Dad's old head/foot board in our guest room.

The dry sink

The window (working on a little project with this)

Now my blog includes all things in my little life including my baby girl. We welcomed her on May 22 to our little life and she is simply the best! It's not an all-out Mommy blog, but there are plenty of mommy-related posts, stories, photos.

Other "things" around our home include my boy, Auto. Our 14-year-old border collie. I love him!

And my hubby has chickens, and we have fresh eggs daily!

So, That's Life became this little life... and I must say, it is a great little life!

miscellany monday - august 1

2011-08-01T05:55:00.000-04:00

holy moly...it's august! I'm having a miscellany monday and i'm linking up with lowercase letters, hence the lowercase letters post!

so here we go! writing random on this very fine day!

i got a really crappy pedicure last week, and i'm upset abput it. i know, get over, move on. but seriously, i love pedis so i want them to always be fabulous!

just got some cherries delivered with my peapod order. um, hello...do you peapod? well, you should! i was spending under $100 this time and so the delivery charge was $9.95, but, i googled peapod coupons and got $10 off my order, so, it's like the delivery was free! exciting! cherries are exciting too! i love the summer! i love summer fruits!

last week i started my new mother's support group and went to my first meeting. it was great! the nurse running the sessions is fantastic. she really was telling us new moms like it is. advice i took from the meeting: eat, don't worry about what your house looks like, there are so few moms who can afford to stay home these days, especially on long island. i felt really good after i left and can't wait to go back next week. it's a five-week thing.

looking forward to going to carter's in the outlets this week and exchange some clothes and get some new stuff for my girl.

and last random thought for today, i love days at home with my girl when we don't even get out of our pajamas. it is the best!

Fun Fridays

2011-07-29T06:39:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday! Since I am home on maternity leave this summer, (and dreading leaving my little girl to go back to work) I am relunctant to say TGIF. Fridays mean the end of another week and a week closer to my maternity ending. Ok, enough about that before I sob too much and cannot finish this blog post.

So, what's up with me for the weekend...?

Today

Molly girl has the pediatrician. It is her 2-month visit! Yes, she is getting shots today. Yes, I will probably be sad. I'm not crazy, I know she needs the vaccines, I just don't like to see my baby sad. Lucky for me my hubby took the day off to come with us and so I'm excited about that. My hubby wants to visit a local farm and agriculutral center we just discovered in our town...should be fun!

Tomorrow

Welcoming my Mommy back from a week-long get-a-way. I miss her! My hubby wants to go out east and have a seafood dinner. It is so country out there, he loves it! I love it too.

Sunday

I'd like to go to church. Last week we were all set to go as a family, and when we arrived the lights were off and people were pulling out of the lot. Little did I know they cancel the 12:00 mass during the months of August and July. Woops!

Have a great weekend!

I'm linking up with A Girl in Pearls and a Boy With Toys.

Guest post - Libby

2011-07-27T05:31:00.000-04:00

Meet Libby

She is my new blog friend! She has a super cute little boy, Zane, and you can read all about her adventures in motherhood on her blog, Libby's Life here.

And now, get to know her from A-Z...

Adopted: I was adopted when I was 3 weeks old
Birthday: my birthday is October 11, 1982 {I will be 29}
Cat: I have 2 cats named, Zoe & Einstein
Dr. Pepper: is my drink of choice
Elizabeth: is my real name
Food: Sushi is my favorite food ever
Giraffes: are my favorite animals ever
Hair: my hair is what you would call dirty blonde but I highlight it
InStyle: is my favorite magazine
James: is my husband of 3 years {we’ve been together for almost 5}
Kisses: my son gives the best kisses ever & love everyone he gives me
Libby is what everyone calls me
Movie: my favorite movie is Sex and the City
Naptime: is the only time I have time to myself
Oregon: I have lived in Oregon my entire life
Pink: is my favorite color ever
Quiet: I would love to have quiet time but it doesn’t happen
Read: I absolutely love to read but I don’t have time since Z was born
Stay at home mom: I stay home with my little man
Target: is my favorite place on earth
Uglesich: is my last name & it is Ugoslovian {pronounced U - ga - lich}
Vacation: my favorite place to vacation is Mexico
Wilson: is my maiden name
eXtraordinary: my son is exactly that
Yankees: is my team
Zane: my son is the most important thing in the entire world to me and he is 14 months

Isn't she pretty cool...? Don't forget to head on over to her blog and read more about her and her adorable little family.

happy 2 months

2011-07-22T15:48:00.008-04:00

Today my baby girl turns two months old. Two months ago our life was made a little bit, ok, a lot better when we welcomed our little girl. I love her more and more every day.

Please...can time stand still, just for a little bit.

And yes, she is the star of Mommy's blog...

Seriously...?

2011-07-21T08:53:00.007-04:00

I'm linking up with From Mrs. to Mama today for Seriously Thursday. Fun!

Seriously... I could hold my baby girl all day long and just stare at her. It's crazy the love I have for her. I seriously could have ever imagined this feeling.

Seriously... I went to the ATM yesterday to get some cash and the machine was out of order. Since I had my baby in the car I didn't want to get out and go inside to the ATM, so, I drove to another branch, but passed the exit and had to turn around. Seriously! Then, I went to get gas at the station where they pump it for you, and seriously, they were closed! Seriously!

Seriously... Casey Anthony??? I can't get over it. I mean seriously, I don't agree that she deserved the death penalty, but I seriously think she should've been convicted of abuse and neglect. 30 days...? You don't report your child missing for 30 days...? Ok, rant over.

Seriously... I am seriously looking forward to having a date with my hubby this weekend. It's not a real date, per se. We are going to an afternoon wedding on Sunday and so I am considering it a date!

Seriously... why must we talk about when I am going back to work. I am having some serious anxiety thinking about it. The day will come, sadly, and I will have to deal with it. No more talking about it for now, serously.

Seriously... I need to learn that not all tupperware can go in the dishwasher. My tops are all melted. That. Is. Just. Dumb.

And finally...seriously...my child is brilliant! Here she is reading the newspaper with her daddy. Eight weeks old and interested in current events! I freeking LOVE her!

chapter 5 - breasts and bottles and pumps - oh my!

2011-07-19T18:27:00.001-04:00

The breast
I decided during my pregnancy that I owed it to womankind to try breastfeeding my baby. I figured if it worked - great! If not, that I would just give my child formula. Well, it was not that simple. Once I had it in my head that I wanted to nurse my baby and let that know at the hospital that this was my choice, I became nervous. I wanted it to work so bad.
I had read (in my super duper What to Expect book) that breastfed babies typically have less medical issues, sickness and allergies. That's good! I also knew that it would save my family money. I also knew that it would create an amazing bond between Mom and baby. So it was a go for me! When I arrived at the hospital the nurses ask you what your preference is, breast or bottle. My response - both. Um, no, you can't do both according to them. They are hardcore breast people. Breast is best, as they say! Ok, breast it is!
So after getting hit by a double-decker train, I mean having a c-section, I did not nurse my baby. Hell, I couldn't even function after that. I did nurse her a few hours later when I was wheeled to my room on the maternity floor and she latched! It was awesome! It was tough at first to get her into position because I had decided pre-baby that I would nurse her in the cradle position, but with a c-section, that is pretty impossible. I wound up doing the football hold and placing her at my side to nurse her. I was so excited when she started sucking. She did so for about 5-6 minutes on each boob, which according to the nurse was great for the first day. She upped it to about 7-8 minutes the next few times. It hurt a little, but not as bad as I thought it would. This went on for about two days before I was completely exhausted and in a dire need for some sleep I allowed the nurses to feed her in the middle of the night with a bottle. Really, I was ok with it.

Adorable Molly girl, tired Mommy

The bottle
Day 3 in the hospital and my baby girl was a little fussy and after my guests politely left the room so I could nurse her, she did not latch onto my boob. She wanted no part of it. So I tried and tried for a few more minutes before surrendering and asking the nurse for a bottle. Yup, I did it, the thing your probably not supposed to do. But when she drank the entire two ounces of that itty-bitty bottle I started to feel like she was hungry and maybe not getting enough from my boob.
I continued to nurse her the rest of my hospital stay and even went to a breastfeeding class, which was so helpful, and also gave her the bottle. I was not ready to give up completely.

The Pump
After meeting with the lactation specialist, who was super fabulous and every nursing mommy should meet with one, we decided that pumping would be the next best thing. Side note: I should've met with her earlier, but she was unavailable. A couple of things were hindering my girl from breastfeeding and getting what she needed and so, I decided to pump, at the recommendation of the specialist. I received a pump from a friend and she even came over to show me how to use it. Was that weird? Nope! People say hat after you have a baby you are less likely to care about boobs and privacy and stuff, and I think they are right. I mean, I'm not going to whip out my boob in public to feed my baby, but I am, after all writing this post!
I did have to supplement with formula because I was not producing enough milk to feed her every three to four hours that she needed, but I was happy to give her any amount of my breast milk that I could. I followed up with the lactation specialist again and we discussed some things that might be able to help me, one being renting a hospital-grade breast pump. I picked up the pump from the Perinatal Education Center at the hospital and immediately knew that this pump meant business!
I know that I was supposed to pump every three to four hours, but I was really starting to be able to get around a little bit more and didn't want to be connected to my pump all the time. So, I stopped pumping in the middle of the night. After all, my girl was sleeping through the night, so I should be sleeping through the night too.

I am always envious when breastfeeding works for people. It really is amazing! I read alot of blogs from mommies who nurse and love it. I read very few, if any, who have troubles with it, and so I felt the need to publish this blog. Maybe it was to make myself feel better. Whatever the reason, I am glad that I gave it my best shot at nursing my baby. I am grateful that I was able to give her the colostrum in the hospital. I am overjoyed that she has taken to formula so well, and as I say farewell to my breast pump and move exclusively to formula for my baby girl, I say "you go girl" to all the ladies out there who give birth to babies every day and provide their babies with whatever form of nutrition that works for them.

miscellany monday - July 18

2011-07-18T06:42:00.001-04:00

Writing random and linking up with lowercase letters...

{uno}

My sister, aka sissy, just got home from a vaca in Spain. I am so happy for her that she enjoys her summers off (she's a teacher) and travels. She works so hard during the year and works two jobs, not because she has to, but because she wants to. She saves her money and takes great trips. She had a great time and visited Ibiza and Barcelona. Have I mentioned how much I love my sissy...?

{dos}

I very much want to teach my little girl sign langugage. I know, she is only 8 weeks old, but I think once she starts holding her head up and sitting in her high chair that I will introduce sign. I received a book as a gift for my shower and I think it is great!

{tres}

This past weekend I got a haircut and I love it. What a difference a shape-up makes!

{quatro}

Must.Turn.Off.HLN.

I have been addicted to the Casey Anthony trial. I need to move on. Paige, turn off the HLN channel. Nancy Grace is not your pal!

{cinco}

I love blogging! I hope to increase my number of followers and blog friends. I don't have a goal for the number of followers I want, I just know I want some more :)

Have a great week!

fun fridays

2011-07-15T05:29:00.000-04:00

Linking up with Jen over at A Girl in Pearls and a Boy with Toys for Fun Fridays...

This weekend I am looking forward to beautiful, sunny, delightful weather on Long Island. We are going to have low humidity and a breezy sunny weekend with temps in the 80s. Um, hello, what could be better?!

I am getting a haircut on Saturday morning and then having a visit with my best friend and her hubby before they leave for their honeymoon.

On Sunday we will celebrate my nephew Nicholas' second Birthday. He is too cute. When you tell him to give you a cheesy smile, he does!

Here is a pic of Molly with her three cousins. Nicholas is the little guy on the far left.

Have a great weekend all!

it's the simple things...

2011-07-14T09:50:00.007-04:00

Today I'm linking up with Jesslyn Amber for another edition of It's the Simple Things in Life.

Here is a list of the simple things I'm appreciating today...

...a visit with some friends from work. They are excited to meet Molly!

...listening to my little girl giggle as she sits in her crib and stares at the ceiling fan...it is priceless!

...being able to open the windows, turn off the a/c and take in the lovely breeze.

...quiet mornings at home. I will surely miss these precious moments when I am back to work, but let's not talk about that right now!

So what simple little things are you appreciating today?

WIWW - 1st postpartum

2011-07-13T09:14:00.000-04:00

My first WIWW post without a pregnant belly! I have been getting dressed, but I have not been taking photos of me...I've been taking photos of my girl! I did manage to get two pics this week and I'm linking up with Lindsey and the other fabulous ladies who participate in What I Wore Wednesdays.

Loved this dress from Old Navy (from my Mommy - thanks Mom!), shrug is Old Navy too. Red shoes from Target.

Red beaded necklace from Kohl's and my "Molly Eileen" necklace from Etsy seller The Silver Diva.

Skirt is from Target, flip flops are from Kohl's, the top is super old I have no idea where it is from, the headband is Coach.

Have a great week!

Chapter 4 - bringing home baby

2011-07-11T20:37:00.000-04:00

So I gave birth to our beautiful baby girl, Molly Eileen, on a Sunday and stayed in the hospital until Wednesday. Being that I was feeling ok (eh, I was feeling as ok as one could expect) and my incision was healing, my doctor gave me the option to go home one day early. My husband was all for that and so, I agreed to come home on Wednesday, May 25, also known as the final Oprah Winfrey show!

My last day in the hospital was a bit crazy. Well, let me rewind just a bit. After having my room to myself for a full day, my roomie arrived in the middle of the night. At first I was bummed that my large room was no longer private, but then Jen (my roomie) and I became great pals and I was so glad to have her there. Ok, so Wednesday arrived and Michael came to pick me up and bring me and baby girl home, but only after filling out a ton of paperwork, getting injected with a tetanus vaccine (ouch!), sitting through a breastfeeding class (so informative) and meeting with a lactation consultant (also super duper helpful). More about my adventures in breastfeeding coming in chapter 5.

Me and Jen on my last day

The nurse arrived to wheel me out. Yes, I had to be wheeled out in a wheel chair. We get down to the main floor and there I am all swollen and drugged up from the c-section and who do I run into...? The mother of an ex-boyfriend from high school. Nope, you can't make that up! It was not a pleasant moment. Neither was getting in the car or hitting bumps on the way home. At that point I still could not stand up straight and was taking drugs pretty much round the clock to function.

Molly's first car ride

We arrived home safely and my Mom was there vacuuming and cleaning my house. Love her! She stayed with us for the week which was so wonderful. I was so happy and thankful to have her there. The c-section recovery is tough, so I needed all the help I could get. Plus, my husband would not have had clean undies and socks had it not been for her! Hubby and I slept downstairs in the guest room with Molly in her bassinet so that I didn't have to walk up stairs to get to our room. It was also nice to have the kitchen right there to heat up the bottles in the middle of the night.

Our little family

i love the usa

2011-07-04T10:37:00.003-04:00

Happy 4th of July...

Love, Molly xo

sweet baby girl

2011-07-02T13:31:00.006-04:00

Our photographer from our wedding, who also took our maternity photos, recently met Molly and took her newborn photos.

Check out my sweet baby girl...

Molly's dress was a gift from Kathleen. Check out the Rarebits button on my blog to order your personalized attire. Their creations are simply beautiful!

Meet Libby

2011-07-01T07:36:00.000-04:00

Meet my new blog friend, Libby of Libby's Life.

Hi, I am Libby from libbylifeblog.blogspot.com! I am a stay at home mom to my son, Zane and wife to my hard working husband, James. I am just trying to be a good mom to my little man and help him grow into a great person. Sometimes it’s hard and sometimes it’s the best thing ever but I know that I am doing what I was meant to be doing. So basically I am living my dream and blogging so that I can document the good, the bad and the ugly times of being a mommy to a one year old.

So, be sure to go check out Libby's blog and see what adventures she has going on! Happy blogging!

the simple things

2011-06-30T07:04:00.000-04:00

Saw this on The Workaholic Momma's blog and just loved it!

Listing the little simple things in life that I appreciate right now...

a good cup of tea with agave

quiet time to read Real Simple magazine

holding my baby girl close to me and staring at her

a little bird landing on my deck that I can see from the kitchen table

bright colored, exposed toes in the summer

days at home in pajamas with my little girl

blooming hydrangeas in my front yard

What little things are you appreciating right now...? Link up!

a birth story - chapter 3

2011-06-26T18:17:00.000-04:00

Ok, so where was I...? Ah yes, operating room for the c-section.

Now the whole pregnancy I never wanted to visit the man OB/GYN. I know, I'm a nut, but I preferred the ladies. I hoped and prayed that a "he" Doctor would be on call when I called the hospital to say I think this is it. Well, in walks the he doctor to assist the she doctor. For the record, he was fabulous! Actually they both were great. I feel pretty lucky. I really trusted my doctor when she said it's time for a c-section. As you can recall I was majorly upset, but I did trust that she advised me of the right decision.

So, I made sure Ester was coming with me and the preparations began. Michael had to wait outside for just a little bit and right about when they were ready to cut, they invited him in. There were so many people in the room, two doctors actually performing the surgery, an anesthesiologist, about five nurses and us.

I was so scared. The anesthesiologist upped the epidural, or so he says. I know they say a c-section is a lot of pressure, but during the procedure I felt some pain as well. I was awake during the entire thing, which didn't take very long at all. At this point Dr. Lester says "I can see the baby's face". "What is it?" I ask. She replies, "we haven't gotten that far yet." Ok, so I was anxious at that point!

Once I felt them pull the baby out (yes, I did feel them pull her out, and I felt other stuff too, but we won't go there) Ester announced it was a girl. She said, "It's a Molly. We have a Molly". Like I said, Ester was so super fabulous and was so excited that we didn't know the baby's gender that it was a great surprise for all. Ester knew the names we had chosen for our baby. Though at the time I went into labor, the boy name was still in discussion. We had two that we liked.

O-M-G... a girl! Really..? Are you sure...? I was so sure I was having a boy. So, out comes my little girl and my husband was so super excited. He really wanted a little girl. I did tell him at this point to go make sure it was really a girl! And just like that they took my hubby and my baby away and brought them both downstairs to the nursery while I was getting cleaned and stitched up. Our families were waiting right outside the elevator and saw Michael as he arrived with our baby girl escorted by a nurse. There was a whole lotta emotion!

Our first family photo

I officially meet and hold my Molly girl

So, on Sunday, May 22, 2011 at 2:25pm Molly Eileen entered the world.

Our little family

Our Molly girl

Chapters 4 & 5 coming soon...

First Father's Day

2011-06-26T00:20:00.000-04:00

It was a great first Father's Day for my hubby, Michael!

We visited Molly's grandpa (my Dad) at the cemetery. I can't believe my Dad has been gone 10 years this August. I just wonder what he thinks of the little life I've created for myself and my little family. I miss him all the time, especially now.

We spent Father's Day out on the east end of Long Island, passing the vegetable stands, farms, antique shops, and making a stop at a winery. After we ate seafood and had family time with my in-laws.

Father's Day family photo 2011

My hubby and his daddy. Check out his t-shirt!

Fun Fridays

2011-06-24T14:22:00.005-04:00

Happy Summer y'all! Linking up with Jen for another Fun Friday!

Here's what's going on with us for the weekend...

Tonight (weather permitting) we are planning on eating gyros at the Greek Festival in our town. We are not Greek, but we love Greek food and Greece is my dream vacation!

Tomorrow my hubby is working and I plan on organizing paperwork and filing - joy! I also will be doing some writing. I' m entering a writing contest and want to start my entry. There are money prizes, but mostly I'm doing it becuase I love to write. I will also be finishing up chapter 3 of my birth story...Molly's arrival!
Then we'll celebrate a milestone Birthday with some good friends. Molly will be spending some time with her grandma while we visit our friends.

Sunday my nephew Michael turns five. O-M-G! I can vividly remember the day he was born. Like, I know exactly what I was wearing! We are bringing Molly girl to his backyard Birthday party. The weather promises to be nice and sunny.

Have a great weekend!

New Adventures Thursday

2011-06-16T12:08:00.010-04:00

I'm linking up with Alicia for New Adventures Thursday!

My new adventure, if you haven't figured it out already, is motherhood.

Here are some Molly updates and stats...

Age: 3 weeks 4 days old

Eating:

Molly eats about 3 1/2 oz. every 3-4 hours. Molly is on Similac Advance and I am also pumping my breast milk. I'm saving that for a separate blog post because I have lots to share on that topic.

Sleeping:

Molly sleeps most of the time! Last night she she slept 5 1/2 hours and then woke up to eat. To some, that is considered sleeping through the night!

My little girl praying!

Happenings:
Molly loves her bath! She is just so cute. She just sits there and lets us wash her little body and head. We are loving the Mustela body wash and the Johnson & Johnson (pink) baby lotion.

Molly also likes her tummy time and is strong. She picks up her head and looks around and her new digs! I love when she is awake because she is usually so alert and her big, beautiful eyes look right at ya!

Don't ya just love her pink flower headband?

a birth story - chapter 2

2011-06-14T10:26:00.000-04:00

Sunday, May 22, 2010

6:30am - So I'm clearly in labor and all hooked up to the machines and being monitored. After being checked by the Resident, she confirmed the baby was in position and that I was about 4cm dilated. My nurse Stephanie recommended I get the epidural. I didn't want to be a superstar and miss my opportunity to get it, so I agreed, but only after refusing it the first time and saying I was ok to wait a bit. But by the next time Stephanie came in to check me, I was clearly uncomfortable and it was time for my epidural. My hubby was asked to wait outside while they did what they needed to do to get it in place. He was super nervous. It didn't hurt too much and the anesthesiologist was a very nice lady. Once it was in...what a relief!I did still have feeling in my legs, though my right leg was getting pretty hard to move.

7:30am - Nurse shift change. I was sad to lose Stephanie, but she assured me that Ester (my new labor and delivery nurse) was nice. Was she ever! More about Ester later. She was great!

Our families had started arriving by this point. I was so happy to see my Mommy. My sister and my cousin were there too, along with my sister in law, and my hubby's parents. We were told that our baby would most likely be here by lunch time. Holy crap!

me and my Mommy in the L&D room

During the next few hours we are chatting, taking pictures, texting people, getting ready for the main event, all while being checked every few minutes to see my progress. I was on a very low dose of pitocin at this point to move things along. I was super thirsty, but all I was able to have was ice chips. So, my hubby continued to refill my bucket with fresh, cold ice chips. And I continued to suck on them.

10:30-11:00am I remember getting to 9cm before we were going to start pushing. When Ester told me we were going to start pushing, I kinda freaked out because I didn't know how to push. It is like they all say...like you have to go to the bathroom (I don't mean pee pee!).

Ester was so super helpful, supportive and so encouraging. I didn't know what the hell I was doing, but I was doing it. I was making some progress and they could see the baby's head at this point. My hubby was so great. He was doing the "hubby" thing to do, holding my legs back and smiling telling me I was doing great.

I was super thirsty and Michael was great about making sure my ice chips were fresh and not melted and he was feeding them to me. I remember getting a terrible headache at some point and he placed a cold cloth over my head.

12:40pm Well it's just about lunch time and my baby was still not here, but we were working on it! Dr. Lester came in to check me again as she had been doing every few minutes. She told me that she was not seeing the progress that she would like to see by this point, as in the baby wasn't coming down enough. She told me she was going to give me until 1:30 and then was advising we do a c-section.

Well that just took the wind right out of my sail. I was so terribly upset. I felt like a failure. I was trying so hard and doing my best and it just wasn't working. I trusted Dr. Lester and her reasoning for recommending the section. She preferred to do the c-section sooner than later to assure that it would not be an emergency c-section situation. But still, I was sad. I was crying uncontrollably and then I remember getting sick and throwing up. Michael got my Mom and she came in and cried with me and rubbed my head.

1:30pm
Ester started prepping me for the c-section. She assured me she'd be right there with me, which I was so happy about. She gave Michael his gear for the surgery and within a few minutes I was being wheeled down the hall to the OR.

Chapter 3 coming soon!

miscellany monday

2011-06-13T13:44:00.009-04:00

Writing Random on this Monday and linking up with lowercase letters.

1.
It is a dreary Monday here on Long Island. We are going to get some rain this week, which is totally fine with me and my garden! This day was made for staying in my pajamas and snuggling my little girl and not worrying about a darn thing!

An inspiring quote...from Flipflops and Applesauce

"Let the phone go unanswered and the beds go unmade. Instead steal those moments to sit side-by-side, play face-to-face, create, read and just be together."

I just love that!

We are in desperate need of new garbage pails. Ours are atrocious! They are broken and the tops have gone missing, making it a great place for rodents to check out at night. Ewww...gross!

My girl got her own personalized stationary yesterday. Thank you "auntie" Tara. I can't wait to write notes to the special people in her life.

Hope you are having a great start to your week and taking time for the little things that make you happy.

a birth story - chapter 1

2011-06-11T07:15:00.000-04:00

I've thought about sharing my birth story, even before I gave birth and decided that I do want to document this event in writing on my blog. So, here goes...

Saturday, May 21, (three days before my due date)

I walked - a lot! My Mom and my sister were over and we went on a very long walk around the neighborhood after dinner. My sister was spending the night at our house and after watching tv and vegging out for a while on the couch, we both decided to head to bed. That was around 11:00pm.

Fast forward - and now it is just about midnight. I'm laying in bed, very uncomfortable, and my contractions begin. I was familiar with contractions because I had been having the Braxton Hicks contractions for a few weeks. These weren't painful or consistent. Though the contractions that I was having that night (actually morning) were not like those contractions. They were intense, and kinda painful. And, they were coming on stronger and lasting a little while.

Ok, so, I did start freaking out a little bit. My husband was fast asleep next to me and it wasn't until 2:30am that I decided to nudge him and wake him up. When I did, I was crying because I was so nervous. My husband was pretty much demanding that I call my doctor and couldn't understand why I was waiting. So I called and spoke to my doctor and explained what was going on. Her response, " I'll let them know that you'll be checking in soon". Ok, now I was freaking out. So at that point, what's a girl to do...? Go take a shower and shave her legs!

I needed to get something from the guest room closet and the light woke up my sister. My husband let her know we were getting ready to leave and go to the hospital. I labored the entire time I was in the shower and the contractions were getting closer and a little bit more painful. My husband was super helpful and was getting my suitcase in the car and making sure I was ok. I got dressed and proceeded to do my hair, like blow drying it and putting in hair spray. My sister was like, what the hell are you doing? Who does their hair to go and have a baby? I do!

We left just before 4:00am, but not until we stopped at 7-11 to get my hubby a cup of coffee and some gum. Thankfully there were no cars on the road and we made it to the hospital in less than 15 minutes. We parked the car and headed in to have a baby. Up to the sixth floor, Labor and Delivery we headed.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

By 4:08am I was in a hospital gown and my husband was in admitting filling out the paperwork for me. My fear was that I was going to get to the hospital and they would send me home. Well, that didn't happen. I was getting all hooked up to the monitors and my IV was in. This was happening!

to be continued...

Fun Fridays

2011-06-10T15:09:00.005-04:00

Linking up with Jen over at A Girl in Pearls & A Boy With Toys for Fun Fridays!

TGIF everyone! Still enjoying the lovely and sunny weather on Long Island. This weekend the plan is to enjoy every minute of my baby girl, Molly. Weekend visitors will include my Mom and sister and my friends Amanda and Tara.

I finally found curtains for Molly's room, pictures coming soon. I am on the hunt for a cute area rug, and we are still waiting for the crib that is on back order due to the manufacturer. So, I'll try to be patient for a little while longer. I can't wait until nursery number 1 is complete.

Since the c-section my hubby and I have been sleeping downstairs in the guest room so I don't have to climb the stairs. We plan to head back up to our room this weekend.

We are planning to have some delicious seafood tonight. I love seafood. I won't plan on the raw bar though, since I am pumping my breast milk for Molly. Hope you are enjoying your Friday where ever you are.

Have a great weekend!

wee bit wednesday

2011-06-08T15:45:00.007-04:00

Thought this would be fun!

Post inspired by my blog friend, Libby. Check out her blog here.

{one} how many times have you been a bridesmaid/maid of honor?
Bridesmaid - 2
Maid of Honor - 1

{two} what’s the last thing you do before you fall asleep at night?
Kiss my hubby

{three} you just won your dream vacation, all expenses paid. where are you going?
Santorini, Greece - I've heard it's one of the best places to see in your lifetime!

{four} what is your favorite outdoor activity?
I love going to the beach! Is that an activity...? OK, reading a magazine on the beach!

{five} as a child, what did you want to “be when you grew up”? did you end up there?
I used to want to be a dance teacher. I started taking dance lessons when I was five. I even took an adult tap class while in college.

{six} what are 3 things your dream home would have that you don’t currently have?
A master suite with claw foot tub.
A formal dining room with built-ins.
A kitchen island, great for entertaining.

{seven} what’s for dinner tonight?
Tonight my hubby is working late, so I'll probably just have a grilled cheese or something super easy.

{eight} if someone stopped by your house unannounced on a typical Saturday night, what would they find you doing?
Watching TV with my hubby and snuggling my little girl!

{nine} what’s your average monthly water bill?
~$35.00

{ten} what do you do to relax?
Change into pj's. Read a magazine with a cup of tea.

lately...

2011-06-07T08:22:00.008-04:00

I just can't get over the amazing feeling I have and how the past two weeks did actually happen. This is my life. I am Molly's mommy...and I love it! I am working on writing my birth story, so look out for that, ya know, if you're interested in how the whole thing went down.

Here's what's been going on lately over here...

Molly is eating every 3-4 hours and is currently enjoying 3 ounces of mommy's breast milk (pumped) or Similac Advance. I must stop and give kudos to the women who can successfully breastfeed. I nursed Molly in the hospital, and after meeting with a lactation consultant, decided that I would need to supplement with formula. So Miss Molly gets both. I am drinking mother's milk tea and taking fenugreek vitamins to try and enhance my supply. I use a Medela breast pump.

Molly is a good sleeper. One night she slept almost six hours before she woke up to feed. Woah! We were a bit nervous and weren't sure if we should wake her or not. The advice I've been given, never wake a sleeping baby!

Molly had her first bath - and she loved it! She does not like getting her diaper or her clothes changed and usually wails for a few minutes, which makes mommy have to hurry and go super fast. Haven't mastered that yet!

Molly is getting quite a little wardrobe and we are so thankful for the generosity that our friends and family have shown. We are blessed and lucky!

Hello June

2011-06-01T22:21:00.004-04:00

I can't believe that May is over. I can't believe that June is here.

I can't believe that I am not pregnant anymore...and I am Molly's mommy.

I can't believe that we are at the half way point of the year 2011.

June is going to be a great month! I am looking forward to my maternity leave and spending every moment staring at my beautiful little girl. Other mommies have said things to me about how amazing it is being a mother, and until now, I never really got it. I can't wait to see her grow, though I wish time would stand still. She will always be my baby, that I know for sure!

Molly has been in our life for 10 days now, and I just can't imagine my life without her. I am enjoying being her mommy and loving every moment of this.

Other things I am looking forward to this June...

a visit to Flo's, a little luncheonette in our town only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day

my nephew Michael's preschool graduation

celebrating my mother in law's 60th Birthday

enjoying the summer weather and taking Molly on walk around the neoghborhood

spending time with my Mom and sister

enjoying the moments together as a little family, me, my hubby and our Molly girl

Happy June. What are your plans?