This Weekend.

Friday, September 30, 2011

I am so excited the weekend is finally here! I feel like this week I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I am still trying to find my way through the daily grind of school pick up, drop off, and the LM's activities, all with a baby (who is usually trying to sleep) hanging off my boob. Surprisingly, we have made it to everything (on time!) and are usually pretty prepared, but I can't help feeling constantly frazzled, like one wrong move and this deck of cards will fall. I'm pretty sure this just goes with the territory of having multiple kids, and as the weeks go by things are getting easier... I'm felling pretty confident that we will make it after all!

Today, is quite possibly the best day ever. Later this afternoon I am leaving BOTH kiddies for the first time (so needed) and indulging in a trip to the salon (holy roots!) and heading back to the gym (for my first ballet core class...eek.) I'm hoping that all goes well, and if so, EVERY Friday I am going to try to escape during nap time for 5, yes 5, kid free hours. Talk about a light at the end of the tunnel each week!!!

This weekend is going to be great. Despite the rainy forecast, I am so excited! Tomorrow, Dad is taking the LM to the museum and I can't wait for some one-on-one with my littlest guy. After nap we are going to what seems like the 1,000th birthday party this month. As one of the oldest in a class of 18, we seem to have one every weekend, but the LM loves them so much, I am more than happy to sit in the corner with Graybeans eating cake (the best part!) while watching him play with his buds. The difference in "play" between the ages of 3 and 4 is so astounding, and I just love watching him actually interact with his friends, rather than the parallel play of years past.

Tomorrow night I am having a friend from high school (thank you Facebook) over for dinner, while he is in town on a layover from London. Normally, I would be terrified of having a little dinner party at prime meltdown time, but luckily for me, my buddy has kids almost exactly the same age as ours. I'm sure he will feel right at home! I plan on making this for the first time, which my bestie J swears by, and I'll let you all know how it turns out! The recipe couldn't be easier so hopefully there isn't too much that can go wrong. Famous last words, I know.

On Sunday, my Sis and I are taking the kiddies to the Topsfield Fair for the first time. I can't wait to take the LM on the rides!!! Even though I am beyond skeeved out by petting zoos, the promise of some fried dough will be well worth the trip!


Really, is there anything better than Fall in New England????

Whatever you are you doing, I wish you all a great weekend!


The Fall Uniform.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Have you ever found a piece of clothing that you love so much, that you instantly knew it would become part of your everyday uniform? That's how I felt when I saw this sweater. I think this is the PERFECT Fall sweater, and I can only imagine the mileage that I'll get out of this! It's a cashmere blend, and you can't beat the price! Move over impractical RZ cardi... hello, to warm, soft, cable knit goodness.



If that isn't a reason to get excited about Fall, I don't know what is!

Ants, Plants and Fish...Oh My!

Monday, September 26, 2011

Move over Jack Kevorkian, there's a new Doctor Death in town. Apparently, in this house, if you aren't human and/or can't express your needs by talking or crying, then, well, you have one fate and one fate only. You die.

I wish I was kidding.

For the past four years I have managed to keep not one, but now two kids alive and happy. There have been no broken bones (by the grace of God) no malnutrition, and generally everyone (including my hubby) seems to be thriving. However, in this time frame we have also gone through 2 fish, 12 plants, and now 15 ants. Yes, ants. I actually cannot keep alive something that survives in every climate in the world. Every climate but the home of Doctor Death.

It all started with Dory the fish. The LM desperately wanted a pet. My sister suggested a Beta because they are indestructible. Err were indestructible. Our first one lasted four months, the second 3. I PROMISE you I did everything to keep those damn things alive. I cleaned the bowl as instructed, treated the water, fed them their 2 pellets a day, I even had someone come to the house every time we were away for more than a day. How did they repay me? The died. Yep, they just decided to break the LM's heart and one day float belly up. F#@K%$S. We now have a no fish policy.

Then came the plants. I wanted to get some potted flowering plants. I thought it would be a nice touch in our home, and there is nothing more that I hate then watching cut flowers wilt away, it just seems like such a waste. Earlier this spring, the LM and I took a trip to our local nursery. I asked for the heartiest plants they had. I bought the fancy soil and the rocks, I re-potted them, gave them vitamins, followed the instructions to the last letter. What did they do? They all died. F$#@K those plants. They were too high maintenance anyway.

Next came the ants. My boy was obsessed with bugs this Summer. He also wanted a cat. For his birthday I figured we would kill two birds with one stone, and I bought him an ant farm. He called them his "pets" and was so excited to watch them tunnel in his room. They arrived a week later and we attempted to put them in their new home. I say attempted, because putting them in could not have been any harder. They come in a giant tube, which is somehow supposed to fit in a tiny tube. All the while there is a giant label staring me in the face that says, "DO NOT TOUCH THE ANTS, THEY WILL BITE AND STING." (Awesome, just what a four year old needs next to his bed.) After getting 2/3 of said ants in the farm (1/3 were lost as collateral damage) the damn things decided to do what everything does around here. Die. I fed them. I watered them (sort of.) I waited for their tunnels. What did they do to repay me? They buried the dead in one big pile so my kid could say, "why do all our animals die?"

Why? Because they all hate me. The plants too. I think for now we need to cool it on the "non-human" entities. At this point we'd be better off with another baby. Seriously.

All I can say is thank GOD we didn't get a dog.

Dory #1 in better times.

P.S. A quick update on Baby Gray. After a late night visit to the ER on Friday (probably unnecessarily) he is doing 100% better. The only lasting effect is that he has gotten used to sleeping in his swing (due to the need to sleep upright) and now I am going to need to invest in stock in Duracel. In completely unrelated news, the Rachel Zoe cardigan arrived and sadly it was much more "Vegas Showgirl" than "Uptown Girl." I've never been happier to return anything in my life.  


Sick Baby.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Graybeans woke up last night having trouble breathing. I took him to the Doc this morning and it turns out he caught a little cold from his older brother (the first of many I presume) which quickly moved into his lungs. After a few treatments with the nebulizer he's feeling much better, but still needs to be monitored early and often. The goal is to keep him out of the ER this weekend, so I have to wake him every few hours to check his chest. I think he will be fine, and looks a lot better already, and I'm just glad they were able to get in front of this thing before it got any worse.

Poor bunny, even when he can't breathe he still smiles up a storm.

Back soon.

The "I Die" Cardigan.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Have you all be watching the new season of the Rachel Zoe Project? I am pretty obsessed. I love the new crew, and I think that pregnant Rachel is so much more endearing than scary-skinny Rachel. Of course, everything in the show is over the top... but surprisingly this theatre didn't extend to her new fall collection. I find myself liking almost everything, but most of all, I can't stop dreaming of this white sequin cardigan. Dreaming/ Drooling/ Lusting... you name it, I am doing it. Some people (ahem my husband) think that this is a pretty impractical purchase, but I think this is the perfect addition to a basic Fall/Winter wardrobe. To prove my point, I have created three dream outfits that show just how versatile this piece is. I love it as a blazer alternative, and the fact that it is open in the front would make breast feeding a breeze (just keeping it real). I  still can't decide if I am going to pre-order, but after seeing all the different ways it can be worn, I kind of think this might be the new "I die" for cardigan.

Girls Night Out

Everyday


Black Tie/ Date Night


Okay, I think I might have just made up my mind! It's soooooooooooooo good!

It Can't Be That Easy...

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

I am more than embarrassed to admit that when my Little Man turned four in August, he still had his beloved binky.  It was kind of our dirty little secret, that only close family members and friends knew about. It was only at night, so it was easy for me to say to people who asked (and you'd be surprised at how many there are) that he had given it up eons ago. Most of the time I didn't think about it, but some nights (mostly the ones before the Doctor and Dentist check ups) I would lie awake wondering how the hell we were going to get rid of the damn thing. I knew there was a window (around age one) where we were supposed to pry it out of his little jaw, but we missed that one big time, and I was beginning to think that, yes, he in fact would be taking it to college.

Then one night, 2 weeks ago he did the unthinkable... he came home and gave thing up. Just like that. Cold turkey. We mailed them "to Santa" and he has never looked back.

Who do I have to thank for this? I wouldn't believe it, if I didn't see it with my own eyes... but the award for this one goes to my husband of all people. My husband, who happens to be one of the best Dads ever, but who also is one of the worst enforcers of the rules as well. My husband, who always said he would give it up on his own terms, and that one day this would happen. He knew that when the little guy put his mind to something, that was the end of it. Like father, like son.

Oh yeah, and he bribed him.

See, I guess when the boys were coming back from Costa Rica, my hubby had the LM almost convinced that if he left his binkys in Central America, Santa would bring him a skateboard. In September. One that we would all go pick out. No reindeer or chimneys involved. (I'm not quite sure where he comes up with these things either.) Well, I guess the LM was on the fence, and decided that he wasn't "big enough" for the skateboard and would rather stay a baby. I too didn't think he was "big enough" and figured that was the end of it. The last thing we needed was a new baby and a four year old with a broken arm.

A few weeks ago, while my parents were here, the Little Man and his Daddy went for a bike ride. I guess they saw some skateboarders on the way, and after watching them for about an hour, my LM remembered what he had to do to get one. He came right home, went to his bed, collected every last paci (there were more than I would like to admit) and brought them up to me. That was it, he was done. My Dad had said it would never last, and I hid them rather than tossing them thinking that any minute he was going to ask for them back.

That was 2 weeks ago, and he hasn't mentioned them since.

Okay, I'm sure this helped a bit.







The surprising thing (or not so surprising thing if you know my kid) is that he's actually pretty good. One lesson and he was already trying to make it up the ramp. We found an instructor who teaches at an indoor skate shop, so when it gets too cold outside, he can continue to practice inside. I'm pretty sure we broke all the rules in the parenting handbook, but not seeing that little piece of plastic in his mouth is well worth it. The best part is, this week we have the dentist and the Pedi, and I can say, without crossing my fingers behind my back, that yes, he has in fact given up the binky. Funny enough, these are the same two people we will probably see after our first skate-related accident.

Maybe then, I can ask which one they prefer... the overbite or the chipped tooth???

High fives to my hubby. He did in a few weeks what this momma couldn't do in a few years. That's what I call a real life Prince Charming!

I wonder what it would take to convince this baby to sleep through the night.... hmmmmm.

Dude, Where's My Picture?

Monday, September 19, 2011

I don't know why, and I'm pretty sure it defies the law of physics, but for some reason I am finding it impossible to get one photograph, where both my kids look even semi picture perfect. This is no joke. I uploaded almost 1000 pictures this morning, and I can't find even one where I have both of them looking at the camera, let alone, smiling AND looking at the camera. Am I missing something here?

Individually, they are both adorable (yes, this is coming from their mother who thinks the sun shines out their little butts.)




But together?

I get a lot of this...


(This is what happens when I say "smile")

and, a little of this...



but mostly, I get this...




I have a newfound respect for all of you photographers out there. Without you, I have a feeling my Christmas card would end up looking something like this....


(How'd that baby move so fast in the background???)

Do any of you have any tips on how to get a good picture of two kids that refuse to smile on cue, and/or sit still? I have a feeling the answer is take A LOT of pictures... there's got to be a keeper in there somewhere, right????

To think, our parents used to do this with film. Whoever was developing all those pictures must have been laughing all the way to the bank!

Holy Adorable!!!

Friday, September 16, 2011

Last Sunday, I took my parents down to SOWA to sample some of the yummy eats, and to check out a few of Boston's finest local artists and vendors. The usual suspects were there, but out of the corner of my eye I saw a new booth that made me squeal "holy adorable!" You know, I'm a sucker for anything baby related, yet I find that it is becoming harder and harder to find something that is personalized, without being too over the top.

Enter these genius baby T's and onsieis!








The company is MiteTees, and I think they are about the cutest thing I have ever seen! You know I had to order one for Baby Gray, and this is now my go-to baby gift for all my expecting friends (sorry for ruining the surprise ;)) I love the whimsical and personal touch, and more than pleased with the low price, and week long turn-around time. Love, love, love!

While I was there I picked up a coupon to share with you all. Untill 11/15 use the code S043WA for 20% off!

Too cute!

Just A Few More Days.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Parents just left. 8 weeks of not sleeping has hit me like a ton of bricks. Laundry is piled up. Thank yous need to be written. Oh, and the LM started school today (even though he already has tomorrow off????) Which also means all the after school activities start too (this year it's karate, swimming, skateboarding ((more on this soon)) and yoga.) 

I need a few days to get my life in order. Pinky swear things will soon be back to normal around here!

P.S. Is this really going to be the last nice day Summer? My jaw hit the floor when I saw that by the end of the week it's going to be freezing???? Do I really have to try to squeeze into my jeans already??? Boo.

Currently Loving.

Friday, September 9, 2011

Here are a few of the thing that I'm currently loving...

Mornings with my boys. Remember back when I was worried that by having baby number two, there would no longer be time for cuddles with my Little Man. File that under WRONG. Every morning this week, Gray as awoken at 7, the LM at 7:15, and after a quick feed we do this until 8 am. The other day my hubby was able to go in late and get in on some of the action. I can't think of a better way to start the day.

These candles from 5th & Madison. A few weeks back, while the boys were out of town, my sis and I went to my pre-baby favorite event, Sundays at SOWA. We picked up a few of these candles, and while I refuse to light them (my Dad had beat into me that candles are a serious fire hazard) I love that just by taking the lid off, they make my room smell delicious. They are locally made, by a man and his blender. You've got to love that! P.S. Ingenue is my favorite.



This pillow. Few things get me as excited as walking into the Jonathan Adler store. I seriously want everything, and am always day-dreaming about a home filled with his wares. The $$$$ price tags make this an impossibility, but when I saw this pillow, I knew it had to be in my room. I'm not sure what I love more, the Ikat pattern, the orange velvet, or the pop of fuchsia thrown in just for fun. I think this is my absolute favorite thing that I own. Massive heartsies.


This pea pesto recipe from Smitten Kitchen. When my husband asks what's for dinner, 4 times out of 5, this is the answer. I loooooooooooovvvvvvvvveeeeeeeeee this recipe. I use bow tie pasta instead of linguine, and always make a double batch. It is so good on bread, as a dip for the little man, or even straight out of the jar (who me? I would never do that ;)) You have to try it. Seriously, it's that good!



In one hour my parents are arriving!!!! It's been four years, and they've never been to our new pad, not to mention met baby Gray. The little man and I are so happy we are bouncing off the walls! I can't wait to show them all around, take advantage of their babysitting and NAP, and experience my Dad's cooking (it's off the hook.) Tonight, though, I'm in charge of dinner... can you guess what they are having??????? (Whoever, answered pea pesto is the winner!)

Decoding my baby. I don't know what happened but somehow combining the swaddle (which the baby hated) + the swing (which he also hated) = two, two-three  hour naps a day. No, they aren't necessarily when the LM is down for 1 1/2 hours, but man, that baby is sooooooo much happier and is actually sleeping much better at night (only up at 1 and 4.) I know these things can change on the drop of a dime, but for now I'm loving this new equation!!!!

So there you have it, the things I'm currently loving!

 I wish you all a SUNNY weekend.

The Elusive Double Nap.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011


It took almost 2 hours of blood (mine), sweat (mine), and tears (definitely mine and a few of Gray's) to get both kids down at the same time for a 45 minute nap. After getting up 6 times last night (WTF Gray?????) it was definitely needed. I almost was able to get in a shower (sans child in the bathroom) but instead, was woken up with an ant farm sitting on my head.

I guess there's almost tomorrow...

Nobody climed Everest in a day, right?


My Little Model.

Friday, September 2, 2011










Hard to believe these were taken almost 5 weeks ago! I can't believe how squishy he was back then!!!! Special thanks to Jaimie, of Jaimie Arnold photography, and Maria Motamed for the fabulous styling. Love you girls!