I Love You More Than Carrots

Happy First Year, Maclane. Here's Your Letter.

2013-06-18T07:00:00.000-04:00

Dear Maclane,
Happy first birthday, sweet boy of ours! I find it hard to believe that we're already here at this day, that you are already a year old. They say time moves faster with the second baby, that it's because you're less focused on every single minute of every single day and I have to admit that to some extent, it's true. The days have passed much quicker with you and your brother together but I can still remember, as if it were yesterday, waking up the morning of your birthday so excited to meet you and see your sweet face.

I remember feeling so nervous in the moments before you were born. Tears filled my eyes as your Daddy and I waited to hear you cry. Once you were born, the nurse showed me your head of dark hair and I couldn't help but laugh. I would finally have my mini and it's no secret that you are, in fact, your mama's boy.
You have the most beautiful large brown eyes and I swear you speak more with them than your voice. You are so fiercely independent with a strong temper that you are not afraid to share when you grow impatient. You've quickly learned to stand your ground when it comes to sharing your things with your older brother and I know for certain that this trait will stick with you as your grow.
Be kind to your brother, Maclane. He is sweet and sensitive and he loves you so much. He will be your best friend as you grow older. He will also be responsible for getting you into trouble but that's all just a part of brotherhood.

Although your brother broke us in as new parents, you reassured us that we are, after all, capable of loving and raising another sweet boy. That said, you did make it pretty easy for us and for that I am thankful. You may have even spoiled us a little with your mellow demeanor and go-with-the-flow personality.
Most days I find myself chasing you down only to pick you up and squeeze your guts. You are so deliciously squishy Maclane and I am so lucky to have been given the chance to mother not one but two sweet little boys. Every day is a gift and when I find myself losing sight of that truth, that's when I pick you up, sit you on my hip and just squeeze. Squeeze you and find that sweet spot on your neck between your chin and you shoulder that I have loved since the first moment you were placed in my arms.
Sometimes I think about how I've had to divide my time between you and your brother and in those moments where I feel sad that you've had to cry a little longer and learn patience at a much younger ago, I am beyond grateful for the twelve months that we've shared nursing. I'm so grateful to have had that extra one-on-one time with you and although it wasn't always easy, I was sure to soak in every minute. Every rise and fall of your chest against mine, every single eyelash that rested on your cheek as you closed your eyes. Every chuckle that escaped my lips as you would prop your foot up on my shoulder. I even managed to soak in those moments that stung a little, from our early weeks learning the in's and out's together to what I can only hope are love pinches and those quick bites that often signal a fully belly.

Here we are at your twelve month birthday and although we've dropped a nursing session or two, you don't appear to be ready to wean and for that I am also grateful. In a way you're protecting my heart because selfishly I know I'm not ready for that time together to end.
After we had your brother, I didn't think life could get any better but then we had you and our lives became immeasurably greater. You have brought so much more love and laughter into our lives and it has been nothing short of just awesome watching you grow up this past year.
Mackie, not only did you make us parents again but you made Carter a brother, a gift that I can only hope the two of you will cherish for a lifetime. As much as we have loved watching you grow this past year, we have comparably loved watching Carter transition into his role as your older brother, your best friend and your guardian. It is with such a tender heart that he loves you and from the first day we brought you home he has been so sweet on you.

Your first year has been so full. Full of adventure and excitement. Of first words and first steps, of love and late nights. Of new places and things and just so much new. But most of all, so much love.

MacAttack, you are sweet and kind. Inquisitive and adventurous. You are fearless and loving, lovable and mischievous. The look you flash us the minute you're getting into something you shouldn't is priceless. Your Daddy and I can only hope to continue to cultivate these traits in you as you grow, with maybe just a little bit less fearlessness and mischievousness. A mama's heart can only take so much!

Thank you for reminding us to let go and live a little. To slow down ad appreciate the little moments. To take neither life nor each other very seriously. Thank you for reminding me that it's OK to spend half of the day in our jammies, to leave the house with strawberry juice on our shirts and to stay up past our bed time. That it's okay to bend the rules sometimes and break free from our daily routine. We will survive and sometimes even be a bit better for it in the end.

We are so lucky to be your parents and we will always thank God for blessing our family with you, beautiful boy.

Happy First Birthday, Maclane. We love you more than carrots! Love Forever,
Mommy, Daddy, Carter and Sheepie too.

$500 Tory Burch Gift Card Giveaway. Seriously.

2013-06-17T07:00:00.000-04:00

I can't remember the exact moment I fell head over heels in love with Tory Burch. Oh wait, I can. It would be Valentine's Day of 2011 when The Husband and Carter gifted me with my very first pair of Revas. It was love at first sight. Actually, first blister, if I'm being honest. Those suckers weren't all that comfortable but I would be damned if I didn't own a pair of shoes with that shiny gold emblem on it.

Since then I've fallen even more in love with The Eddie, the Miller, the Abitha and the Thora. Although each of these pairs of shoes is an investment of sorts, it is well worth it. Whenever Tory sends out that Friends and Family email, I just can't help myself. Word to the wise? Be sure to sign up for the email list- you'll receive a coupon for 10% off your first order. And you can sign up multiple email addresses. Not like I would know anything about that at all...

If you're a fashion lover, get even more EXCITED because today 22 bloggers have joined together to giveaway $500 to TORY BURCH! We know fashion can get expensive, so we want to help you out!

And who doesn't love pretty shoes? Want to know what you could buy with $500? Oh just some of these...

and these..

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Tory Burch is one of our collective favorites, and we're sure that the winner will agree! Before (or after) you've entered the giveaway, please make sure you stop by the sponsor blogs. You'll love their blogs as much as we do, promise! Good luck and thanks for entering!

1. A Complete Waste of Makeup 2. The Vintage Modern Wife 3. The Perfect Compilation Tape 4. I Love You More Than Carrots 5. Every Day Is Your Runway 6. Jodi Bean's Blog 7. Notes on Lifestyle 8. A Night Owl 9. Follow the Ruels 10. Pink Heels Pink Truck 11. Lip Gloss and Lunges 12. My Beautiful Crazy Life 13. Just a Few of My Favorite Things 14. Dreaming About Someday 15. Mama Love Diaries 16. Haute Mommy Blog 17. Two Martinis 18. Simply Clarke 19. Love to the Moon & Back 20. Stress Case 21. Brady Cakes 22. Life, Love, and Pawprints

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Nola, Family Style: It Can Be Done.

2013-06-14T07:00:00.000-04:00

Never in one million years did I think I would ever take my family on a family vacation to New Orleans. New Orleans was never a destination, in my mind, that screamed "bring your kids here!" After all, for most of us outsiders, New Orleans is synonymous with Mardi Gras and Bourbon Street. If you had asked me what I thought we were going to do there with two boys under the age of three, I would have laughed, shrugged my shoulders and said, "well, there's a zoo?"

And then we did it. We traveled there as a family of four to spend four days exploring the city and taking part in all that New Orleans has to offer families. You'll have to excuse me while I remove my foot from my mouth because from my lips to god's ears, it was one of the greatest, most fun family vacations we've ever taken.
I may have even fallen in love with the city and cannot wait to return.
Our days there were packed with fun and although we tried our hardest to squeeze in the best that New Orleans had to offer, there were still some things I wish we had more time to see and do! Not to mention eat. Oh, the food. That should be a whole post unto itself.
It would be remiss to write a vacation recap post and not include our accommodations. My hat is off to the staff of the JW Marriott as they made our stay feel just like home but with a much better view. Everything was perfect from our larger than large suite that allowed the boys to sleep in their own "room," to the staff who were so warm, welcoming and hospitable. Within minutes Carter was famous and every where we turned a staff member would stop what they were doing to say hi and scoop him up to let him see out a nearby window.

We were greeted with a wonderful welcome bag full of so many fun and exciting New Orleans treats. I especially loved my new t-shirt signed by Drew Brees (Who dat!) and the bags of Zapp's potato chips. Within minutes of settling into our room, we had already polished off an entire bag of the Crawtators and having blown through the one and only bag we brought back to Maryland with us, I'm already trying to figure out ways to satiate our craving for the spiciest, most delicious chips ever.
After a quick snack and change of clothes, we hit the ground running. We knew we wanted to stretch our legs and let the toddler blow off some steam after being cooped up on the plane for so long so we walked the few short blocks to Jackson Square. That's another great thing about the JW. Located in the Business District of the French Quarter and just a block from Bourbon Street, we were within walking distance of so much of what makes New Orleans well, New Orleans.

No matter the hour of day, the Square was a flurry of activity. From tarot card readers and fortune tellers to street artists selling their wares or making beautiful music, there was much to see and do. Our suggestions? Grab a couple beignets and frozen Cafe au Lait from Cafe Du Monde or, if it's after noon, a hurricane from any nearby street corner and head on over to relax in the park.
Speaking of beignets, they are an absolute must-have. I vowed to eat Maclane's weight in them prior to our arrival and I'm almost certain I did just that. Whether they are from Cafe Du Monde or Cafe Beignet, they are a New Orleans must-eat. Carter absolutely loved the sole fact that he was allowed "cake" for breakfast! Only in New Orleans, sir!

While we're on the subject of must-eats, after many recommendations, we decided to indulge in the char-grilled oysters from Acme Oyster House as well as the same plate from Drago's. They are literally to die for. Lemon-y and parmesean-cheesy and just all around incredible. While at Drago's, we also enjoyed alligator "fingers" with a spicy creole aioli and spicy Cajun boiled shrimp. The shrimp poboys and seafood muffaletta from Johnny's were just as good as everyone said they would be and the dogs from Dat Dog on Magazine Street were the icing on the cake. Sriracha, sour cream and onions on a spicy sausage? I'm drooling once again just thinking about it. The boys loved the atmosphere of Dat Dog and even more, the pomme frites!
My thoughts on dining in Nola with kids? You can do anything if you start early enough. If that means booking dinner reservations at 4:30pm to avoid meltdowns and crowded restaurants? So be it. We may have eaten early nearly every night but it was worth it.
Our second day in Nola brought us to the Aquarium of the Americas as well as the Insectarium. Each of these adventures is a short walk from where we were staying and what's better is that it's a beautiful walk down along the banks of the Mississippi. The boys loved watching the steamboats sail by and we even caught the Steam Calliope playing atop the Natchez!

The aquarium was nothing short of a blast! Both of the boys were absolutely enamored with the giant fish tank tunnel you can walk through immediately upon entering the aquarium doors. We must've spent twenty minutes watching the fish (and the divers!) swim around the tank. The divers were so much fun and really interacted with the kids!
I loved seeing the infamous albino alligator and Carter was especially fond of the sharks! One of the must-do's at the aquarium is the Parakeet House where for a small fee you can purchase little feed sticks and enter into a sanctuary where hundreds of parakeets fly freely around, often landing on your bag, shoulders or even your head while you walk around offering them tasty birdie treats.

Despite being a building that housed millions of creepy crawlies, our next stop was the Insectarium. A short walk down from the aquarium, I couldn't wait to take the boys here. By now you must know that this trip involved a lot of walking. Imagine the most walking you've ever done in four days and multiple it by a hundred thousand.
If I had one word of advice for you, it's bring comfortable shoes. I walked the city in flip flops and TOMS and my feet still ache.
The Insectarium was so neat. Word to the wise, shortly after entering the building there is an interactive exhibit that revolves around the world under the ground. Sounds great, right? Well, it's dark, for starters. So if your kids don't like the dark? Steer clear. If that doesn't scare them but a larger than life animatronic spider coming at them from a hole in the wall will? You'd best skip this exhibit. We didn't know any better and I've never seen my toddler run faster than the minute he saw that spider.
Unfortunately, this kind of put a damper on his experience as he proceeded to run through nearly every exhibit afterwards. It did, however, provide hours of laughter for both the husband and myself. By the time we reached the zen Butterfly Garden our toddler was ready (and willing!) to see some bugs.
There's even a big cafe on-site where they serve tasty critter treats! Cinnamon and sugar roundworms, anyone?

The following morning, after a delicious breakfast at the Camellia Grill, we boarded the St. Charles street car line for the Audubon Zoo. The Camellia Grill was such a wonderful experience. Old-fashioned diner-type setting with comparably delicious food and sweet company. Carter loved saddling up to the counter and ordering pancakes which were made extra special with Mickey ears. Get there early though- it fills up quick!
The street car was an attraction unto itself. Carter loved climbing the stairs, buying his day pass, choosing his seat and riding "the big red train" as he preferred to call it. Ridden through the Garden District proved to be chock full of beautiful sights including pristinely manicured gardens and beautiful mansions.

I think that the zoo was by far one of my most favorite attractions. Although it was a bit hot and sticky this day, we had so much fun walking the grounds and checking out all of the animals. In addition to the animals one would typically see at the zoo, there was an entire exhibit full of dinosaurs that just blew Carter's little mind.
Because it was so hot and sticky this day, we decided to take full advantage of "The Cool Zoo," a water park within the zoo that caters to children both young and old. Both Carter and Maclane had just the best time ever playing in the water. My mom-heart practically skipped a few beats as Carter climbed and slid with reckless abandon. I would recommend donning your own bathing suit so as to better chase your kids through the small water park or waiting until they're a little bit older than 3 to take advantage of it. At nearly 1, Maclane was the perfect age for the smaller activities but at nearly 3 and fearless, Carter wanted to run and jump and play with the "big kids" on the giant pirate ship and that about gave me a heart attack.

After some shaved ice and a trip through the zoo gift shop, we were zoo'd out and ready for our next adventure. The following morning, Saturday, marked the first day of the Creole Tomato festival in the French Market, a festival that promised great food, even greater music and lot's of family fun. As we walked through the market, we were privy to brass band music, cooking demonstrations and free tomato samples!
Once we had our fill of the festival, we piled into a taxi cab and headed out to Magazine Street where I knew I wanted to do a little shopping before we flew home the next day. After popping in and out of a few fantastic little boutiques, I found the perfect summer maxi dress at The Red Carpet boutique.
One boutique that is certain not to be missed is OrientExpressed. I knew the minute we booked our trip that it wouldn't be complete without a visit to this one of a kind children's clothing and home goods boutique. I could have sworn I heard angels singing the minute I opened the door to the store and within minutes I had an arm's full of clothing for the boys. It was about the time that the toddler threw himself down to the ground in a napless fit that I knew it would be in our best interest to head back to the hotel. We had tickets to board the steamboat Natchez that afternoon and as much as I wanted to experience this, I didn't think spending two hours on a boat with two over-tired children was the best of ideas.
After a restful nap back at the hotel, we decided to take another long stroll through the Quarter. Stopping in and out of the boutiques, sampling more local food and drink, picking up a couple of adorable appliqued t-shirts from Nola Kids and finally landing in the Little Toy Shop down by the river. I swear the boys' eyes were as wide as saucers the moment we stepped up into the store. We allowed them to pick out a few "treats" to remember their trip by. Maclane picked a puppy puppet and Carter, a taxi cab and fire truck. This shop was full of so many unique gifts- it's a must-stop for anyone with small children!
After three days of non-stop fun, I could tell the boys were exhausted. That's the thing about traveling with little kids. As much as you want to see and do it all, you have to keep in mind that it's such a shock to their systems- to be out of their element, away from their "normal," and trying their hardest to adapt to a new routine. I was so proud of how well the boys behaved. They were truly such troopers! Of course there were meltdowns here and there but nothing a beignet or virgin frozen daiquiri couldn't solve!
After a quick dip in the hotel pool followed by baths and fresh jammies, we settled in for a relaxing night of movie-watching and room service. It was fun to watch the city come alive from the beautiful view of our hotel room and after three very busy days, even more fun to watch it sitting comfortably with my feet up and with a Sazerac in hand.
There's just something about New Orleans. I've been told either you love it or you hate it and I can say without a doubt that I absolutely loved it. I loved every minute of it- even the hottest, stickiest, sweatiest moments. The people are one of a kind and the energy throughout the city is like nothing I've ever felt in a city.
Can you take your family to New Orleans and have a great time? Absolutely. Two weeks ago I wasn't a believer. I would have laughed at the thought but after spending four priceless days there with my husband and our two boys under the age of three, I am most definitely a believer.
A believer who can't wait to return. If you're looking to take a family vacation, I strongly encourage you to #followyournola. I promise you'll thank me later. Visit Follow Your Nola to start planning.
Brand Disclosure: I am so grateful for the opportunity to take this vacation with my family, a vacation that likely wouldn't have happened otherwise. Priceless memories were made and for that, I will always be thankful for this sponsored opportunity. I received no financial compensation for this post but did received an all-expense paid trip to New Orleans through the New Orleans Travel and Tourism board.
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PVC's or Post-Vacay Confessions.

2013-06-12T07:00:00.000-04:00

- Even though we arrived home from New Orleans on Sunday, allowing me ample time to unpack, wash, dry and fold all of our laundry, we're leaving town again for the beach this weekend and part of me (most of me) wants to just leave the laundry and suitcases packed and bring them with us to our beach house and do the laundry there. I mean, all I really would have to do is pack some extra swim suits and that seems like the brighter albeit easier idea.
- I showered, fixed my hair and put on make up every single day that we were on vacation. What's more, I didn't even pack a single pair of black yoga pants for the trip. My husband was so happy. That said, we've been home three days now and although I've showered every day by the skin of my teeth, I haven't even blow dried my hair let alone put any make up on. Not to mention that my standard uniform of exercise shorts and tank tops is back with a vengeance. Sorry husband, it was nice while it lasted.
- The food was ah-mazing in New Orleans but just about every third thing we put into our mouths was fried. Fried shrimp, fried oysters, you name it, it was fried. I will now be eating salads all day, every day or at least until I can no longer stomach a leafy green. Which, if we're being honest, is probably tomorrow.
- For what it's worth, the boys did fantastic on each flight of our trip. There were a couple of unforeseen hiccups that we had to deal with on the fly and I was pleasantly shocked and so proud of how well they handled themselves. That said, the next vacation my husband and I take will not be in the company of our children. We may have even booked our next set of child-less flights the minute our plane touched back down in Maryland.
- Those frozen slushie Hurricanes that you can find on almost every corner of Bourbon Street are delicious. Coupled with the fact that you can buy one and proceed to walk around outside with it? Life-changing. Other states should take heed and start allowing this type of activity. It made vacationing with our kids that much more enjoyable.
- However, I could not and will never get used to seeing adults walking around drinking Bud Lights at 7:45 in the morning. Vomit.
- Shortly before we left on vacation, Carter had been waking up in tears around 3am in the morning. This would happen 1-2 times per week and for a while, my husband was going into the toddler's bedroom to lay with him until he fell back to sleep. This typically resulted in both my husband and the toddler spooning in the toddler's twin bed. To break this uncomfortable habit, I constructed a small pallet bed on the floor next to my side of the bed. It's so comfortable, in fact, that Sheepie actually thinks it's his bed and will often lay there until that fateful hour of the morning when Carter awakens and now silently makes his way into our bedroom, clutching his blanket, pillow and lovie with him. My husband is worried we've started a habit and I find myself constantly reassuring him that if Carter is still sleeping on our bedroom floor when hes five, then we should start worrying. I'm all about survival. My husband is all about not raising weird kids.
- I've started editing some of the pictures I took while on vacation. As much fun as I had taking the pictures, I am not looking forward to culling them. In fact, part of me just wants to keep putting it off. I'm weird like that.
- We left for vacation two days after we hosted Maclane's first birthday party at our house. I would be lying if I said that there weren't 95% of the decorations still hanging in our house. Let's not mention that our family room off of the kitchen looks like a cross between a pre-school and Toys R Us what with all of the primary colored toys that have taken up residence.
- I have zero motivation to clean up anything mentioned in the previous confession and will likely let it slide until after we return from the beach this coming weekend.
Whew. I can't tell if that made me feel better about myself or made me feel like the laziest person south of the Mason Dixon line. Make me feel better about myself and tell me something you need to get off your chest!
Well? Tell me!
linking up with one of my favorite mamas today!

Breakfast Rut? Try Grilled Banana and Nutella Paninis!

2013-06-11T07:00:00.000-04:00

Most mornings I find myself in a rut when it comes to whipping up quick and easy breakfast ideas. Every now and then I reach for the Nutella and decide to make myself and the boys a little breakfast treat.

For this recipe, a little Nutella and a couple of bananas go a long way. Want the recipe? Click here!

6 Words You Should Never Say To A Mother. And 6 Words You Should.

2013-06-10T12:55:00.002-04:00

I'm no stranger when it comes to taking the boys out together in public. Every day we run errands together, the three of us, and while some days that means just a quick car ride to the bank, most days it means we're running between the grocery store, Target, Walmart, the post office, etc.
I'll never understand the mothers who choose to do their errands after their kids go to bed each night. By that time of night I'm practically comatose on the couch so for me, it just makes more sense to throw them in the car and whisper a quick prayer to the gods of toddlerdom that they don't do anything really stupid so as to land us on the nightly news story.
If I've learned anything in my three years as a mother it's my kids' limits. For instance, I know that I can only take them in and out of their car seats three times before all hell breaks loose and fire begins to shoot from their eyes.
For those of you who can't do the math, that's three "buckle up's" and six in's and out's total. Try for a seventh in or out or fourth buckle up and I might as well stamp the words, "asking for it" on my forehead.
Have my cheeks flamed with the embarrassment of a public meltdown? Of course they have. After all, my kids are only human and they're only three and one years old. I certainly don't love running errands and I can't imagine they do either, regardless of how many cake pops I feed them or movies they watch on Netflix while in the checkout line of the grocery store.
Most of the time I can use my mom-spidey-sense to thwart whatever I think might cause a meltdown at any specific time. Those toys or balloons at the beginning of the checkout aisles? Worst idea ever and I can almost guarantee the person whose bright idea to place them there wasn't a parent. So as to avoid them, I simply steer the cart away from them before either kid takes notice. Most of the time, this works. Some of the time? We head home $7.99 poorer with a giant, equally as creepy panda balloon.
Some times, however, meltdowns are caused by the craziest of things. Perhaps the stranger in line behind us at Walmart breathed on the toddler the wrong way. Meltdown city and unfortunately unavoidable. In those scenarios? The most I can do is roll with it. Meltdowns don't last forever and I can promise you that your child isn't the first and certainly won't be the last to throw themselves to the floor in a fit of tears and spastic limbs.
What drives me absolutely crazy, however, isn't so much the meltdown as it is the reaction from onlookers. It wasn't until our recent family vacation to New Orleans that I had, on more than one occasion mind you, a passerby say quite possibly the worst six words you could say to a mother.
"You really have your hands full."
Let's take a minute to break this down logically, shall we?
Why, yes, Complete Stranger. You are right. Congratulations! You've undoubtedly made it past first grade math. I do, in fact, have two hands and two children which implies that yes, I do have my hands full.
Never mind the fact that my toddler is currently licking Bourbon Street, literally face to the sidewalk, while my baby is ripping the straw from my hurricane with his Go-Go Gadget arms, sending bright red Koolaid-esque slushie flying everywhere, all the while we are trying to navigate the cobblestone walkways and dodge the puddles of "water" with a double stroller, during, might I add, the children's nap time, which, if I'm being honest, is difficult to adhere to when away from home in an unfamiliar environment while on some semblance of family "vacation."
Yes, Complete Stranger, you are indeed right. My hands are full. But please don't offer to buy me a new drink or grab a stack of napkins from the bar behind you. Please don't look back wistfully and remember your children's early years, the same years you spent juggling them while out and about.
Instead, using your best mockingly sympathetic tone, please make this already frustratingly awkward and intense situation all the more frustrating and intense by making me feel like an inadequate mother who is unable to control her ~~wild heathens~~ offspring.
My question for you, Complete Stranger, is this, "Do you think I asked them to behave like this? Do you think I said to them, "Toddlers, you are behaving too well! Shame on me for keeping you out past your nap time so that we, as your parents, may enrich your little lives by showing you new places and spending quality time together. After all, you aren't napping all that well in that unfamiliar hotel bed any way! Let's take you out on the town and show this new city just how ruthless and uncouth you really are! After all, I really get my rocks off seeing how far we can push your limits."
The answer is no. I do not think any of those things and the last thing I want to do while out in public with my children is have to endure meltdowns and tantrums. But these things happen! They certainly happened when you were busy raising your children and they will undoubtedly happen when my children are raising their own children.
All I do ask, Complete Stranger, is that you think before you speak. Because although I'm almost certain you meant no harm in those six stinging words, hell, perhaps saying them was your way of high-fiving me in the solidarity of parenthood that screams, "yes! I have been there. It gets better," your words imply otherwise.
Your words imply that I am an inadequate mother who, in that moment, is losing control of her family. Your words imply that my hands will only get more full, my control less controlling, if I ever decide to expand that family.
Instead, let me offer a suggestion to those six stinging words. Here are six new words I would prefer for you to whisper instead.
"You are doing your very best."
And say them with a smile. A wistful nod that lets me know you've been there. That affirms my struggle to be the best mother I can when my children are spiraling out of control. Perhaps your child wasn't necessarily licking the sidewalks of Bourbon Street, but by saying those six words, it lets me know you've been there.
And you've survived. Because isn't that what this game of Motherhood is all about?

The M Family Does NOLA :: A Sneak Peek!

2013-06-07T09:00:00.000-04:00

A little over one week ago, I shared this post where I asked you, my awesome readers, for recommendations of must-sees, must-eats and must-dos while visiting New Orleans. I asked and holy cow, did you all answer. At first I was overwhelmed with suggestions but as I sat down and planned out our itinerary, little by little everything began to fall into place.
With two days under our belt here in the Big Easy, I wanted to pop in and share some of our trip here on the blog. If you're following me on Instgram or Twitter, then you've most likely already been privy to these photos.
I've been trying to break out my big girl camera as much as possible- the city is filled with incredible photo opportunities. From breathtaking backdrops along the Mississippi to gorgeous architecture lining the culture-rich streets, it's a shutterbug's dream. Until I'm able to get home and upload those photos, these cross-posted iPhone pictures will have to suffice!
Our first two days in New Orleans have flown by. They've been packed with so! much! fun! that on our walk to breakfast yesterday morning I casually said to my husband that I kind of wished we could extend our stay. I also contemplated moving here but that's a post for another day.
I'm kind of falling in love with New Orleans. The people, the sights, the rich culture, the fried food.. Oh lord. The fried food. Maybe it's better that we're only here until Sunday- wasn't my 2013 goal to be college hot and not knocked up? Whew. Between the poboys and the hurricanes, that's a goal that's get increasingly difficult to keep!
Upon arriving, we checked into the JW Marriott where we were welcomed with open arms. The staff here as been so incredibly helpful and hospitable and our parlor suite is just to die for. The staff never wastes an opportunity to dance in the hallway with Carter or hoist him up to a window to look out over the city and count streetcars.
Carter knew exactly what to do as soon as we walked into our gorgeous suite and that was immediately run and jump on his roll-away cot. The husband and I knew what we needed to do and that was immediately crack open a celebratory bottle of champagne for making it through another flight with two under three. A flight that was stuck on the ground for a little over an hour after an unexpected warning light came on as we were taxiing down the runway.

Our days have been filled with delicious food and drink- I'm not sure which I've enjoyed more, the char-grilled oysters at Acme Oyster House or the beignets and frozen cafe au lait at Cafe Du Monde. I will say that we will be returning for beignets and coffee each day for the rest of our stay here. Maybe even twice per day. Even the toddler gave them two thumbs up and he loved listening to the live street music that accompanied our breakfast. I would be lying if I didn't add that he also loved the pigeons. We told him they were a special Nola breed.

Mac, the ever constant observer, loves kicking back in the stroller and taking in the sights. He especially loved waving to all of the boats as we strolled along the Mississippi river. I had to stop and laugh when I turned back during a stroll down Bourbon Street to see my husband pushing our baby in the stroller. All I could think was, "You have a baby! ... On Bourbon Street!" The good news? We weren't the only ones and each time we passed a couple pushing a stroller, we raised our Styrofoam cup in solidarity.
After burning off some energy in Jackson Square and enjoying a dip in the fantastic hotel pool, the boys slept soundly and woke early the next morning, ready to spend the day at the aquarium and insectarium. Talk about blowing a tiny toddler mind. Carter couldn't get enough of the fishes at the aquarium and he definitely asked if the albino alligator could come back to the hotel with us for a swim in the pool. Not to mention that we had to practically drag him out of the parakeet exhibit! I have a strange feeling he'll be asking for a pet bird as soon as we get home to Maryland.

Even last night's rain didn't put a damper on our stay. A few laps around the hotel floor followed by a swim in the giant hotel bath tub and the boys were barely in their jammies before falling into a deep sleep. I'm telling you- if there's ever such a thing as too much fun, we're having it!
So, what's next for the M Family as they take on The Big Easy? The Audubon Zoo, Louisiana Children's Museum, Sucre, Orient Expressed and a Riverboat Cruise on the Steamboat Natchez, just to name a few!
Be sure to follow along with me and the boys as we continue to take in all that Nola has to offer! You can find me snapping and sharing away on Twitter and Instagram with the #followyournola hashtag!
More beignets, please!

Slim-Fasting My Way To Hot Mom Status

2013-06-06T08:45:00.000-04:00

No little girl ever says, "When I grow up I want to be a hot mom." The reality is, that's exactly the kind of mom I want to be.
I guess I always just assumed I'd be The Hot Mom. I'd be fun and cool, toting a baby on my hip while fondly overlooking the field my toddler was frolicking in. The three of us would be dressed to the nines, not a stain or stray hair among the lot of us. We'd have play dates and go on field trips and dine al fresco, exploring and appreciating the world around us. It goes without saying that I would also look this good almost immediately post-delivery.
Talk about delusions of grandeur.
Now I know those aren't the most important aspects of mothering (the play dates, the trendy clothes, the experiences). Of course I want to be stern yet empathetic, compassionate yet authoritative, supportive while simultaneously fostering independence. It also goes without saying that I want to raise kind, gracious, thoughtful and respectful gentlemen but I want to be and do all of those things while being The Hot Mom.
Hollywood not only makes child-bearing and child-rearing look easy but it also makes the post-delivery and recovery process look like a breeze. Starlets enter the hospital swollen, sweaty and 40 weeks pregnant only to walk out three days later looking svelte, well-rested and ready to take on the world one screenplay, well-paid assistant, and cute, cuddly new accessory at a time.
Let me be the first to say that is not reality. Reality is wearing your maternity jeans well after your baby is born. Reality is washing both your face and underneath your arms with the same make-up removing cloth because you haven't had the time to take a decent shower in days.

Reality is gaining and losing over 100 lbs in thirty-six months, undergoing two abdominal surgeries in the form of planned C-sections and working your ass tush off (literally) to make the weight you were in college look just as good (meaning less baggy and saggy).

I want to be The Hot Mom. I want to make two kids look damn good. And when it comes down to it, who wouldn't? Have you ever heard a woman say, "Meh, I don't really care what I look like after two kids. Heck, I'm happy with my flabby, mushy belly!" I didn't think so.

With summer right around the corner and an influx of swimwear catalogs finding their way into my mailbox every other week, the desire to be The Hot Mom is in overdrive and I would be lying if I said I wasn't looking for quick and easy ways to slim down and lose a little extra weight before donning a bathing suit and spending a weekend chasing my two little gentlemen up and down the beach.
My quick and easy solution? Slim-Fast. Not only is it a great short-term weight loss solution but it tastes good and is perfect for busy, on-the-go moms like myself. With a wide variety of product options and flavors, I don't find myself stuck in a rut of boring, tasteless shakes and bars.
I especially like Slim-Fast's 3-2-1 Plan, a combination of smart snack suggestions, meal bars, shakes and easy meal recipes designed to help you quickly and safely lose weight without wasting time or energy. I also appreciate how Slim-Fast sets you up with tools to succeed. You can visit their website where you'll find weight loss and BMI index calculators designed to help you create a weight loss plan that is both safe and effective.
Thanks to Slim-Fast, while I'm chasing my kids up and down the beaches of Ocean City, Maryland this summer I can be confident that fellow beach-goers won't be laughing at the sight of me in my bathing suit. They may, however, be laughing at my awesome parenting skills and that is just fine by me. After all, at least I'll look like The Hot Mom while losing complete control. Maybe I'll even get mistaken for the boys' nanny!
I can't be the only one who wants to lose a little extra weight quickly and safely for the sake of say, fitting into a swimsuit for a weekend at the beach. What about you?
What is the juiciest/funniest REAL reason you've ever tried to lose a few pounds? Seeing an ex for the first time? Or worse, his new girlfriend? High school reunion? School field trip with the mean moms? Tell me about it. Just leave a comment telling me about the silliest reason you've had for trying to lose weight. Entries will be pooled between participating blogs and two lucky winners will be picked at random to each win a $1,000 SpaFinder gift card!
Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: "#SweepstakesEntry"; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 6/6/13 – 6/30/13.

Be sure to visit the Slim-Fast brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

2 Father's Day Gift Ideas & $200 Cash Giveaway!

2013-06-05T07:00:00.000-04:00

When it comes to celebrating the special dads in your life, where does one begin? Finding the perfect gift for Father's Day creeps up on me every single year and every year I struggle to find the one perfect gift for both my dad and my husband that truly shows just how much I appreciate them.
It's no secret that shopping for men is a difficult endeavor. If you're anything like me, there are three specific categories from which you typically choose gifts for the special men in your life. These categories are:
1. Power Tools: Because nothing says "thank you for being such an incredible father to our children" like a belt sander.
2. Grilling Accessories: Because a brand new spatula, tongs and apron really does scream, "thank you for all of the blood, sweat and tears you poured into raising me over the last twenty-something years."
3. Clothes: Because if the dads in your life are anything like the dads in mine, they rarely buy anything for themselves, clothing included. I can't remember the last time my husband purchased an item of clothing for himself. Actually, scratch that. I can remember and it was back in 2009.

That's why it seemed only fitting that part of my husband's Father's Day gift come from Castaway Clothing. Nantucket-based and family-owned, Castaway Clothing is known for their traditional American coastal clothing style.
With one look at their catalog, I was immediately smitten with their wide array of t-shirts, embroidered shorts, gingham button down shirts and polos. Having just purchased a boat with his brothers, I knew my husband would be in dire need of some new beach and dock-appropriate wear. Not to mention that the last pair of new shorts he was given were purchased by me before the birth of our first son, three years ago.
To celebrate him this Father's Day, Castaway Clothing sent a fantastic little package our way that included matching father-son embroidered flag shorts (yes, you read that correctly and yes, it IS the cutest thing you've ever seen in the whole entire world) as well as a matching polo for my husband.

And here I thought matching sibling sets were cute. Matching father-son shorts about did me in. For my husband who loves his family and the beach and having his family at the beach more than life itself, these pieces from Castaway Clothing couldn't have been more perfect. Not to mention that they'll be the perfect shorts to wear while sailing out on our pontoon boat for the 4th of July!

If you're looking for the perfect Father's Day gift idea, be sure to check out Castaway Clothing. Not only are they a wonderful company who keeps family, friends and fun at the pinnacle of their business model, but it's guaranteed you'll find something for every dad in your life.

Be sure to check them out online, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. I know it's Father's Day and all but I can't help but bookmark a few of their kid's and women's pieces as well! It's a good thing we have a couple of summer birthdays coming up...

Looking for another great gift idea for dads? How about a custom coupon book from Datevitation! This isn't the first time you're hearing about this fun company here on the blog and I have a feeling it won't be the last!

Datevitation is the web's first custom love coupon platform with over 350 unique activity options for lovers, parents and kids. If you remember, I surprised my husband with a sweet little coupon book for Christmas last year and we've had a blast setting aside some time each month to use up our coupons!

One great gift idea for Father's Day would be to create a custom coupon book for dad from the kids! It could include fun activities such as hiking, camping, game night or even letting dad have control of the remote one evening after dinner. With Datevitation, the possibilities are endless! The cut off for Father's Day orders is June 7th so hurry up and place your order! Books normally start at $20 but with code "CARROTS10" you'll receive $10 off your order!

What's even more fun is that Datevitation is currently hosting a giveaway for $200 cash to either Amazon.com or Paypal, winner's choice! To enter, simply follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter widget below! Good luck to those who enter! This giveaway will be live until the end of this month.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I did not receive any financial compensation for the production of this post. I did receive product from Castaway Clothing in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions, as expressed above.

Where The Wild Things Are Party Picture Mash Up.

2013-06-03T10:08:00.001-04:00

Printables from OliveandBirch on Etsy

What. a. day! Even though today we slept a little later and we're all moving a little slower thanks to what, I'm certain, is a sugar hangover, Maclane's Where The Wild Things Are first birthday party was so much fun and a wild success!

Worried about the 30% chance of rain in the day's forecast proved futile. After a quick drizzle during the first few minutes of the party, the rain held off until the last guest left and we were finished celebrating our sweet boy. As the kids bounced in the moon bounce in the yard, the men talked shop around the grill on the deck and the women congregated around the White Peach Sangria.

There wasn't a minute that passed that you couldn't feel the love and happiness that filled our house. Many times throughout the day, Mike and I were reminded how blessed we are to be surrounded by such incredible family and friends who spoil and love our boys to the nth degree. We are truly lucky.

I'll go ahead and let the pictures do the talking. It goes without saying that I won't be doing any party crafting or baking for a very, very long time but it was so worth it...

"M" mod podged with pages from the Where The Wild Things Are book

Eleven Months of MacAttack Photo Display

Dessert table

Printables from OliveandBirch on Etsy

The birthday boy! Onesie from StellasShop on Etsy

Monogrammed Zutano Diaper Cover from Peekawhoo

The kid's table included kid-friendly snacks,

circle PB&J sammies as well as a cooler full of juice boxes

and fruit mash-ups!

Homemade cake pops with tiny fondant crowns. Obviously.

Party favors were homemade sailboat sugar cookies

Somebody was really digging his chocolate cake!

Big brother was so busy having fun with all of his friends,

we hardly saw him at the party!

Cake smash success!

Dress Bracelets Nail Polish

We survived another First Year. So grateful to be parenting alongside this guy!

Fifteen days until the "official" ONE!

**A huge enormous amount of thank you's to my sister-in-love, Krista Lee, who literally worked her behind off to help me with this party. From stuffing giant paper leaves to painstakingly making those tiny fondant crowns, to just coming over and hanging out with the boys when needed- this party would not have been nearly as cute nor as fun without her! Thank you, KL!! XO!**

More Grace, Please.

2013-05-30T07:00:00.000-04:00

For the first time in nearly three years, I wished myself away from my children.
I wished not just in my head but out loud that I had a job outside of the home, a job that took me away from them so I wouldn't have to talk over them all day, reprimand them, to yell at them, my commands falling on deaf toddler ears.
Some days I feel like a broken record. "Don't sit on the table. Don't jump on the couch. Don't pull the baby's leg. Don't drag the baby across the floor. Don't throw your trucks. Stop taking his toys. Please share your things. Help me clean up. Just sit down. SIT STILL FOR A MINUTE. NO! NO! NO!"
Most days are good days. Great days, even. But some moments are just bad enough that they almost make you forget the great days.
It was seconds after the toddler head-butted the baby down the single step down in the kitchen that I lost my shit. He was fine, of course, shaken up no doubt, but I lost it so bad by the time I was done yelling at the toddler, with tears streaming down his face, he was asking for his daddy.
With tears streaming down my face, I told him I know exactly how that feels.
It was not my finest mothering moment. In fact, it's one among many that I'm not particularly proud of but this shit is hard. Mothering is no joke. It's not playing house. It's not all dandelions and pancakes, pinterest projects and perfect pictures.
It's a text message to your husband at 5:30pm asking him to come home because you can't, not for another minute, be in the same house as your kids. Because walking out on them, as crasy as it sounds, actually seems like a really good idea at the moment.
It's a baby gate on the toddler's bedroom door and quiet time for the baby in his crib as you sit in the cold, quiet basement, monitors turned off so that you can't hear the constant calls, "Mom! Mommy? Momma!" Ashamed for how you reacted, racking your brain for other ways in which you could have handled the situation.
I've never wished myself away from my kids and almost as quickly as I wished that wish, I regretted it. But I'm only human. I only have so much patience. There is no manual to mothering. I don't know about your kids but mine certainly didn't come with a handbook, let alone a loose set of "guidelines" or shit, helpful tips even.
I'm so grateful for a husband who, without hearing the frustration or the sadness and regret in my voice, knew immediately that he had to come home. Who walked through the door after a crazy day at work and said, "go."
He also said, "boys, take it easy on your mama or you're going to leave me with a ragged, empty shell of a woman I used to know," but that's neither here nor there.
I'm writing this because I know I can't be the only know who feels like this sometimes and it's reassuring to know I'm not the only one who maybe once (or twice) wished themselves away from their kids only to find themselves curled up on the edge of their sleeping toddler's bed a mere three hours later, tears streaming down their face as they apologized to their sleeping toddler, hoping that when he wakes he won't remember Scary Mommy, but rather the mommy who blew bubbles and painted pictures and splashed around in the backyard kiddie pool that hot Wednesday morning.
Mothering isn't easy but I find peace knowing that tomorrow is a new day. I don't know about you but I could sure use more grace, please.

We're Off To The The Big Easy But Need YOUR Help! #mynola

2013-05-28T12:00:00.000-04:00

Let's play a little game, shall we? A word association game, if you will. I'm going to throw out a word, two words, actually, and I need you to say what immediately comes to mind. Ready?

New Orleans.

So, what did you say? Did you say, "Mardi Gras?" "The French Quarter?" "Hurricanes?" "Beaded necklaces?" If you mentioned any of the above, welcome to my brain.

I'm not going to lie. When I think of New Orleans, I immediately think of Mardi Gras. The French Quarter. Of Hurricanes and beaded necklaces. I think nothing that screams "family vacation."

Which is kind of funny considering I'm in the throes of planning our next family vacation there. We leave in two weeks. And that is why, dear readers, I need your help!

By now you know I rarely do anything without conducting thorough research and planning a family vacation is no different. After all, it's not just me and my husband that I have to worry about but meals, activities and adventures that are suitable for two little boys, 3 and under, in a city that I've only read about in books and seen on television.

I know The Big Easy isn't just for big people and I'm determined to explore and experience everything that this incredible city, rich in history and in culture, has to offer, starting with eating Maclane's weight in beignets at Cafe Du Monde. I'm not even kidding.

Currently, I'm utilizing two fantastic resources to plan our trip itinerary, Follow Your Nola and the New Orleans Mom Blog. Each of these websites is chock full of information related to everything New Orleans. From where to stay, where to eat and what activities to plan, these resources have been priceless!

With a little less than two weeks until our departure, I'm up to my ears planning! To help me bookmark places I want to be sure to visit, I've created a Pinterest board. Be sure to take a look at it and if you're familiar, let me know what I'm missing!

Places and spaces that are on our must-see list?

The Audubon Zoo

The Cool Zoo Waterpark

The Louisiana Children's Museum

The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

The Insectarium

The National WW2 Museum

If you happen to be on Twitter, I would love for you to tweet me any New Orleans must-see, must-eat, must-do's @LvdMoreThnCrrts. Be sure to include the hashtag #mynola and you'll be entered to win one of these amazing prize packs made up of awesome gifts such as Amex gift cards, sunglasses, travel totes, mugs, instant film for your brand new Polaroid camera and more!

We are so excited about our upcoming family vacation to Nola! Both The Husband and I have a shared passion for travel which has taken a bit of a backseat to raising our boys these past few years but we both agree that it's a passion we hope to cultivate in them and what better way than to start traveling with them while they're young? Packing and planning may be a bit of a headache now but I know the stress will all be worth it when we arrive!

I almost forgot, I've heard the Streetcars are also a must-do and a great way to get around the city. My husband is especially excited to take a riverboat tour! Have you ever been to New Orleans? I know I've got some readers who are from the area, so don't be shy! I'm asking for your help! Help me plan our next family vacation!

Don't forget, tweet me or post to my Facebook wall any suggestions for our vacation destination and use the hashtag #mynola to be entered to win an awesome prize pack! From what I've heard it's going to be a hot one! I'll be tweeting, planning and updating our itinerary over the coming week and will be sure to share it with you as we get closer to departing for The Big Easy!

This is a sponsored post. All thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and truly my own. I did not receive financial compensation for these opinions. I did, however, receive an all-expense paid family vacation to New Orleans.

Stop And Watch The Bulldozers Because Babies Don't Keep.

2013-05-28T07:00:00.001-04:00

If being a mother has taught me anything at all, it has taught me to slow down. To appreciate the smaller moments. To understand that babies really don't stay little for very long at all.

This may seem like an obvious realization to most but as I sit on the horizon of two very special little boys' birthdays, I can't help but feel like I've been hit with a ton of bricks.
I can't tell you how many times I've been in the car, my two sweet little boys in tow, driving past a bulldozer or other construction truck, be it parked or in motion and almost immediately a tiny voice from the backseat sweetly demands, "turn around the car, mommy? I see a bulldozer!"
And who am I to say no? It's not like our typical errands are any more important than blowing my toddler's little mind. So I do just that. I turn the car around and we find a place to park as we watch the bulldozer in action. And for the rest of the day? Maybe even into the next morning? It's all about that bulldozer we watched. Scooping, digging, lifting and building.
Weather permitting, I try and take long walks with the boys every day. Not only does it tucker them out but fresh air is good for the soul, both big and small. On days where we spend the majority of the day outside? Bedtimes are easier and earlier. I have more patience, am more tolerant, say "yes" more and "no" less. But those walks? Take forever. In fact, I'm not even sure my heart rate ever gets above 70 because we're stopping so often. Stopping to drop small rocks down the drainage pipe covers. Stopping to pick up sticks, stopping to check out the bugs. Stopping to take a rest on a garden wall because stopping so much sure is exhausting.

But I have to remind myself, one day, these boys aren't going to want to ride in the car with their mom while I run errands. "Quick trips" will be a thing of the past as they whine and refuse to take the five minute car ride with me to the grocery store.
One day they won't willingly take walks with me. They'll be too big and too busy and too cool to do silly stuff like that with their mom. They'll be into boys things with their boy friends and there will be no girls allowed.

And lord knows, one day, I won't be the number one woman in their life. It may very well be a silly thing to think about while they're just shy of three and one years old but it's a fact that I will inevitable have to face and one that already pulls at my heartstrings.
So for now? As that little hand slips thoughtlessly, seamlessly into mine and pulls me to a halt on our walk just to bend down to watch a line of ants march around a fallen leaf? You damn well know I'm stopping and bending.
When that tiny voice asks to turn the car around, adding fifteen, maybe even twenty minutes onto our errand-running? You'd better believe I'm turning that car around and maybe even stopping for ice cream before we sit and watch those bulldozers do their thing.
Because babies don't keep and before I know it? They'll be too big and too busy and too cool to do these things and this mama needs to soak it all in before then.

Hi, My Name Is AP and I Love Walmart.

2013-05-26T14:42:00.000-04:00

Most people cringe when they hear the word "Walmart." I, however, tend to get a little excited. I didn't always feel this way, so hear me out.

We kind of live in the sticks. In fact, most people, when told that we live at the end of Route XYZ, express a small level of shock as they quickly reply, "Gosh! I didn't even know you could take the road that far." Well, it's true. You can and if you did, you would find our house, tucked quaintly among acres of farmland, behind one of those old-fashioned Main Streets you see in movies and magazines.
Although I give Maryland a lot of flack, it's really kind of nice.
That said, it's really kind of rural and with rural comes lack of easily accessible retail stores. Now we do have a couple of national grocery chains and one mid-size clothing department store but we don't have a mall. Or a Target. Driving to either of those places requires a 25+ minute car ride and as they saying goes, "ain't nobody got time for that." Especially when it involves toting two disgruntled kidlets in tow.
But we do have a Walmart. It's not one of those fancy super Walmart stores, just a plain ol' regular Walmart but it's still awesome. I never ever thought I would mutter those words but it's true. I love going to Walmart. In fact, each of my boys' first outings after coming home from the hospital was to Walmart for some fresh air and last minute baby necessities. Maybe that's why their immune systems are so awesome?
You want to know why I love Walmart so much and why I was there buying some baking essentials this weekend? Believe me, it's for a recipe you won't want to miss! Click here to read more!

Happy 11 Months, MacAttack!

2013-05-24T07:00:00.000-04:00

Dear Mackie,
Eleven months. I know I say this every month but this has seriously been the fastest eleven months of my whole life. Although the days sometimes feel much too long, at the end of them, I sit back and think that these last eleven months have gone by in a flash.

I can still remember riding home from the hospital with both you and your brother in the backseat, ready to begin this grand adventure of life as a family of four, anxious as to how our days would unfold. I worried because I didn't know any better. If I only I could go back in time to that drive home in the car and tell myself just how wasted those worried thoughts would be.
Maclane, it wasn't until we brought you home that we realized how incomplete our family was. You have brought so much laughter and joy to your daddy, your brother and to me. Our days are brighter, louder and more full because of you and we wouldn't trade it or change it for the world.

This last month has been such a whirlwind. One minute your taking two to three unassisted steps bridging yourself between furniture and the next minute you're walking clear across the family room of Gammie and Poppy's house in New Jersey. Your Poppy, big brother and I watched on in amazement as you took your first steps and after catching them on video we celebrated and cheered so loud for you, as if you'd just won the Nobel Prize. You were so proud of yourself and each time you take off across the room, the biggest smile stretches across your face.
Speaking of smiles, you wake up each morning happier than a pig in dirt. It's as if you know how much of a gift each day is and you just wake up bright-eyed and ready to embrace and celebrate the day. I swear, you're the happiest baby I know.

You're walking, running, dancing, clapping, waving bye-bye and talking up a storm this month. Always in motion, always on the go, always with somewhere to be and something to do. You absolutely love to dance and the minute anyone starts singing or music plays on the TV or radio, you immediately starting clapping your little hands and doing this ridiculous shoulder shake and arm sway. No matter where you're sitting or standing you only dance with the top half of your body and it's pretty much the cutest thing ever.

You point to what you want and where you want to go. Each of these directions is often accompanied with a, "eeeeeh?" sound. You can be a little bossy when it takes us a minute to figure out what you want. You certainly inherited your mother's patience.

At this rate, I'm fairly certain I will be nursing you until you enter middle school. Now, I know that won't be the case but good lord do you love the milk bar. You're still nursing three to four times throughout the day, before bed and once during the night. I have no idea how to wean you as this is my first rodeo making it this far but if I'm being honest? I'm in no rush to cut you off. I've always let you dictate your schedule based on your needs and it's worked for us. So, why mess with a good thing?
This month you've nom'd on turkey burgers, salmon, watermelon (a previously disliked food) and just about every other fresh fruit you can get your hands on. You continue to love green peas, corn and steamed carrots. You still loathe broccoli. One of your absolute favorite foods is peanut butter and the minute we give your brother a PB sandwich you immediately take off after him trying to pry it from his hands. You're still not a huge fan of water or even whole milk- you'll only take big gulps from your brother's cup and let it spill out of your mouth over your chin. Can't say we didn't at least try.

You still hate pacifiers, bottles and sippy cups. You'll suck from a straw cup but still prefer to saddle on up to the milk bar. Like I said, middle school.
You're favorite time of day is bath time and you splash and shriek and shout like a maniac the entire time you're in that water. Similarly, the weather has finally warmed up enough on occasion that I've started filling the plastic kiddie pool out back with water and you are just beside yourself in it. You could spend an hour sitting, splashing and climbing into and out of that $10 pool. We can't wait to take you to the beach!
You weigh 25lbs. and are wearing size 5 diapers and 18-24 month clothes. At 30.5 inches tall, you're 2 inches shorter than your brother at this age but roughly 3-4lbs. heavier. There's no denying that you're a bit of a bruiser, Maclane!

You hair is still brown, as are your eyes! They were looking hazel for a short while but it turns out you take after your mama after all. In fact, you're the spitting image of her as a baby and I just love it so much!
Your favorite toys include whatever your brother is playing with at the moment. This includes the iPad, any of his trains on the playroom train table, his Leaptop computer and his hot wheels cars. You love swinging in your swing beneath the deck and opening and closing all of the cabinet and oven doors on the play kitchen. You also adore chasing after your brother as he runs around the first floor of the house. The only thing that slows you down is the step down in the kitchen and even I know that obstacle will be short-lived.

Your most-used nicknames this month include Mackie, Smackers and MacAttack. The minute we say your name you stop whatever it is you're doing (or not supposed to be doing) and flash us the cheesiest grin. You're such a ham, Maclane. No new teeth month either, just those two little bottom ones hangin' tough.

Happy 11 months, Maclane! Pack your bags, sweet boy! You're birthday party is in less than three weeks and just a few days after that we board a plane for what I hope will be an exciting family adventure! Thank you for being such a BIG joy in our lives!

We love you more than carrots,

Mommy, Daddy, Carterito and the Sheepster

My Toddler Is A Movie-Streaming Whiz.

2013-05-19T13:47:00.001-04:00

Like clockwork, I hear the sound of the toddler's bedroom door open. A minute passes before it slams shut, a sound that is nothing but brain-jarring at six-thirty in the morning.
In a sleepy daze I vow to punch whomever is slamming doors at this ungodly hour but as the fog of sleep lifts from around me, I can hear the toddler standing outside my bedroom door yelling, "Mom? Mom? You there? I nee halp! Sheepie? Come halp me!"
I clumsily extend an arm from the warm tangle of sleep and pillows and reach for the iPad that sits on my nightstand. Pulling it from it's charging post, I slide out of bed with it and stumble into the hallway where the toddler is standing bright-eyed and bushy-tailed on the other side of the baby gate that promises no late night adventures around the house.
I hand over the iPad as he quickly runs back into room, jumping into bed with a hearty, "Danks, Mom! Now I watch a movie!" With tiny tech-savvy fingers I watch as he navigated the tablet, a swipe here, a swipe there. Within seconds the screen illuminated with red as the Netflix app came to life.
I have now bought myself at least another forty-five minutes of uninterrupted slumber as familiar voices begin to flood the toddler's bedroom.
Want to know what the toddler was watching and how Netflix has a portal in place that allows parents to rest easy, assured their tiny fingers won't wander into inappropriate media selections? Click the picture below!

On Putting My Children Before My Husband.

2013-05-15T07:00:00.000-04:00

One of my husband's more prominent love languages is words of affirmation and when you marry someone whose love language is vastly different from yours, holidays, anniversaries and even the nitty gritty day-to-day can be a challenge but that's a post for a whole other day.
It's no secret that one of my love language is gifts and not because I'm selfish and love things. Well, I do love things but as anyone whose love language is gifts will tell you, it's much less about the materialistic nature of the gift and much more about the time and thoughtfulness put into the gift that speaks volumes.
Recently my husband in all of his "words of affirmation glory" said something to me that has since resonated, echoing in my ears multiple times throughout the day. He was praising my efforts as a mom and letting me know just how grateful and appreciative he is on the daily that our kids are being raised by me.
He threw out words like "adore," "incredible" "lucky" and "amazing" and although I'm often uncomfortable when on the receiving end of compliments, even from him, I couldn't help but blush a bit and pat myself on the back for a job well done.
He joked about how he's my "third biggest fan," close on the heels of my number one fan who may be biased as his affections for me have a lot to do with my breasts and behind even our oldest son who staunchly refuses to let anyone take him up to bed each night other than me. He laughed and quickly followed up by saying, "I come third, but I'm okay with that right now."
And it hit me.
He's right. For a while now he has come third. As anyone with kids as little as ours will tell you, it's difficult to make time for anyone else, including yourself, when you're busy neck-deep in raising them. Between the fog of newborn-dom and the terrible twos, lack of sleep and let's call it what it is, trying your damnedest to keep them alive and out of the ER each and every day, there isn't a whole lot left for anyone else. Emotionally, physically, and/or spiritually.
I would be lying if I said that my wifely duties both in the kitchen and the bedroom have suffered a bit (maybe moreso than I care to admit) since we had the baby. I'm only human and I'm only one person and hot damn, raising two little boys under three is exhausting! There's just no two ways about it.
I applaud the women I see in social media who appear to do it all. Believe, I am not one of them. When I bake? I don't cook. When I steam clean the floors? I forget about the laundry. Too many Mondays have come and gone where my husband hasn't had any clean socks to wear to work that morning. Shame on me.
That's when I take a minute to remind myself that without my husband, we wouldn't have these two beautiful blessings that take up so much of our day to day energy. The foundation we lay for them now as husband and wife and mom and dad will be the foundation that their entire future is built upon. Nobody wants to build upon a weak and shaky foundation. I'm no expert when it comes to marriage, although I have to say we have a pretty awesome thing going these last five and a half years and I'm certainly no expert when it comes to raising kids either. I mean, have you heard my child tell you to "mine your bizzies?" What makes our marriage so successful, however, is that it's made up of two people who allow each other to falter. Who show each other patience, understanding and forgiveness even when it isn't the easiest to do.
After all, he's a yell-er and I'm a door slammer.
I'm thankful to be married to a man that doesn't mind "coming in third" to our children in this stage of life. I love him so much more for realizing and understanding that this is not a permanent season in our life. That it's also a learning process for the both of us and that I'm really trying my hardest to accommodate the needs of everyone in our family.
Even if that means I occasionally fall asleep in the toddler's bed at night or forget to move his laundry to the dryer. Regardless, I'll always be his number 1 fan.
2007, Our honeymoon on Kauai.

Mackie Walks! The Incredibly Amateur Video.

2013-05-14T07:00:00.000-04:00

Let's face it. New Jersey is better than Maryland for many reasons and it's not just because my parents live there (but it is) or because of the awesome bagels and pizza (but it is). It's awesome because it's also where Maclane took his first steps and a few days after that, started running. For real.
Now, please excuse my incredibly amateur video editing skills. You see, this is not my forte and not only am I on a laptop in New Jersey that I don't normally use but I'm converting video files and splicing things and using shady software and really making a fool of myself when it comes to editing movies.
Forgive me, okay? One day I'll get the hang of this and register whatever ridiculous video converting software I downloaded from god knows where (sorry husband) so that there isn't that annoying watermark.
In the mean time? Here's a video of Maclane's latest and greatest accomplishment. On May 9th, nine days before his 11 month birthday, he took his very first steps. Within days he was up and cruising like a pro. Carter started walking on his 11 month birthday and I will never forget the day I saw him toddle down the hallway in our kitchen. Big boy status, achieved.
Way to go, MacAttack! We're so proud of you. I, on the other hand, need a stiff drink. Two bipedal kids is no f'ing joke and Maclane is at the exact head-height of every single object of death in our home. It's time to put the ER on speed dial or buy the kid a helmet.

I Vote For A New Holiday, The Day After Mother's Day Day.

2013-05-13T10:21:00.000-04:00

"1,034 days. You've been a mom for 1,034 days and if you really think about it, you've had maybe five days off in all that time," said my husband on the phone last night. My reply was simple, "Well, I certainly don't do it for the vacation days!"
I guess I had never even thought about it like that, but he's right. Almost. I've spent six nights away from the boys in almost three years which means I've technically had six days "off" from being a mom. That makes me laugh, mostly because I knew when I decided to become a mom that days off weren't exactly a part of the package.
Although the benefits are priceless, being a mother certainly isn't a job one chooses for the recognition much less the hours. Bankers hours this job certainly is not. While we're on the subject, I have a hard time calling this a "job," kind of like how I hate asking my husband to "babysit" our kids while I spend a couple of hours running errands on a Saturday.
Being a mom is something I chose to do. It's a sacrifice and a blessing all wrapped up into two little bodies. It's consciously making the decision to be selfless, to put your needs second and the needs of your family first. Three years in and I still struggle with that some days.
Being a mother is hard work. The hardest work I've ever done and I think that says a lot considering I've held the hands of the dying and been witness to miracles. Every day I feel the pressure of raising my boys to be kind, respectful, humble contributing members of society. Especially when one of them is standing in the middle of the grocery store shouting at me to "mine your bizzies."
Mother's Day is much like Valentine's Day in so much that it forces your loved ones to buy you a card and shower you with niceties and the occasional present. That said, it's nice to have a day come around each year where others are forced to recognize your sacrifices and accomplishments and you, as mom, have an excuse to politely demand sleeping in and no diapers to change before 11am.
What really makes me laugh is that a mere 24 hours later, you're back in the trenches wiping noses and slinging dirty diapers like they're going out of style but with flowers to keep alive and a box of chocolates on the table teasing your ass out of the shape you worked so hard to get it in over the last several months.
But hey, at least you got to sleep in and mom, you'd better appreciate it because those few extra hours you got are going to have to last you another 364 days.
I vote we induct a new holiday into the calendar year, The Day After Mother's Day holiday, when reality sets back in and you're left clinging to the extra hours of sleep you won't see again for another whole entire year while you're two kidlets hold a screaming match at the kitchen table while simultaneously throwing their breakfast that you worked so hard to make to the dog.
And while we're on the subject, is it so much to ask for just one decent family picture? JUST ONE? I'm seeing all these perfectly posed, perfectly coiffed mothers and their offspring popping up in my news feed, tweet feed, blogroll and I can't help but wonder "where can I get whatever sedative they gave their kids?"
I'm kidding. I take that back. That picture you see up there? Is just perfect. That's my family and those two little boys you see? They're the ones who blessed me with the work that is being a mom and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Happy Day After Mother's Day.

Make Your Own :: Watermelon Slushie Shakes.

2013-05-08T07:00:00.000-04:00

The smoothie craze hits in waves here in our house. Months will fly by where my husband and I are feverishly making smoothies in the morning before our day begins and then winter usually sets in and we retire the Magic Bullet until the warmer months reemerge. Our smoothies aren't fancy by any means, usually just some frozen fruit, greek yogurt, vanilla whey protein and juice (orange or a tropical fruit blend) to ease the blending process. We buy the frozen fruit in bulk from Costco and it will usually last us a few weeks before we have to replenish our stash.
Even though the weather here has been less than desirable for the month of May, I started making smoothies a few weeks ago when the temps were in the high seventies and although most mornings it's still in the forties around here, I wake up looking forward to an ice cold shake for breakfast.
And in this case, a pre-dinner snack.
As the boys were ~~ramping up~~ winding down in the final hour before my husband was due home, I decided, as I was chopping up a fresh watermelon, that I needed a frosty little pick-me-up. Although I would have much rather brewed a pot of coffee for a late afternoon frappuccino, I knew this was the healthier option. Needless to say, it was absolutely delicious.

Watermelon Slushie Shake (More slushie, less shake)
What You'll Need: - 2 cups of fresh cut watermelon, preferably seedless. If not, you will need to de-seed. - 1/3 cup of milk - 1 tbsp granulated sugar or 1 packet Truvia (as I used) - 2 cups of ice cubes
What You'll Do:
Throw it all in your blender (or in my case, the Magic Bullet) and blend until desired thickness. I prefer for mine to be a bit more on the icy/slushie side so I do not blend until it is 100% smooth.
After whipping this delicious watermelon slushie up, I took to the internet to find ways that I could make it thicker and creamier on the days when I might want something more shake-y and less slushie. I found this recipe that calls for frozen watermelon chunks, erasing the need for ice cubes, thereby rendering something that much closer resembles the milkshake.
I already can't wait to try it! What are your frozen/fruit smoothie go-to recipes?

Life Lately. "Shup-Up, Mom!"

2013-05-07T07:00:00.000-04:00

Things are great here. They really, really are. I mean, of course they could always be better, right? It could be warmer outside (hello, schizo Mother Nature), it would be awesome if I wasn't up to my ear-balls in laundry every godforsaken day, I would appreciate it if my ankle would heal one hundred times faster, etc. but those are all trivial things.
Aside from all of that? Things are really, really good. Which might explain why I haven't had a whole lot to say. I haven't been baking up a storm so I don't have any recipes to share. I don't really have any wisdom regarding how (or how not) to raise your children to impart and you certainly don't need me jumping on any soapboxes. So? We've kind of just been kickin' it. M Family style.
We're busy and I mean busy with a capital "B". I just finished co-hosting my sister-in-law's first (of many) baby showers this summer and I had so much fun exercising a little creativity around a very simple primary color theme. We had a blast showering her and baby Gavin with love and presents and I cannot wait to squeeze his little guts come July. You see, she's due with G Baby just one week before Carter's birthday and each time she posts a pregnancy update, I can't help but think back to each of my summer pregnancies.
And within seconds I'm reminding myself of this year's goal. It's a good thing I'll get my baby-fix in the form of a brand new squishy nephew in just a few short months.

With Maclane's first birthday party right around the corner, I can now dedicate 100% of my energy to planning his Where The Wild Things Are party. I apologize to my husband in advance as it looks like we may be eating tuna noodle casserole and Kraft Mac-n-Cheese the last two weeks of this month as I may have already spent some grocery budget on party necessities. Maybe. See my blonde-haired little sister-in-law up there? She was in a sorority in college and therefore she is a creative genius when it comes to all things crafty and party decor. She's come up with some amazing ideas so here's to hoping we're able to pull them off in a little more than 3 weeks.
Maclane is days away from walking unassisted. Sure there is a small part of me that wants to push him over and sit on him so that he stops growing up so damn fast but at the same time he's at such a fun age that I can't help but love what each new day brings. Exploring, moving, interacting, dancing- I just love it so, so much.

Can we take a minute and talk about how much fun it is to have a small human living with you who has his own thoughts and opinions? I'm serious. Carter is pretty much the coolest, most hilarious kid I know and I find myself waiting with baited breath to hear what's going to come out of his cute little mouth next.
We've been waiting patiently for Carter's vocabulary to explode and over the course of the last several weeks it has just exploded by leaps and bounds. Our pediatrician was never concerned (are they ever?) and always said we would evaluate him at his 3-year appointment in July if need be. He always said the "right amount" of words and was stringing two to three of them together at a time but wasn't really ever conversing with us or parroting what we said consistently. With a recent onslaught of ear infections I was concerned that his ears might be the cause of his delayed speech but it turns out he was just waiting until he was ready.
I would like to point out that I really did have faith in him all along. I really felt like he was just waiting until he was ready. Well, we're at the point now where I rarely have to translate for him and he's speaking in full sentences and asking questions and pretending like he runs the show. Which, if we're being honest, he pretty much does. Just don't tell him that.
I, on the other hand, really have to watch my mouth now that I have a little Repeater Ronny running around the house. Just the other day, my SIL and I, along with our friend and babysitter, had been having a rather loud conversation at the kitchen table. Apparently we were too loud because without warning Carter shouted at the top of his lungs, "SHUP UP, MOM!" At first I thought I was hearing things but after he repeated himself a few more times, I tried to stifle both my laughter and mortification by ignoring him.
Then I decided I should probably tell him that we don't speak like that and it's better to say, "Please be quiet." If only "Please be quiet, Sheepie" was as effective as "SHUT UP, SHEEPIE!" Believe me, I take full responsibility for that one and after sharing the story with my mom she did say, "Well, Ash, it could have been much worse" and she's right.
If you follow me on Facebook then I'm sure you've already seen this hilarious and slightly inappropriate video of Carter sharing his new favorite number. I have no idea where he comes up with these things but EVERY day EVERY thing is all about this number.

We spent this past weekend finally planting bushes in our front garden beds, the same beds that have sat empty since we bought our house three years ago. It was getting to the point where our house looked rather vacant from the front and truth be told, it was a little (okay, a lot) embarrassing. Especially since our neighbor's lawn resembles a manicured golf course. My thoughts on shopping for bushes and shrubs? They're awfully expensive for just sticks and leaves. Happy Mother's Day to me.
The Straw-ber-itas flow freely after five (okay, seven o' clock at night) even if the laundry isn't folded and has sat in the same baskets in the same spot on our floor for the last several days. I haven't baked a single dessert in weeks which probably accounts for the fact that I can wear the same pairs of shorts I wore my freshman year of college.
Our days are full of fun and laughter (even more so now that we have an almost permanent moon bounce in our backyard) and midday 90's music dance parties. When we're not grilling dinner on the deck with the boys, we're down the street making the most of our kid-filled nights with our parent friends in the neighborhood.
Life is good. No, actually, life is great, even if my toddler does tell me "SHUP UP!" at least 69 times a day.

I Did It. I Finally Finished The Nursery.

2013-05-06T07:00:00.000-04:00

I feel like most of the rooms in my house are constantly a work in progress. Although we moved into our house, a veritable blank canvas, just a little over three years ago, I've just now begun getting tired of the decorative choices I made back then. Things like paint colors, the arrangement of furniture, bathroom mirrors and even bed spreads are being changed out left and right.
Back in 2011 when we found out we were expecting another boy, I couldn't wait to get started on another baby boy nursery. Unlike the first time around, Maclane's nursery was 90% finished by the time he arrived. I also took the room in a completely different direction than I did the first time. We don't have to talk about how he didn't start sleeping in there until he was well over six months old.

Whereas Carter's nursery was more "vintage preppy Peter Rabbit," Maclane's nursery had much less of a theme and much more of a "grey palette with bold patterns and pops of color." Shortly before Maclane was born I shared a rough and dirty "finished product" of his nursery but I would be lying if I said I was 110% in love with how it turned out.
For one thing, the room lacked a light. Any sort of light. And it took nearly seven months to pick out a fixture that I loved and three additional months for my husband to install it. And then there was the curtains. If you know anything about me, it's that I have a serious rug problem that is only rivaled by my affinity and indecisiveness for window treatments.

Although I absolutely loved the print on the curtains I found from Target they just weren't the right shade of orange and it literally bugged me every time I would walk by or into the room.
Then there was the age old question of, "what else to do with the wall above the crib?"

It took me nearly eight hours to string up that yarn letter "M" and as much as I adore that letter, the wall definitely needed something more. I just didn't know what. Thankfully, The Land of Nod provided me with endless options and after a few returns, I found the perfect bunting to string up with the "M" and paper lantern to hang in place of a crib mobile.

I think it's safe to say that Maclane's room is finally finished. That is, until it's time to switch him to his big boy bed. See? I'm already thinking ahead...

The view from the doorway:

A couple close-ups of the crib bedding, which I have to add was so incredibly affordable. I may have promised my husband that I would use it again even if we had a girl because I insisted on buying new crib bedding after splurging on Carter's set.

You can read here to find out what's in each of those baskets:

A sneak peek of Maclane's baptism bubble and one of his Pumpkin Butter Kids gowns that he wore while in the hospital:

The Details:

Grey Wall Paint: Behr Premium Ultra in Porpoise (790-E3) Crib: Davinci via Great Beginnings Changing Table: Davinci Rowan in Espresso via Amazon Swivel Rocker: Best Chairs, "Mandy" from the Storytime Series
Crib Bedding: "Khaki in the Mix" via Land of Nod Curtain Panels: Navy grommet panels, Target Home Ivory Shag Rug: 5'3" Keno Shaggy White Rug via Rugs USA Grey Knit Pouf: via One Kings Lane
Accent Pillow: Room to Romp via Etsy Airplane Lovie: Alison Little via aPEARantly sew Yarn "M" Above Crib: Handmade by me, purchased the large cardboard "M" from Joann Fabrics
Picture Frames Above Changing Table: Hobby Lobby Matte Prints: Petite Collage Framed Prints via Casa.com Orange Canvas Storage Bins: Land of Nod Orange Polka Dot Storage Bin: Hobby Lobby Submarine: Green Toys
Giant Sheepdog Stuffie: Truffle Chaucer Large Dog via Jellycat on Amazon Felt Pennant Banner: Land of Nod Chevron "M" Frame: Handmade by my sister-in-law Elephant Picture Frame: Pearhead via Casa.com
Doggie Bookends: Skip Hop Zoo Bookends via Casa.com Colored Wall Hooks: Every Which Way Wall Hook via Land of Nod Paper Lantern: "Animalantern", Land of Nod Printed Flag Bunting: Capture the Flag garland, color old out, Land of Nod
I will be linking this post up with Aliya on Friday for her "Refresh Your Space" Spring Cleaning/Organizing link-up! Be sure to check it out!

Couch Arrest And Why I'm The Worst Patient Ever.

2013-04-30T07:00:00.000-04:00

Well, Day One of "Couch Arrest" is behind me and I've learned several things about myself in the last twenty four hours. First? I suck at following directions.

It's impossible to "mom" from the couch with an almost three-year-old and ten-month-old running amok. I mean, there's only so much Disney Junior two little short attention spans can handle. Even with baby gates barring nearly every entryway in our home, all hell still managed to break loose multiple times throughout the day.
Second? I hate asking for help. This isn't news to me as I've always been of the mindset that I can "do it all myself" but after seeing the shape that my ankle was in at the end of the day yesterday, it was clear that I was way overdoing it. In fact, I'm pretty sure I win the award for Grossest Text Message Ever Sent as I was snapping pictures and sending my gruesome ankle image to friends everywhere. Thankfully I have some help in the form of friends and family stepping in over the next few days.
Third? I'm a terrible patient but lucky that I have such a handsome little doctor in charge of my care. Don't pay no mind to the fact that he's listening for a heartbeat in my ankle. I didn't want to hurt his feelings by asking him for his credentials.

My house looks like we've been robbed and I would be lying if I said I didn't feed the toddler whatever he wanted when he wanted it. This means he may or may not have eaten two Oreos and two cups of goldfish for lunch. Que sera sera.
When my husband walked in the door yesterday evening, I was giving the baby a sink bath with my ankle awkwardly propped up on a kitchen chair behind me. Why? Because, at my wit's end, I let the baby feed himself applesauce in the high chair and by "feed himself" I mean I let him smear the applesauce in every crevice and orifice on both his body and the high chair.

It was the first time I used our awesome all-natural non-toxic Spuds dishware made from reclaimed potatoes from BloomMaternity. Maclane loved it and had no trouble feeding himself with the perfect baby-sized spoon. Clearly I underestimated his talent as I was certain he would have no idea what to do with it. Just look at that concentration! Shame on me!
I ended the day by mixing myself up a homemade Frappuccino and adding a shot (or two) of Baileys as I sat myself on the couch where I proceeded to pretend as if my family didn't exist or at the very least need my help for at least fifteen minutes. Here's what Maclane thought about it:

Only four more days to go of this "Couch Arrest..." Is it Friday yet? If you want to follow along with my Tales From The Couch, be sure to follow #APsTalesFromTheCouch on Instagram. I promise I won't post any gruesome ankle pictures... Maybe.

Adventures in Diapering as a #HuggiesTester...

2013-04-29T17:15:00.000-04:00

When it comes to raising babies, there are few things more labor intensive than diaper changes. I think back fondly to my very first parenting class in the hospital before the birth of my first son and I laugh at the task they set before us: to diaper a stationary baby doll.

Sure those first few months the baby does indeed lay before you nice and still, a willing subject to the numerous diaper changes throughout the day and night but somewhere around the sixth or seventh month, those days of stationary baby diaper changes are long gone.

In fact, that's the kind of test that hospitals should place before new parents. Someone should be wiggling that baby doll all around, tossing and turning him, replicating even the craziest of alligator death rolls as they try and attempt the diaper change.

Throw in a surprise pee squirt or pudding-like poop and that's what I call a test!

Have you heard about Huggies brand new Snug & Dry diaper with SureFit Design? To read more about our new role as a #HuggiesTester and how you, too, can become a #HuggiesTester, click the picture below!

Because Crutches Are The Latest Hot Accessory, Right?

2013-04-29T07:00:00.000-04:00

Not a whole lot happens in our quaint little slice of suburbia, tucked neatly back in the sticks of "CaCo", so on a lazy Saturday afternoon when an ambulance shoots down our street sirens blaring followed quickly by a hovering medivac helicopter that we're certain will land in the field just a block from our house, the adrenaline junkie in me (and "hapto-copter" lover) in the toddler took off on a brisk walk down the street to, for lack of better words, be nosy.
By the time we arrived, the helicopter had already touched down and a very large crowd of looky-loo's had gathered around. From hushed whispers I was able to piece together that there was a nearby car accident and once it was deemed necessary for the patient to be airlifted to the city hospital, a detour was made and the helicopter met the ambulance in our neighborhood, an ideal location for a helicopter to land, for the patient transfer. Apparently this is a common occurrence in these situations.
A midst all of the commotion, from a safe distance away, I began pointing out all of the emergency responders. As the toddler ooh' and ahh'd over them, I knew he was excited to have a front row seat to the action. I explained to him that we would have to pray for the young man who was being transferred from the ambulance to the helicopter. I explained to him that he was being flown to the hospital where the doctor's and nurses will fix his boo-boo's and as the helicopter lifted off the ground, the toddler cheered.
The crowd began to disperse and as I scooped the toddler up onto my hip, we began to walk away from the field, he, excitedly recanting the experience. "The hapto-copter pick up the boy. Doctor's check him. Me me pray at night night time." He really got it. Sometimes I forget how much he really understands.
And then, suddenly, I was on the ground, the toddler in my lap, a searing pain radiating from my ankle to my knee and back. I had stepped in a six inch hold, twisted my ankle and fell like a ton of bricks.
In front of all my neighbors. Because I had insisted on being nosy.
Quickly, one of the neighbor-dad's asked if I was alright, if I could stand. Biting back tears and the sting of humiliation, I said I was alright, that I had definitely twisted my ankle and that I couldn't stand. He asked if I thought he should grab one of the EMTs. You know, the EMT's that were lingering after am emergent patient transfer from ambulance to medivac helicopter.
As the EMT's gathered, assessing my ankle, asking the usual questions, I couldn't help but laugh at the toddler who was reenacting the experience. He was jumping into the hole, sitting down exclaiming, "OH MY BOO-BOO!" I swear at one point he even asked me if I needed to "wide in the hapto-copter" so that the "doctor's could check you out."
Smart boy.
But I digress. I couldn't stand and I definitely couldn't walk the toddler back home. I refused to ride in the offered ambulance to the hospital for recommended xrays and called my husband to come pick us up, saying that if I needed to go to the hospital, he could take me. After a few expletives and stuffing the baby into the car, I'm sure, he arrived, shocked to see me sitting on the ground surrounded by six EMT's and our good neighbor friends.
The same EMTs who had to carry me to the car. CARRY ME TO THE CAR. As if I wasn't already embarrassed enough. I signed the waiver saying that I refused a ride in the ambulance to the hospital and said a silent prayer that it was just a really bad sprain, nothing a couple ibuprofen, some ice and maybe a margarita couldn't fix.

Three bags of ice, two sleeping kids on the couch next to me and a husband who has no idea how to maintain a sane household with a laid up wife later, it was time for bed. I hopped up onto my husband's back for a piggy ride upstairs and realized that, yes, it was indeed possible to feel even more humiliated. I hoped that by morning the swelling would improve and I could at least bear some weight on my foot. If not, I knew I would need some X-rays.
And that's exactly how I spent our Sunday morning, at the local urgent care center, after I woke up unable to bear weight on my right foot. Unable to pick up either of the boys. Unable to change diapers, dress them or make their breakfast. Unable to stand up in the shower, unable to walk downstairs.
Talk about a hot mess.
The verdict? A grade three sprain with torn ligaments and possible hairline fracture. There was too much swelling to determine if there was, indeed a fracture, so I left with strict instructions to stay off the ankle, ice it, elevate it and take ibuprofen around the clock. To only move around with the fancy new crutches I was provided, if absolutely necessary. To return in 5-7 days for re-imaging if the swelling has not improved.
Let's just say this week suddenly got a whole lot more interesting. If you need me, I'll be on the couch while my two little kids patiently and quietly play at my feet.
Because that would be nice, wouldn't it? That's the last time I play the role of nosy little neighbor...