Motherhood Style

We've Moved! Come on over!

2010-11-23T23:27:00.000-05:00

It's been a while....a long while. But I have an excuse! She is my little 17 pounder....who loves laughing at her brother, smearing pears all over the place, and waking up all night long. Like four to five times... all. night. long. In her defense, she did just cut her first two teeth...so I will give her a break.

Back to the point... I have redesigned, redecorated, and renamed. So come on over and see the new space at Domestic Splendor. If you are a follower, you will need to sign up at the new blog so you can continue along with me....and I hope you will!

Click here to go to Domestic Splendor.

Revamping

2010-07-23T17:01:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone!

First I want to apologize for the complete lack of posts.

new baby + summer chest and head colds for the whole fam + getting the house repainted + lack of sleep = total mayhem.

I am in the process of revamping the blog. I want to be able to include all things that are my interests and life in addition to the yummy motherhood stuff. Decorating, fashion, remodeling, cooking, photography... I feel like the title Motherhood Style has held me back a little.

I am working on a new format, so please stay tuned. I hope to get it together sooner than later.

In the meantime... look whose holding her head up!

car sickness?

2010-06-30T22:52:00.000-04:00

We don't drive in the car very often now that summer is here. I prefer to walk around town, to the parks, play dates, the store, you get the point. In the last two weeks, I have been in the car with Dylan and Sydney twice....and both times Dylan has puked. Not just spitting up, I am taking horror movie vomiting.

Round One:
I was on the highway in traffic, and he vomited, oh, probably three or four times in a row. Now you have to visualize this, he is strapped into his car seat and can't lean over or go anywhere. So it is going right down the front of him and forming a pool in his car seat. Fantastic. I see he had about a pound of strawberries and blueberries, followed by a half pound of string cheese. I pulled over into the shoulder of the highway, scooped as much as I could out onto the ground, stripped Dylan down to his diaper, and put him back in the seat for the ride home. Thank goodness Sydney was sleeping.

Round Two:
It's a week later. I'm on my way home from the doctors office where I found out that I actually have a double ear infection...wonderful. I put the newly cleaned car seat back into my car just to go to this appointment. Sydney is sleeping. Dylan starts puking...AGAIN. And again, and again...like six times in a row. He was freaked out, I was freaked out. I'm all like what the heck? I was on a very busy Mass Ave, in Boston, not a place you want to pull over to dump puke out of your car. Poor baby had to sit in it for ten more minutes until we got home. He asked to hold hands because he was so upset. At a traffic light, I even took a picture with my phone to sent to my husband. Maybe for a little pity? Don't worry, I will spare you. Once I got home, I took Dylan out of the car while strapped into the car seat hoping to avoid a mess in the car. Unfortunately, it leaked down through the car seat and onto seats.

The Verdict: (a.k.a. My New Reality)
We suspect car sickness or motion sickness. Now that we have two car seats, Dylan's seat has been moved from the center to the window. Both times he got sick we were in the car for more than 20 minutes, and he had just eaten something. I missed some good play dates because I thought he might have had the flu. Bummer.

The Solution:
One waterproof cover on top of another. If I have to take apart another car seat to clean vomit out of it, I may never drive him anywhere ever again.

I found these covers on Diapers.com. They just came today and I love them! The Nomie cover looks so great in person. It's actually quite stylish! I put the Nomie Cover on first, then the Sunshine Kids Dry Seat on second. I hope it is enough defense against regurgitated strawberries.

I have a blog crush: Vote for Kelle Hampton

2010-06-27T21:57:00.001-04:00

I have mentioned Kelle Hampton of Enjoying the Small Things before, with the amazing birth story of her second daughter Nella. By far one of my favorite blogging mamas. She is inspiring to say the very least. One of her friends put together an audition video of her for Oprah's Search For the Next TV Star. I think she would be amazing.

You can view her audition video here. Vote if you like what you see!

dreaming of a summer wardrobe

2010-06-22T14:13:00.003-04:00

As I stare at my closet lately, I am finding it hard to dress cute and comfortable at the same time. Something I can wear all day, with the kids, at the park, at the grocery. Part of that reason is because I really have not gone shopping, real in the mall shopping, in what seems like years...at least BD...(before Dylan). When I say shopping, I mean anything other than Target or Old Navy. You know, that kind of shopping one does just because it is conveniently next to the super market. I have yet to transform my wardrobe from pre-kids to with kids. My husband and I went shopping this weekend, where I picked up this little number, and I was inspired to make the change. Now I just have to get in shape!

My favorite is J.Crew. So here is part of my wish list. (I would take the whole store if I could)

All found at jcrew.com.

okay, so I might not sport this one at the park...but I love it.

adorable backpacks

2010-06-21T13:57:00.000-04:00

For his birthday, Dylan got this really cool backpack by Crocodile Creek from one of his buddies. He loves to fill it up with his toys and carry it from room to room in the house.

While I was looking them up online I came across this adorable line from Skip Hop and had to share. They are cute enough for the kids without being cheesy.

I know it's really early to be thinking about this, but

I may have to get the owl backpack for Sydney...

They even have matching lunchboxes!

the puree program

2010-06-18T10:16:00.001-04:00

I have finally decided to begin the puree program à la Jessica Seinfeld of Deceptively Delicious. Thinking it would be way too time consuming and involved, I put it off for way too long. Surprisingly, it was very easy to get started. The program involves making and freezing veggie and fruit purees, then hiding them in recipes for the kids.

It took about 3 hours, but I managed to steam, roast and puree six different veggies. I don't have a problem getting Dylan to eat fruit, so I stuck to veggies. Broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, spinach, and avocado. I used ice cube trays to freeze them in 1/4 cup servings. Since most of the recipes call for 1/4 cup or 1/2 cup servings this will make it easy to get what I need quickly. After a few days, I popped them out and stored them into gallon freezer baggies.

steam...

roast...

puree...

divide into servings and freeze...

Yesterday I made my first lunch recipe for Dylan... Grilled Cheese with Butternut Squash. He loved it, devoured it, finished his entire serving and even asked for some of mine. I think I threw out my back doing cartwheels!

Grilled Cheese (makes 2 sandwiches)

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (I used a provolone mozzarella mix)

1/2 cup butternut squash puree

1 tablespoon margarine

salt to taste

4 slices whole wheat bread

Mix cheese, squash, margarine, and salt. Spread on 2 slices of the bread then top with 2 other slices to make 2 sandwiches. Grill in pan on low to medium heat for about 4 minutes per side.

8 weeks old

2010-06-17T14:24:00.000-04:00

conversations

2010-06-17T13:39:00.001-04:00

Me: You would think kids would want to eat brightly colored foods. Why is it that he only wants bland colored food? I just don't understand it. (As I was trying to get Dylan to taste my sweet potato puree)

My Mom: Yeah, you would think. They like their brightly colored toys.

My Husband Scott: Maybe that is so they don't eat their toys.

happy birthday dylan

2010-06-15T14:33:00.001-04:00

When we brought Sydney home, it hit me hard that my first baby is not a such a baby anymore. He looked so big compared to her. Where did the time go? Everyone tells you that they grow up so fast, but I had no idea.

He turned 2 on Friday. Two. I have a two year old... wow.

He had a great birthday weekend....

Cupcakes...a big favorite!

Somehow he knew exactly what to do with a birthday candle.

I was so happy he let me dress him up for his party.

Did I mention he loves cupcakes? Check out that tongue!

But loves his baby sister more...

sometimes she is the only thing that makes him smile.

Happy Birthday Dylan. You will always be my baby.

I can't live without...

2010-05-11T21:30:00.003-04:00

...my Moses Basket

What did I do without it the first time around? No wonder I felt like I could not move around my house after Dylan was born. I swear I sat on my sofa for 4 weeks holding him in some sort of new mom daze. This time, I haul Sydney around in this thing all day long...the shower, doing laundry, the kitchen.

Normally, they are super expensive, but I found mine at Home Goods for $19...then I threw in a $25 sheepskin since the lining it came with was not suitable. It makes for some beautiful photos too!

Welcome Baby Sydney

2010-05-08T18:02:00.000-04:00

Sydney Elisabeth was born on April 22 at 4:25am. 8lbs and 20in. She is lovely and perfect and sleeps at all the wrong times. Aside from being completely sleep deprived and a bit overwhelmed, we feel very lucky. I hope to write a birth story very soon, but in the mean time, here is a photo of her beautiful little face...

overdue, boohoo...

2010-04-20T20:38:00.000-04:00

First, I apologize for the lack of posts. My free time these last weeks before the baby comes have been spent sleeping, napping, nesting and more sleeping.

Yesterday was my due date, but no baby to speak of yet. I am so anxious for her to come, yet I am trying hard to appreciate the calm before the storm, before our routine that took so long to settle in to is flipped upside down. Scott and I are really enjoying this time alone with Dylan before we officially become a family of four.

Wow...a family of four. How the heck did that happen?

Today, the three of us spent the afternoon down by the water. Dylan loved running around in the grass and rolling down the hill. I was kicking myself for not having my camera with me. It was one of those special times that I will never forget, one of our last together, just as the three of us.

I usually have braxton hicks contractions every single day. Today, nothing, so I doubt that tonight is the night. However I am guessing it will happen when I least expect it, once I have given up thinking that "today is the day", as I do every day. As of last Friday, I am between 3 and 4 cm dilated and 50% effaced. Tomorrow is my next doctors appointment, so we shall see what the verdict is. If I have dilated to 5 cm, they will most likely admit me and induce.

more on the veggie battle

2010-04-16T21:14:00.000-04:00

I have found a few more recipes with hidden veggies that I can't wait to try on my 22 month old. They appear to be right up his alley...and hopefully he won't be able to refuse.

photo by Jennifer Iserloh

Blueberry Pops by the Skinny Chef

recipe found at www.skinnychef.com

1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
1 1/2 cups baby spinach leaves
3 tablespoons blueberry jam

Blend all ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth. Pour into popsicle molds or freeze in an air-tight container 3-4 hours or until firm.

photo by Fit and Healthy Mom

Groovy Green Smoothie

recipe found at www.allrecipes.com

1 banana, cut in chunks

1 cup grapes

1 (6 ounce) tub vanilla yogurt

1/2 apple, cored and chopped

1 1/2 cups fresh spinach leaves

Place the banana, grapes, yogurt, apple and spinach into a blender. Cover, and blend until smooth, stopping frequently to push down anything stuck to the sides. Pour into glasses and serve.

photo by Jennifer Iserloh

Avocado in a milkshake might sound unusual, but in Vietnam it’s a traditional treat that you can order in local restaurants. Enjoy a creamy, rich shake while getting a serving of vegetables to boot!

Chocolate Avocado Milkshake by Skinny Chef

recipe found at www.skinnychef.com

Serves 2

1/2 ripe Hass avocado
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup skim milk

Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend on high until smooth.

Stella McCartney for Gap

2010-04-11T22:03:00.000-04:00

I am in love with Stella McCartney for Gap kids. Here are a few of the items from this adorable collection.

For the girls...

And for the boys...

recipe of the week: Shrimp and Asparagus Risotto

2010-04-08T07:22:00.000-04:00

I have had a bag of risotto in my pantry for weeks...begging me to come up with some fabulous recipe. So here you go bag of risotto...just for you.

I love to follow a recipe with a video!

The Olive Garden's Shrimp and Asparagus Risotto

Ingredients

8 cup(s) chicken broth
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 cup(s) Carnaroli or Arborio rice
1/2 cup(s) dry white wine
1/2 lb(s) fresh asparagus spears, stemmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
18 large shrimp, shelled and deveined
1/2 cup(s) butter
1 1/2 cup(s) Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup(s) chopped tomatoes
Fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup(s) Onions (yellow)

Procedures

In a large pot or saucepan, bring the broth to a simmer and leave on low heat until needed.

In a separate, large nonstick pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Add the onions and cook for approximately three minutes. Once the onions are translucent, add the rice, stir to coat thoroughly and cook for one minute. Next, add the white wine and stir until completely absorbed.

Slowly add ½ cup of broth to the risotto and stir until completely absorbed. Repeat this step until 4 cups of broth have been added.

Continue to stir the risotto frequently to avoid sticking.

While the risotto is cooking, add the asparagus and shrimp to the remaining broth and cook for approximately two minutes or until the shrimp are pink in color.

When finished, remove the asparagus and shrimp from the broth and add them to the pot with risotto.

Continue to add ½ cup of broth at a time until desired creaminess is reached.

Once the broth is absorbed, add butter, Parmesan cheese and salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with chopped tomatoes and parsley to complete.

the most inspiring birth story

2010-04-07T08:47:00.002-04:00

I have this vision in my head of the day my children are born... that perfect day, my healthy and perfect baby, where nothing will go wrong, no complications, an immediate feeling of falling in love. I know better. After 9 months of pregnancy, there is no guarantee until you are holding your baby in your arms.

I am addicted to birth stories lately. Happy ones, scary ones, emotional ones. I love reading them, crying with them, from these women I don't even know.

This story by Kelle Hampton of Enjoying the Small Things in particular moved me to a blubbering mess in my living room last night. It is the most well written, emotional story I have ever read. So well written, so honest, so life changing. I suggest you all read her beautiful story when you have a chance.

i have a crush: Aiden + Anais

2010-04-06T10:25:00.000-04:00

Set of three Aiden and Anais Bamboo Muslin Collection

The new bamboo muslin collection from Aiden + Anais is amazing. The most luxurious blankets I have ever felt...just like silk. I wanted to purchase a set of these for my son, but never got around to it. When I saw these I knew I had to have them this time around. The new design is gorgeous, especially the peacock feathers print. The bamboo muslin fabric allows a baby’s body temperature to regulate itself naturally, which helps to prevent overheating. Since the new addition will be a spring and summer baby, I feel much more comfortable using these to swaddle her.

The more you wash them, the softer they get. Measuring 47” x 47”, so new and seasoned parents alike can swaddle babies of all sizes with ease. Traditionally used for swaddling our wraps can also be used as burp cloths, nursing and stroller covers, portable crib sheets, stroller and car seat liners, tummy time blankets, change table covers, and more.

I know I will be using them for just about everything. Would a scarf be pushing it?

38 Weeks

2010-04-05T15:09:00.001-04:00

38 Weeks

First of all....so, so sorry for not posting for a while. Our house has been flipped upside down with renovations, painting, organizing, nesting. I will try to post some before and after shots as soon as everything is completed.

I can't believe my due date is only 2 weeks away! This pregnancy has gone by so much faster than my first. It must be all that attention on my toddler instead of myself.

This last few weeks has been particularly uncomfortable. There is absolutely no room left for this little girl to grow. My stomach is like a rock. I have had all sorts of nerve issues that make it hard to walk most of the time. Last Thursday, I thought the big day had come...I was having regular contractions, about 25-30 minutes apart for a few hours. I had lost the mucus plug, and had some other signs that labor was not too far off. Then on Friday, my OB told me that I was dilated between 1 and 2! Yay! Then suddenly, yesterday, everything stopped. No more contractions, no more nerve issues....hmmm.

All I ask is for one more week to finish organizing and renovating. Then I can go into labor, naturally, without an induction, a week early. Is that too much to ask?

keeping our kids safe

2010-03-27T08:41:00.001-04:00

I take Dylan to the Children's Museum a few times a week. In addition to the exhibits, they offer fantastic music and toddler yoga classes. It is a great place to be during the winter months when we can't be outside at the park. We are usually in the 3 and under "Playspace" area, which is a confined space with a museum representative at the only door to watch everyone coming in and out. I have had a few instances, when it has been fairly crowded, where I momentarily lost sight of Dylan. Even though it was only for a few seconds, I have never felt so anxious. It is a terrible feeling when you don't know where your child is.

A few months ago while at the museum, I saw a little boy with a business card stapled to the back of his shirt. I thought that was brilliant! I have been looking for something similar ever since I saw that. For that one in a million time that I might loose sight of Dylan in the crowd. Not that I ever take my eyes off him, but I know it happens to the best of parents. I thought that maybe some sort of wrist band with our contact info would work, but then I was sure that he would rip it off some how, or refuse to put it on half the time.

Then I saw these temporary SafetyTats on the news the other day presented by a fellow mommy blogger....and that was it! Perfect! He loves stickers, stamps, and temporary tattoos. With the ability to customize them with colors and icons, they will appeal to any child.

Leashes and tracking devices may just be in my near future...oh dear.

a lovely sprinkle

2010-03-24T22:35:00.001-04:00

Last weekend my wonderful Mom threw a mini baby "sprinkle" for me. It was perfect, lovely, and a lot of laughs. She went above and beyond, again, as always.

Here are a few of the images...

the cake

the flowers

the food

yum!

the decor

My mom handmade these hanging tissue paper pom poms.

I plan on hanging a few of them over the crib in the nursery.

*learn how to make these here*

the wishing tree

Guests can write well wishes or advice for the

mom to be and hang the cards on the branches of the tree.

the adorable girly girl gifts

I can't wait to play dress up with her...poor baby.

the baby quilt my mom made that took my breath away!

the "thank you" cookies

my amazing mom and I after the "sprinkle"

Just under 4 weeks to go!

sippy cups and bottles lost no more!

2010-03-22T20:35:00.001-04:00

With all the playdates we go to, and host, means plenty of lost sippy cups and bottles. I must have at least 3 or 4 on hand at any given time...never finding out who their rightful owners are.

I think these adorable, non-toxic sippy cup and bottle rubber band labels from Little Cupcakes Company are genius! I love that they can double as traction for tiny hands trying to get a grip.

You can customize them with 1 or 2 lines of text, optional icons, and four different color choices...blue, green, pink, or purple. They are dishwasher and microwave safe. Although they are snug enough that children and babies cannot remove them, an adult can easily transfer them to other cups or bottles. Four labels come with each order for $12.95. Not too bad!

I sort of look at these as the kids version of wine glass charms. Mmmm...wine, four more weeks and we will meet again.

grow, grow, growth charts

2010-03-21T20:12:00.001-04:00

I am amazed by how fast my son is growing. For some reason, I thought he would be a "baby" for a much longer period of time... *sigh*
I was watching him play with his dad at the playground today with such awe. He is only 21 months, but he seems like such a little boy now...running, jumping, climbing, talking.
Dylan is extremely tall for his age...somewhere around the 96th percentile. I may have a little basketball player on my hands! My mother gave me a really nice growth chart, and I can't wait to set it up and start charting!

Here are some other adorable growth charts I found while perusing online today...

Build a Growth Chart Tree Decal by Trendy Peas

Ruler Growth Chart by Abbie's House

This is similar to the one I have! I like that you can write directly on it and take it with you if you move!

Animal GROW Chart by Janey Mac Press

Growth Chart by Rag and Bone

recipe of the week: Chicken with Paprika Sauce

2010-03-19T09:59:00.001-04:00

photo courtesy of MarthaStewart.com

This is one of my favorite chicken dishes.

Chicken with Paprika Sauce (from Martha Stewart's Everyday Food)
Prep time: approx 30 min
Cook time: approx 30 min

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 6 ounces each), cut crosswise into 1/2-inch strips
2 tablespoons sweet paprika
Coarse salt and ground pepper
2 tablespoons butter
1 onion, finely chopped
4 plum tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream

In a medium bowl, toss chicken with 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook, tossing occasionally, until opaque throughout, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Heat remaining tablespoon butter in same skillet over medium heat. Add onion; cook, stirring and scraping up browned bits from bottom of pan, until softened, 5 to 6 minutes. Add remaining tablespoon paprika, and cook, stirring, 30 seconds.
Add tomatoes and 3/4 cup water; cook until saucy, 4 to 5 minutes. Return chicken (and any accumulated juices) to skillet. Stir in sour cream, and cook just until heated through (do not boil). Season with salt and pepper; serve.

Serve over cooked egg noodles tossed with a little butter and fresh or dried dill. I also serve it over rice if we don't have any pasta on hand.

Delicious! Enjoy!

a natural artist

2010-03-17T23:22:00.001-04:00

Today was "bring your own canvas day" for art class. I was surprised to find that Dylan was really focused and seemed to actually enjoy this project. Typically, he is so timid in this class. After weeks and weeks here, I still have not figured out any reason other than he hates getting messy. Needless to say, I was so happy to see him have fun and get a little paint on his hands and feet, even if he did make sure every bit of color was cleaned off at the end.
I don't know if I will dare this at home yet. It may be a good outdoor activity once the weather is better.

Is it too soon to schedule a gallery opening?