It is great to be back and writing for all of you but to I have to admit the time away from UD has given me some needed space to really thing about the site and what I really want to focus on moving forward.  I have been blogging for almost 2 years now and realized that during that time you all have gotten to know me but I know very little about all of you!   

As part of my process of reevaluating UD I thought I would pick all of your brains and see what you like and/or don’t like about the site currently!  So…..if you have a moment I would LOVE your feedback via a quick 7 question survey http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZJMLCLW.  It should take you less than 2 minutes to complete and will help me immensely!

Thanks for all for your continued support and encouragement!  (oh and I cant post without including a photo so below is a picture of Berk inspecting T’s umbilical cord.  Another thing they don’t teach you in childbirth classes….dogs like umbilical cords a lot!!  We learned that the hard way…opps.:) )

Happy Thursday!!!

I have missed all of you and I apologize for being MIA the last few weeks.  J, Taryn, Berk and I are still working on finding our groove and as most parents will tell you the minute you think you found it something changes and you have to start all over again!  I am back at work and definitely feeling some of the mommy guilt that comes along with that process.  It has been great to be back and use my brain for more than lullabies and diaper changes but I miss her terribly and there are days I swear I can actually feel the distance between us. :( I am hopeful I will be back in full swing by the end of the year but in the meantime I appreciate your patience and support!

I thought I would provide you with a quick updated Kiss and Diss!!!  Tayrn is almost 4 months old already and I have not only learned a lot about babies but also a lot about my self over the past few months!

Kiss:

• The top of the head smell on your child…is the best smell in the whole world
• Justin is an amazing Dad and my heart bursts when I see them together!
• Babies really do like to be rocked and sang to….i mean who knew!!! I honestly thought that was a myth…ha!
• The book Babywise!!  Taryn has been sleeping through the night since 7 weeks and we swear the basic principles in this book helped us help her with this process (thanks Kelly for the recommendation)
• I have a lot more patience than I give my self credit for.
• I feel SO blessed everyday to have such a healthy, happy and beautiful daughter!

Diss:

• My inability to function on less than 4 hours of sleep!
• The limited time I have to spend with Berk.  I miss our walks just the two of us and sometimes find myself craving those quiet moments we used to share in the morning right after the alarm would go off.
• All the clutter that comes with babies!  I have learned that you really don’t need much yet somehow your house becomes filled with stuff!
• Forgetting the diaper bag and having to learn the hard way what a “blowout” really looks like!
• Having only 1.5 hrs each night with Taryn after work

Below is a picture of Berk and Taryn meeting for the first time. He has been so sweet with her it melts my heart.  He is a great big brother and I am so proud of how patient he has been during this huge life change!  I also include a picture I took on a rainy day last weekend of Taryn.  We opted not to do the 3-month professional photos and just play around at home!  I can’t believe how big she has gotten!

The weather in Chicago is going to be gorgeous this weekend and it reminds me of my recent trip to wine country.  Enjoy the weekend!

Wouldn’t work be more fun with Animal Paper Clips?

Flash Drives are the key to success for the business gal on the go, why not make it literal with this flash drive.

Photo Courtesy:  Supermarket

Some of my most favorite stationary sets have come from Elum Designs. Their desk sets are fun and vibrant and make sending a hand written note just as exciting as receiving one.

Photos Courtesy: Elum

I am in love with the vibrant water color patterns that are just so perfect for your wardrobe & home this summer! I just bought a scarf that I wear to brighten any outfit. Even a fun flurry water color pillow adds the perfect punch!

Photo Courtesy: dress by erdem;  blouse rachel rose;  flamestich pillow furbish; rug at marc phillips; clutch by goodmarvin

all courtesy: coco + kelley

I stumbled across these rustic cutting boards from Gray Works on Etsy.  All pieces are hand crafted and they only use locally and sustainably harvest or salvaged hardwoods, hand rubbed with organic olive oil.  I would die for the Rustic Banquet Table, but have no where to put it so I will opt for one of the many cutting boards they offer.

Photos Courtesy: Etsy

Christian Loubution recently released images for the Fall 2011 shoe line and the styles have the fashion world buzzing.  Fur, chains and feathers seem to be the trend for the fall.  Love em’ of leave em’?  What are your thoughts?

Photo Courtesy : Ms. Style and Grace

This past weekend I was at Restoration Hardware shopping for home ideas when I ran into these drool worthy chandeliers.  The rustic feel of these pieces makes them the perfect addition to a huge great room or even an outdoor garden retreat.

Photos Courtesy: Restoration Hardware