The Dishes Can Wait

Tonight, I had one of those moments.  One of those, smack yourself in the face, or kick yourself in the ass moments. 

Gwen likes to lay in our bed at night and watch some TV to wind the night down.  And many times, we will use that opportunity to eat dinner together (Gwen eats earlier depending on when Jason gets home).  At some point during each time, she will call to us to come into the room, either for a new show, maybe a bottle refill, and sometimes for a "cuddle cuddle."

Tonight, I went in there when beckoned for, and she wanted a new show, and some tickles.  So, I happily obliged, laying with her and making her laugh, when she stopped, hugged me and said, "Momma, cuddle cuddle?"  And I replied, "No, sweetie, Mommy has to go the dishes." 

And it was like, SMACK.

I repeated my previous sentence in my head, and thought... "Are you SERIOUS!?!"

I then proceeded to mentally reprimand myself...  Really, Sam???  There is going to be a day that this little chica is gonna be too-cool-for-school and not want anything to do with cuddle cuddles, maybe even you for that matter.  You should be soaking up every second of this rapidly growing little girl, this little girl that was once your tiny little baby, and tomorrow could have grown that  much more.  

So, I curled up with that lil pumpkin of mine.  And even if it were only five minutes until she wanted to be up and moving again, it was worth every second.

The dishes can wait.

xoxo.

Sunday Social: We're Getting Deep.

What is your ideal way to relax?

On a beach with a cocktail in hand.  Or, if I could afford it, I would have a live in masseuse.  But, I can't lol.  Not yet at least.  Mani/Pedis always seem to do the trick.  I would say, though, that the most simple and my favorite way to relax is with a glass of red wine, a cuddly blanket, and a movie or some trashy reality tv show that I am currently obsessed with.  Preferably the beach though ;)

Where is your favorite place to be?

Home, obviously.  Isn't that an easy one?  I mean we travel so much throughout the year, that it makes coming home to our stuff and bed and space make us love it even more.  Specifically, my favorite place to be is snuggled up in bed as a little family, yes, including Wiley.  It's in those moments that all I can think is, "This is what life is all about."

Who do you consider your biggest role model?

I can't pick just one.  Seriously.  I have had so many different role models during very different stages of my life.  I am blessed to have a lot of strong people in my life.  People who helped me be the person I am today.  

What does your life look like in 3 years?

Happy.  Fun.  Full of love.  I would hope that we could have given Gwen a sibling by then.  That my husband would be thriving still in his work.  Gwen would be starting Kindergarten. {Shit, I can't believe that!}  And living life to the fullest!

If you could go back and change one decision, what would it be?

None.  Honestly, I had a very different answer written for this but, I realized that whether my decisions have been good, bad, smart, or extremely dumb, they have brought me to this place in life.  And I have never been happier.  I'm happy with my family, immediate AND extended, I'm blessed with supportive and strong relationships, I married my best friend, and I have the most precious little girl in the world. So, one changed  decision may have placed me somewhere else, and this is the only place I would want to be.

What is your biggest accomplishment in life thus far?
Gwen.  Simple as that.  Being a mom is a gift, and a blessing, and a constant growing experience.  Being a stay-at-home mom isn't all roses... it's a challenge.  Believe me, I am not complaining, but sometimes I think that being a mom gets overlooked as a very important job.  And I couldn't be more proud of the job I currently hold.

We spent all day in PJs, just our little family, napped together, snuggled together... perfection.

xoxo.

Laugh It Up

I'm linking up with Melissa today for some Saturday Laughs. 

 *****

When driving, if we hit a speed bump/pothole Gwen goes, "Whoooooaaa, careful Momma, caaaare-fuuuulll.  Thanks back seat driver.  Lol.

*****

She is currently obsessed with the little coupon book that comes in diaper boxes.  She woke up this morning and the first thing she said was not "Good Morning,"  it was, "Momma, I can't find my coupons." {A kid after my own heart}

*****

After changing a massive diaper the other day, Gwen stood up, began petting my face and said, "Goooood guhrlllllll."  Guess I had done a good job with that one.

*****

Gwen calls sliced American Cheese "Turkey Sandwich Cheese," but at first she was only calling it, "Turkey Sandwich" and we couldn't figure out what she meant, especially since she doesn't eat them.  My "a-ha" moment came while waiting in line at the deli counter when my cranky and I guess hungry daughter decided to throw a FIT because all she wanted was a "Turkey Sandwich."  As I began to sweat and sort of move closer to the edge of the department away from all the onlookers, Gwen finally got close enough to point to the woman slicing Yellow American and said  "Momma, look, Turkey Sandwich!!"  I was so relieved that we reached a breakthrough! And believe me, I got that girl her "Turkey Sandwich" ASAP.

*****

Hope you're having a good, warm Saturday.  We have a weekend of doing nothing... my favorite kind of weekend.  The next few months are going to be pretty busy, so I am relishing the down time, while we have it.

xoxo.

5 Days In 1 Post.

Monday
Update of Pics

1.15 - A pattern that I am loving right now.
1.16 - A Christmas present from Hubs, pretty in love.
1.17 - My little hoarder with almost every book she owns on her trampoline.
1.18 - She never naps anywhere but her own bed, must have been tired.
1.19 - A pic from our Poconos trip, love her whole outfit.
1.20 - From Poconos too, loving the pool right after the snow.
1.21 - Making candy with our "pi-doh"

Tuesday.
Began the freeze.

Yes, I understand that it's winter.

And, yes, I will probably bitch about the heat in summer... but dammmnnnn it's cold!  Like become a prisoner of your own home because bundling your child in 18 layers takes longer than it does to go run the errand at hand.

So, we may have left the house as little as possible.  At least there was lots of cuddling.

Wordless Wednesday.
She's gonna be one hell of a rockstar!

Thursday.

Was one of those, "this toddler is going to be the death of me" days!  Cooped up in the house, more energy than me with five cups of coffee, and on the go, go, go.  I truly believe that, although I didn't have any, this is the reason wine was made :)  AND also the reason that God makes children so freakin adorable... to ease the blow of toddler tantrums.

And then, just when you think you can't handle a moment more... "Momma, hug?"  Yes, baby, let's hug it out.

Friday.
We've entered the potty phase of life. More details on that later.  But I need some suggestions.  Some good books? Videos? She was scared of it for this first week and cried when we tried to get her to sit on it, but she did, and didn't go.  She would go to the bathroom and THEN come get us and point to the potty.  I know it's only the beginning, I am going to be patient, just looking for helpful hints.

Thanks!

So that's our week.  Hope yours was good. Hubs and I are sitting down to watch End of Watch  and enjoy a cocktail or two.  Be jealous.  Lol.

xoxo.

Social Sunday. All About 3's.

Top 3 Favorite Kinds of Food.

Seafood, Pasta, and Wine {what? Don't judge me... It has calories, it should count.}

First 3 Things You Do In The Morning.

Get Gwen and change her diaper, check phone {email/fb/instagram/etc}, and make coffee.

Last 3 Things You Do At Night.

Brush teeth.  Get a glass of water, and             {sorry, you may not want to know that one ;)}

3 TV Shows You Never Miss.

Sons of Anarchy.  Criminal Minds.  World News With Diane Sawyer... and in writing that, I just felt ten years older... ugh.

3 Places You Want To Visit.

St. Regis Bora Bora {from Couples' Retreat }.  Ireland.  Jamaica. 

3 People You Can Always Count On.

Jason.  Every single one of my parents/inlaws/stepparents.  My brother.  And many more ;)

We spent the weekend with family in the Poconos, and Gwen loved every second of it.  One minute she was playing in the snow, and the next in a pool.  Lots of fun, great pics and so many memories.

  

xoxo.

She Got It From Her...

From the minute a baby is born, actually even while in the womb still, comparisons are already being made.  

"Omg, she looks just like you."

Dude, it's an ultrasound.  She looks like an alien. lol.

But, I must say that Gwen has very distinctive Mommy  or Daddy  traits.

Straight out of the gate, girlfriend was a spitting image of her Daddy.  Like, if I hadn't birthed  her myself, I would have questioned if she was mine.  Their baby pictures... identical.  As time has passed though, she has started to look more like me.

Just like her Daddy, she is a morning person.  An "I'm up, everybody's up, let's get this day crack-a-lacking" type of morning person.  Momma bear... not so much.  I am reaaaaalllly not a mornin' person.  I am a "let me sleep, don't speak to me until I speak to you {except Gwen} which will probably be after coffee has entered my body"  type person.

She's bossy... like her Momma... and Daddy.  Seriously this kid didn't have a chance in the "bossy" department. lol.  But, I would say that we aren't too bossy, and I am pretty sure that we can keep her under control :)

She's a piiiiiicky eater... just like her Mommy {well, I used to be when I was little}.  My mom used to have to roll my cheese sandwiches into little balls to get me to eat it.  And I would mask my broccoli with ketchup to be able to eat it.  I must say that Gwen is getting better, thank God.

She loves music and to dance... like Mommy and Daddy.  I'd say that she enjoys music as much as her Daddy, but thankfully gets her dance moves from her Mommy.  {sorry babe, I'm def the better dance in this duo. love your efforts though}

She's a lefty like her Mommy... aaaannd a righty like her Daddy.  Yup, she's ambidextrous.  For now.  Lol.  She currently just puts the crayon/marker/pen/etc into either hand and has a pretty good grip with both.  I am pushing for a Southpaw though.

She's a little party animal {the PG kind} like her Daddy.  They love to have a good time, laugh, and be the life of the party.  I do too, but they are so similar in this area.  And boy, is she the life of the party!

It's so interesting to see some of our traits coming out in her, let's hope that they are all the good ones!

Happy Friday, peeps.  Hope there's a fun weekend in store for you.

xoxo

I confess...

...Gwen still gets a bottle. ::cringe:: Yes, one, at night, after dinner.  It's the STRANGEST thing.  She won't drink anything but water unless it's milk, in her ba-ba.  Milk in a cup? She flips!  I know that it is something that we NEED to break, but we are currently using it as a bribe tool to get Gwen to eat better.  And honestly, it's working.

...Gwen also still sleeps in a sleep sack.  And probably will until her toes poke out of it and then some.  She has slept in one since she was a baby {it was a Godsend, bc it helped her sleep through the night} and she cannot go anywhere without it.  Therefore, it's here to stay.

...There are some days that I don't  want to move.  That I am content in our home, in our town, away from all the "everybody knows everybody's business" type town that we grew up in.  Wish I could have the best of both worlds... and a backyard. :)

...My daughter has her own Coach purse.  I didn't buy it for her.  It was a gift.  But, I love it. Yes, she's two.  Don't judge me.

...I like Duck Dynasty.  Yes, husband, I don't mind it.  Don't get too excited now.

...this year is going to be an amazing year for my friends, family, and hopefully us{baby, maybe?}.  We are pretty much gonna kick ass and take names.  I couldn't be happier for each and every one of them.

Week 2 Pics

Some days she looks so GROWN up!! 

Playing with my new lens. 

Girlfriend catches some SERIOUS air on her new trampoline.

I am in love with this picture. Bath time is one of our favorites!

Momma's all-time favorite wine!  It is the absolute best!!

My other child.

I'm always appreciative of a good hair day!

*****

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that we Hubs spent the weekend working on a little house project, patching up our bedroom wall and repainting it a new, lighter shade of gray.  It looks amazing and I am so grateful to Jason for spending his weekend bettering our house.

xoxo.

Did I Ever Tell You About Tiki Barber?

I don't know why I thought of this story, or even why I am compelled to share it, but I woke up in the middle of the night last night and couldn't fall back asleep and this story popped into my head.  And I laughed out loud.  It's one of those stories that I can't tell without bursting into hysterical laughter.  Every time.

I thought it should be properly documented.

*****

Now, let me describe my husband for you... he is one of the least violent {except for maybe video games & movies}, most caring, person I know.  Let's say he's a lover not a fighter. Lol.

Well, one night, before we were even married, in the middle of a deep sleep I was abruptly woken... with a right hook.

I shit you not.

I SHOT up, pushed him back, attempting to wake him from a dead sleep and said, "What the $@#* was THAT?"

"Tiki Barber"

"I'm sorry, WHAT?!?!"

"Tiki Barber, I had stop him."  And with that he was back to a sound sleep.  In his mind, he had justified to me what had happened, if he even knew what had actually occurred, and he was back in good ole' dream land.

I didn't know whether to punch him back, or die of hysterical laughter.  I was in shock, lol, and exhausted, so I went back to sleep, prepared to grill him in the morning.

Fast forward a few hours.

We wake up to our 6am alarm clock and husband-to-be rolls over with his usual morning grin, wanting to be all lovey-dovey with me, when I abruptly stop him.

"DUDE, what the hell was that last night?"

"What do you mean?"

"Umm, you sent a right hook my way, then told me it was Tiki Barber"

I couldn't even finish the sentence without bursting out laughing, both of us did, because it was so insanely absurd.

"Oh, that really happened, huh?"

"Yes.  Yes, it did."

"Omg, I am so sorry.  I was having a dream that I was playing football and Tiki Barber was running down the field and I HAD to stop him."

"OMG."

We've had many laughs about this story, I even giggle just writing it down.  But, I did warn him, if there is ever a next time {which there better not be}... I will retaliate.  Lol.
*****

We have another house project filled day ahead of us... should be fun. But, I am super excited for Breakfast with my Besties tomorrow!  I love when we are all together!!

From my Bachelorette in 2009.

We can be apart for any amount of time, but when we get together it's like no time has passed at all.  And it's always a good time!

Love you girls!

xoxo.

The No Phase

It is safe to say that no is currently the most used, most hated word in our household.  And the number one abuser user?  Our toddler.

"Gwen, do you want some   (anything) ?"

"No."

"Do you want to watch   (anything)  ?"

"No."

"Do you love   (anyone)  ?"

"No."

"Do you want a pile full of candy and tons of brand new toys?"

"No."

You get my drift right? No? :)  It is NO to everything, and I mean everything.  It's almost to the point that it's exhausting! lol.  She's just saying it to say, not really meaning it, not understanding it.  Sometimes she doesn't even let you finish asking the question before it comes out... no. No, no, no, no, no.

Oh, the perks of toddlerhood and new found communication! Haha.

You can bet your ass that we can't wait until this little "phase" of hers kicks itself to the curb.  Like, now.

*****
 On another note, my new lens was delivered yesterday!  AND I got to pick up my wedding ring finally today!  I haven't had a chance to REALLY use my new lens YET, but I did snap a few pics of Gwen today in her adorable dress.  Seriously, kid clothes are the freaking cutest.

*****

Happy Friday! 

xoxo.

My Daughter, The Hoarder.

True story.  Sort of.

She hoards.

Every crayon. Every book. Every piece of the 101 food set Santa may be regretting brought her. Would be with her at every moment if we allowed.  When we put her book back on the shelves.  She cries.  Like she is never going to see them again.  And then says, "No, Momma, no touch-a my boooooks." And if headed for a car ride, she packs every item she possible can into a bag and lugs it to the door.

Thank goodness for naps and bedtime or I would never be able to get everything away.

Let's just hope that I can break this bad habit before A&E has to get involved. Lol.

xoxo.

A Random Tuesday

A prong on my wedding band broke off, ugh, and I have been without it since Friday.  I hate not having it.  I brought it to the jeweler Sunday {because that's the day they said I would be able to have it done same day} and wouldn't ya know... The repair man was in the emergency room.  Sweet.  So, now I wait.  And wait.  I can't believe how attached I am to my ring... like, I could cry. Lol

*****

If  we get invited to each one, we are already expecting to attend four weddings in 2013.  Yes, we cut our last year's number in half, but still... lol.

*****

Yesterday I ordered a new lens for my camera. I am so excited, I can hardly stand it.  It's nothing extravagant, but it's a step up from what I am using now, and I am hoping it will give me more freedom.  I am counting the minutes until it gets here.

*****

Along with Gwen getting sick, so did I.  Ugh.  I am almost 100% better now, but my one ear will not pop.  Talk about annoying.  I've tried everything.  Any new suggestions?

*****

I think I go to the grocery store too much.  A few of the{very nice} women that work there know us so well {except for my name} that they talk to us every time we are there.  And they really know what they are talking about... "Wow, Gwen, look at how your hair is growing in!"  "What a nice new coat that is!"  "Are you feeling better today, sweetie" Lol.  I swear.  It cracks me up.  And when I dare go shopping on the weekend and leave Gwen with Dad at home, they ALL ask me about it.  "Aren't you missing someone today?"  "Where's the baby?" I think by this time next year, I'll have to invite them to Thanksgiving dinner :)

*****

Laundry may be the death of me.  Just sayin'.

*****

I am totally obsessed with the tv show Catfish on MTV.  It amazes me how "duped" these people are, I mean, I don't trust anything on the Internet that even looks a tad bit fishy, and these people are having like YEAR(S) long relationships with people they have never met. I can't stop watching.

*****

My heart is broken over the Bethenny Frankel/Jason Hoppy break up.  I was really pulling for them.  I mean, two years is nothing, how could something be over so quick?  Is marriage sacred to anyone anymore? But, who am I to judge?

*****

I know that this is last minute, but I think it is such a great cause, and can't help but pass it on.  A fellow blogger, AP from I Love You More Than Carrots, is collecting night lights to send to the survivors of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting to help ease their fears of the darkness and to shine a little hope during such a trying time.  So, head on over here for more information on the Lights and Love Night Light Drive. She'll be collecting for a few more days.

*****

Btw... she doesn't like it when you touch her drums. lol.

xoxo.

Dare I Try

Last year, I attempted to do a Project 365, and failed quite miserably.  It wasn't that I wasn't taking pictures... bc we all know that is false. lol. But I wasn't taking pictures daily.  I wasn't keeping up.  And by the end of January... I was done.

Do I try again??

I want to improve my skills and what better way than to take pics.  Right? {And I am pretty sure that I will be getting a new lens soon. Yay!}

I'm gonna try.  And give me self a little lee way.  I'll update each week... let's say, every Monday?  Ok, wish me luck. 

Week 1.

Ok, so maaaaaaybe, I stole a few from Instagram. And just maaaaaaybe they aren't from those exact dates.  But, listen, we've been fighting the double ear infection/nasty cough thing for the last week++, so you're gonna have to deal.  M'kay?  Thanks.

Anyway, Happy Monday... if that even exists.  We are headed back to the Dr. for the third time in 2 weeks. Man, I love our doc, but the wait is REEEEEEEEdiculous.  Thank God for the iPad.  Need something to keep me Gwen entertained.

xoxo.

Oh, How Pinteresting!

Source: fromupnorth.com via Brittany on Pinterest

Source: designsponge.com via Candice on Pinterest

Source: lifeisamayesing.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Source: quirky.com via Myan on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Megan on Pinterest

Source: lifeasathrifter.blogspot.com via Megan on Pinterest

Source: thebeautythesis.com via Chelsea on Pinterest

2012 {a recap}

There is so much to say about this past year.  Loss, love, and family are just a few words that can help describe it.  And I am not sure that I can even put it all into to words, but I'll try.

Loss.

Not only did I, but we, meaning my immediate and extended family, lost people that meant SO much to us.  A Nanny, a father, and a Pop-Pop. Our hearts are still aching, and will continue to ache.  I pray that the next year brings us all some healing and comfort.  Those that we lost will never be forgotten, and continue to live on in each of us.

Love.

Oh, love!  My amazing brother married one of my best friends this year, in a time when we needed love the most! I gained a sister (even though she technically already was) and they have begun a beautiful journey in life.  Congrats again.

My best friend of 25, yes 25 years got engaged to my husband's cousin... finally :) So, in 2013 we will get to share the same last name!! I've never wanted to see a friend happy as much as I did her, and watching her enjoy all of these moments melts me.  They deserve every second of happiness that comes their way.

Ahhh, loooove.  Being a wife and a mother teaches me things daily. My heart grows. Daily.  I love my husband {even when we don't like each other}, as a person, as my husband, and as the best father.  All of our relationships are growing and every day they are filled with more and more love.  Even in my angriest (and possibly most selfish) moment, I know that he would do anything for our daughter, and for me... and my anger melts.

Jason, there are some moments in our life when you think I don't even like you, haha, but please know this... you are my backbone when I am weak, my warmth when I am cold, my sanity when I feel lost, and the only person I've ever loved with my whole heart.  You (and Gwen) are my home.  I love you.

Family.
Our family has gained and lost this year, but throughout it all we have become so much closer and connected.  It's been a blessing among all the chaos we were enduring (good and bad).  We've rallied and held each other up in the hardest times and cheered each other on during each other triumphs.  We made a dying man's last wish come true, because it meant the world to him, and he meant the world to us.  I hope that this is the beginning of a very long chapter in all of our lives, that we stay as in touch with each other and continue to grow together.  I love you all.

Gwen.
Oh, Miss Gwen, you amaze me every day.  You are so smart, and fun loving, and sweet, and gorgeous.  This year has been one of SUCH growth, so much so that you are no longer that teeny tiny baby that I brought home from the hospital over two years ago.  You are a little lady.  You are talking so much and very clearly.  You looooove to dance.  You bring joy to each person who crosses your path.  And most important you fill our lives and hearts with more and more love every day.

2013.
In 2013, I wish for healing, for comfort, for continued friendships and relationships.  I hope my marriage keeps growing and strengthening.  I hope for a sibling for Gwen {yup, I am putting it out there, 2013 is hopefully the year of the baby!}.  And for safety, health, love and peace for our family and friends.

Happy New Year to you all!

source

xoxo.