Happiness Is...

Ask Ashley because it's Mardi Gras, y'all!

2012-02-17T08:40:00.000-06:00

I've been thinking about doing a post like this for a while because I feel like I always end up talking about the same old stuff. Kat finally inspired me to take the plunge! Honestly, most of our days are pretty centered around work and Thatcher, so I rarely think of anything else to talk about. But I want to, and that's where you come in! So ask me anything, though I will put it out there that I may not answer it all, depending on the nature of the question. That said, don't hold back - ask anything!

In other news, it is so hard to believe that it has been a year since Thatcher's first Mardi Gras! I am so excited to take Thatcher to parades this year, though it looks like Saturday is totally washed out. Sad, sad day. Sunday should be beautiful, though, and I can't wait to see what he thinks about the parades and bands. I've literally dreamed about having kids at Mardi Gras for as long as I can remember. In college I once asked the husband (who was my boyfriend at the time) if he wanted Mardi Gras babies with me - how he didn't run in the other direction, I don't know. But Mardi Gras is such an integral part of our city, culture and heritage, and I literally cannot wait for Thatcher to experience it.

Mardi Gras with babies are quite different than our pre-baby Mardi Gras seasons, but we wouldn't have it any other way!

You never know when you might run out of Miller Lite, you know?

This post brought to you by Tampax

2012-02-15T17:09:00.000-06:00

My son likes to play with feminine products. It's true. He discovered the Tampax box under the sink one day and is obsessed with pulling them all out, putting them back in and pulling the wrapper off. The husband despises it, but he showers alone every morning. In peace. At 5:00am when the little one is fast asleep.

I, however, have to fit a shower in wherever I possibly can. I keep telling myself to get up with the husband, but the truth is that if I shower in the morning, ain't no way I am getting any exercise in, so I usually throw on gym clothes when Thatcher gets up in hopes that we'll get to the park for a walk or run later that afternoon. Most days that doesn't happen either but it's the idea that counts.

This is the scene in our bathroom while I try to get ready. Yes, it's 5:00pm. Yes, I just got ready for the day. Most days I never get ready since I work from home, but on the days when I have somewhere to be then I am usually left showering with a wild toddler banging on the shower door. Unless I get out the Tampax box, in which case he plays happily.

This kind of reminds me of Allie's post yesterday on where her son chooses to do #2. As a mom, sometimes you just have to do what you have to do.

So what if my son plays with tampons? He doesn't know what they are, it keeps him entertained and mom gets to shower in peace. It's a win win.

Linking up with Shannon for my so what moment of the week.

The Thatcher Gator's 1st birthday: recap

2012-02-14T20:46:00.002-06:00

Even though Thatcher was under the weather for his 1st birthday and we had to move it to my parents' house, it was still a huge success. I was really happy with how everything came together, and everyone had a great time!

I had settled on his alligator theme a while ago and knew I'd need to get invites and paper custom made (there isn't a lot out there with tasteful alligators on it!) I googled everything and just did not find a lot of ideas for an alligator theme even on Pinterest. I love how all of the paper items turned out and really set the tone. I have talked about Sweet Birdie's Nest before, but they were so wonderful to work with. They went through countless revisions with me and ensured that I was happy with the final product. I ordered invitations, return address labels, favor tags, thank you notes and a high chair banner, all of which I loved and really pulled the theme together.

Once I had the colors and theme, everything else was pretty easy. I ordered paper products to match and asked my favorite cookie lady to take care of the cookies and smash cake. Based on a recommendation from another blogger, I ordered Thatcher an adorable outfit online and was pretty much done!

I really didn't get too complicated with the food because we were supposed to be at a playground (read: no cute table tents or food labels or cupcake toppers). We basically had "playground food," which was fruit, finger sandwiches and a few dips. I also had a mimosa and bloody mary bar for the big gators. In the end I think it was better that I was planning an outdoor party because I didn't get too carried away (which I may or may not be known to do!)

Even with the change of location and a sick baby, it was a fabulous party overall!

*Resources:
Invitations and matching paper items: Sweet Birdie's Nest
Cookies and smash cake: JCB Creations
Cookie cake: Great American Cookie
Personalized alligator t-shirt: Personalized Creations
Gingham pants: NOLA Tots
Paper plates, cups, napkins and party favors: Celebrate Express

*I purchased all of these items, and all opinions are my own. I'd recommend all of these vendors for their quality and customer service.

2 minute Valentines

2012-02-13T21:15:00.001-06:00

It's no secret that we have more than a lot going on right now. As much as I would have loved to have made some Pinterest-worthy baked goods with a cute label, it just wasn't going to happen. I thought seriously about making these cookies but our Sunday got derailed by a visit to the ER. Out the window went my vision of adorable cookies with printed tags. It's the intention that counts, right?

Instead I bought 2 bags of Hershey's kisses and used cellophane bags and ribbon that I had easily accessible in my wrapping paper room ~~had to dig out of the fourth cardboard box I checked~~ (dare to dream, right?) and called it a day. I think they came out pretty cute!

That's my version of crafting - what you can make in 10 minutes for under $10! In the end it doesn't really matter because Thatcher's teachers will just be happy that we thought of them. But man does Pinterest add a whole new layer of pressure to this mom gig!

Baby's first cupcake

2012-02-12T19:55:00.001-06:00

Thatcher had a pretty rough birthday weekend, but we tried to make the most of it! On Friday, which was his actual birthday, we gave him a cupcake after dinner and he LOVED it. It was so fun to watch him taste his first dessert and get all messy!

On Friday night, Thatcher woke up at 1:30am with 103.5 fever. We called the pediatrician, and she advised us to give him infant Advil and come in the next morning. As in the day of his birthday party. We brought Thatcher to bed with us because I knew I'd barely sleep anyway. That was actually the first time we had ever done that, and I don't think anyone slept very well! Thatcher got up pretty early, so we all got ready and the husband headed to pick up the food for the party while Thatcher and I headed to the pediatrician. Oh, I should also add that we had decided to move the party from the playground to my parents' house because the weather was supposed to be extremely chilly and windy. In hindsight that was a total blessing because there is no way the playground party would have been pulled off with me at the pediatrician. Thatcher was tested for strep (negative), his ears looked clear and the pediatrician thought that the fever was most likely related to his surgeries. Thatcher ended up napping for the first half of his party and was pretty much a clingy little boy for the rest. He wouldn't let me put him down, and he really just did not feel well. The party was still wonderful, but it was sad that he didn't enjoy it more!

And then this morning we ended up at Children's Hospital because he still had fever and I was just too worried. Turns out he has an ear infection. Yes, 5 days after receiving tubes. This week has probably been one of the longest weeks in my life, but I am really hoping and praying that this antibiotic will do the trick once and for all. He has been so fussy and upset all weekend, and it just breaks my heart.

I am hoping to do a birthday party recap tomorrow but just do not have that in me tonight! Needless to say, the visit to the ER this morning totally threw off our plans to relax and do nothing today.

On Thatcher's 1st birthday...

2012-02-10T10:30:00.001-06:00

Dear Thatcher,

It is so hard to believe that it has been a year since you were born! You will probably hear us say this a lot as you grow up, but time really flies. So many people gave us the advice to enjoy every second, but what I really want is for someone to give me advice on how to freeze time. There have been so many moments over the last year where I remembered to stop and just be. To be present with you, our precious son, in the moment of whatever was happening. This happened a lot, for which I am grateful, but it didn't stop the clock from moving forward. I will never forget the countless morning naps with you on my chest or the moments that I would just stare at you and wonder how we were lucky enough to have been chosen as your parents.

From the moment they placed you on my chest, my heart has been bursting with love, hope and prayers for you. I don't think it's possible for anyone to love you more than your dad and I do, but I hope and pray that you will always know just how loved you are. Like most parents, we think you're amazing. We love you for being you. You are independent, brave, sweet and funny. We love how your eyes light up when you smile. We love your deep belly laughs. We love that you climb on boxes and stairs and explore the world without fear. We love that you are opinionated. You may still be eating pureed foods, but we love that you let us know what you think. You are gifted in so many ways, and we can't wait to see these gifts unfold as you grow older.

I was reading one of my favorite books last night, and I came across two verses that feel so relevant to this day, your birthday, the day we celebrate you. Even though you're only 1, we feel as though we've known you forever, and we cannot imagine life without you. At the same time, we can't wait to see your personality and gifts emerge in the years to come.

"Show Thatcher how to use his gifts and talents wisely, being faithful with the abilities you have given him." Matthew 25:21

"Give Thatcher a sense of destiny, and show him that you set him apart and appointed him with gifts and talents even before he was born." Jeremiah 1:5

We are your biggest fans and will be here to support and guide you every step of the way. I pray that we will know how to help you develop your unique gifts and talents so that you are always fulfilled and happy. This has been the most wonderful year of our lives, and we feel lucky to know you. But we feel even luckier to be your parents.

Happy, happy birthday, sweet boy!

BT: Before Thatcher

2012-02-09T20:58:00.001-06:00

On the eve of Thatcher's first birthday, I decided it'd be fun to participate in the viral love story link-up. Because without the husband, there would be no Thatcher. Between the house renovations ~~our quickly draining bank account~~ and utter craziness of life lately, I am pretty sure we will be parked on the couch for Valentine's Day. But in its honor, I present you our ~~love~~ story. Sorry, I just can't bring myself to call it a love story - so not me!

1. How long have you and your significant other been together? Well, we have known each other since 6th grade. We didn't go to the same school, but New Orleans is small and you generally know everyone in your class across the city. The husband and his friends thought they were incredibly good looking and too cool for school, and they used to ride around on these awful trick bikes (true story). They were really mean and gave us all nicknames. Yours truly was "ghost woman." For real. They once also left hair bleach on a girl's porch. Like I said, they really were not nice. It's a good thing I am forgiving because we became reacquainted in 2000 when we were headed off to college together. We started dating in January 2001, so we've been together for 11 years.

2. How did you meet? {What's your "love" story?} Oh whoops. I started to answer this above. Basically we were friends and then we were more than friends. Our friendship transformed to more than friendship in a bar. Classy, I know.

3. If married, how long have you been married? It will be 5 years in March! I am lobbying for diamond earrings, but I think I got a bathroom instead. Such is life!

4. If you are married, where did you get married? Big or small wedding? We got married in New Orleans. We were engaged in December 2005, right after Hurricane Katrina, and it felt right to support the city at that time. We otherwise would have likely chosen a vineyard wedding in Virginia (where we went to college), but instead we had a blow out in NOLA. We had a pretty big wedding, and it was amazing. We were living in Tampa at the time, so my mom planned most of it. I am forever indebted to my parents for hosting such a wonderful party. They did an incredible job and people still tell us to this day how much fun they had, which makes me so happy. All I wanted was for people to have fun. I didn't care about anything else other than a fabulous band, incredible food and fun. I had a few other opinions along the way, but fun was the main objective - mission accomplished!

5. Do you have any nick-names that you call one another? Do share! Babe. That's about it. Sorry, we aren't the lovey dovey types.

6. Name 3 things you love most about your honey. First, I don't call him honey. Now that we have that settled, he is an AMAZING dad. He has probably changed as many diapers as I have, and he's always excited to see his buddy when he gets home. He is really intentional in building a relationship with Thatcher, and I love that. Apparently he had to do his own laundry when he was growing up (this was totally foreign to me - my mom still washes our clothes if she's in our presence. I know, it's pathetic, but it makes her happy and I am not turning down laundry service. Please tell me I am not the only one?). Anyway, point being that he knows how to work the washing machine which I totally appreciate. He is also extremely hard working and really feels responsible for taking care of our family. I choose to work, but he always says he wants me to have the option not to, and I really admire that. He's motivated to do well and not lazy whatsoever, all traits I find extremely endearing.

7. Tell us how he proposed? I wrote about this in December, but it involved picking out a Christmas tree and planning for our future family. Swoon.

8. Is he a flowers and teddy bear kind of guy for v-day, or strawberries, champagne, and rose petals? C. None of the above. He's more into unexpected romance, like putting flowers in the baby's room when we found out Thatcher was Thatcher.

9. Are you a sunset dinner on the beach kind of girl, or pop a movie in and relax on the couch? Before Thatcher we were all about going out to eat and staying out fairly late. Since his arrival, we've spent much more time on the couch. I think we actually love doing both and have found a good balance of staying home and getting out. Both are so critical to our happiness and sanity. We cherish being at home, but we'd both go insane if we didn't go out with friends and each other. We're both incredibly social by nature.

10. Tell us one thing you'd like to do with your significant one day. If you could do anything? Go anywhere? Only one? Wow, that's hard. I think we'd both really love to go to Italy. We both also love the idea of Australia and New Zealand. And, we've discussed the cross-Canada train, though I think that'd be an awesome family vacation.

11. Tell us what you plan on doing on this Valentine's Day. Relaxing.

12. Are you asking for anything this Valentine's day? I am pressing my luck with this house stuff, so absolutely not! I'd LOVE a card from Thatcher and flowers, but neither is totally necessary.

13. Give us one piece of advice of keeping a relationship strong and full of love. Talk, talk and talk some more. This has been way harder for the husband, as he was NOT used to doing this before me. I grew up in a house where open communication was the norm. Not a day passed where my parents weren't doing "temperature checks," and essentially forcing us to verbalize feelings, good or bad. Answering "fine" to "how are you?" was never enough; that was followed by "no, really, how are you?" I think it is critical to talk openly and often about everything. When I think about any major argument or disagreement that we've had, it has always boiled down to a mis-communication. I am so utterly determined to raise a son who is comfortable talking (and yes, I know I have my work cut out for me!) because I think it is such an incredibly important skill to master first individually and then as a couple. I find we argue more when we haven't been talking. And by talking, I don't mean "hey honey (except I don't call him that, remember?) did you pay the bills?" but "what's on your mind today?" I also think it's important to know what's heavy on your spouse's mind and to pray for them and their specific needs.

14. Show us a picture of what love means to you.

grateful

2012-02-08T19:40:00.000-06:00

Everything with Thatcher's procedures this morning went smoothly, and we are so, so grateful. Thank you for all of the prayers and sweet emails; they are appreciated more than you know. Nothing will make you feel more blessed than spending a few hours at a children's hospital and leaving with a healthy baby. The little girl next to us this morning was having spinal surgery, and another little boy was having heart surgery. I can't stopping thinking about either of their families. In the scheme of things, tubes and urology surgery are really nothing. But, surgery is surgery, and anesthesia is anesthesia. And it is so very hard to hand your precious little one over for surgery and anesthesia, no matter how small or big the health issue. Tonight we are incredibly grateful for:

Access to an incredible children's hospital
Loving, caring and attentive nurses and staff
Amazing and talented doctors with good bedside manner
Great insurance through my company
Supportive family and friends who have been calling, texting and emailing since last night
A baby who tolerated anesthesia well

We arrived at the hospital at 6:00am, and Thatcher really did quite well until about 6:30am when he was fully awake and starving. Around 7:00am they gave him the "goofy juice," and I have to say it was a riot. He was laughing at everyone and sticking out his tongue. Handing him over to the nurses for surgery was absolutely the hardest part, but I felt completely comfortable and confident in his care. The procedures took about an hour and a half, and I was able to see him for a quick minute soon after. I have to say, it is incredibly hard to see your baby sedated like that, but we are so grateful that all things considered this was a quick visit for us. Around 10:00am we were moved back to our room where Thatcher gulped down some apple juice and rested like a champ.

Around 11:30am, we were discharged. The moment we stepped into the fresh air outside, I was overcome with gratitude and praise. How lucky we are to have been there for a relatively minor in and out surgery. So many families are battling much more, and it is hard not to think about the children who have to admire the sky from inside. Realizing what a gift it is just to feel fresh air on your face is truly humbling.

When we got home, Thatcher was able to drink his milk (finally!) and then fell asleep for the duration of the afternoon. We woke him up around 5:30pm and he played for an hour or so before he had had enough and wanted his crib again.

We are hoping and praying that the tubes are the relief he needs, and we can't wait to see a happier little guy once the drugs and anesthesia wear off. The post-surgery care for his urology stuff is going to be pretty intense (3 baths a day for 2 weeks, anyone?) but it's nothing we can't handle and we're just grateful to have him home and healthy. We have an intense schedule going on for his various medicines, and it will be like having a newborn again for a few days, but we're happy to have the surgery behind us.

We're just hoping he feels a little more energized before his party on Saturday - can't believe he will be 1 in only 2 days!

my mind is racing

2012-02-07T12:24:00.001-06:00

We are so busy right now that my mind is literally racing. Paint colors, appliance sizes, dinner for friends who just had a baby, baskets for party favors, food for Thatcher's birthday, a friend's 30th, thank you notes, hospital orders, switching utilities, packing...you get the idea. And, I am the type of person that really doesn't like to drop the ball or miss anything, which usually I am able to accomplish. I make lists, I cross things off, and I plan ahead. But this week the lists aren't helping, and they are just getting longer.

It's mostly because I am distracted by Thatcher's surgery tomorrow. I know that tubes are minor (as is the other little procedure he's getting "down there"), but moms were designed to worry. It's what we do best. I also feel so sad that he's just running around without a clue of what's going on. Tomorrow we'll have to wake him up bright and early (about 2 hours before he usually gets up), and I am pretty sure he will be livid about not getting his morning bottle. I feel terrible that we can't somehow prepare him for it, but that's probably for the better!

While I am completely ready for him to get tubes, it is still hard to hand your baby over to doctors like that. He's been in SO much pain that I am praying this is the relief we need, but it's still hard. I am beyond ready and not ready all at the same time. I think that I will feel so much better once this is behind us. It's hard to concentrate on trivial things like cabinet knobs when you're worried about your little one.

Thanks for keeping Thatcher in your prayers tomorrow - his procedure is scheduled for 7:30am, and hopefully everything will go smoothly. And, look at this precious sneak peek from yesterday!

Thanks, Erin!

home sweet home

2012-02-06T14:36:00.001-06:00

It's official - we are once again homeowners! Everything went really smoothly with closing this morning, and our contractor now has a key. I am headed over there after work to finalize paint colors and get measurements for the appliances and bathroom. Our new house is quickly going to become a construction zone but after that it will be a place of peace and tranquility, right? Right. Never mind the baby turned wild toddler on our hands!

Source: funkybeardecor.com via HappinessIs on Pinterest

In the next 2 weeks, we are hoping to tackle the following projects:

painting the entire interior and all trim work
remodeling Thatcher's bathroom
painting the kitchen cabinets and replacing the hardware
installing a new oven, microwave, stovetop and vent
reconfiguring the laundry room
new light fixtures in several of the rooms

It's going to be tight, but as long as we get the house painted then the rest can happen while we're living there.

The other excitement from the day is that this morning Thatcher had his 1 year old pictures. Our photographer thought it'd be fun to have Thatcher with one of those big oversized balloons, so I ordered them on the internet and went to the grocery this morning like the amazing mom that I am to get one blown up. The woman was like "are you sure helium will work?" and I didn't understand her question but sure enough, when she blew it up, it was all lopsided and wouldn't really float. I am thinking we didn't use enough helium, but I am not sure what the deal was. Suffice it to say that it was not picture worthy. So while she was creating plan B, a regular old balloon bouquet, I let Thatcher play with his big broken balloon. 3 seconds later the $7 balloon that barely floats is somehow on the grocery store ceiling. I was determined to get the non-functioning balloon down because I fully intend to return that thing. The balloon lady is a genius and rescued our balloon and we were only a few minutes late for the pictures.

Thatcher was not a happy camper by the end because it was really chilly and one of his outfits was not weather appropriate (never mind that he needed breakfast and a nap), but I can't wait to see how they come out! It's crazy to think that a year ago Erin was capturing this preciousness.

our weekend in (mostly) iPhone pictures

2012-02-05T19:22:00.000-06:00

We had a busy, productive and fun weekend!

Mission buy Thatcher shoes was a success - thanks for the suggestions! We ended up with a pair of white Keds and Stride Rite sandals. He's getting used to wearing them but still walking ~~stumbling~~ around like a drunk Saints fan.

On Saturday we celebrated Thatcher's girlfriend's 1st birthday. Lillian is technically Thatcher's oldest friend since they met when he was 3 days old.

After Lillian's party, the husband packed boxes while I worked on a few things for Thatcher Gator's party next weekend. I love how the favors came out! I got these alligator squirters and blowout things. The labels are from Sweet Birdie's Nest.

On Saturday night the husband and I went out for drinks with my brother and then got sushi. I seriously could eat sushi every day.

This morning we went to Church and then had the final walk through of our new house. Everything looks good - yay! Thatcher isn't so sure about the pink walls in his new room. Good thing the painters are starting Tuesday!

Then Thatcher opened his first birthday present (from a friend who can't come), played with the party favor from Lillian's birthday party and helped us scout out his party location to see how many tables we'll need.

Now we are lounging around and pretending to care about the Super Bowl. Here's to hoping that the Saints can make a playoff run next year when the Super Bowl is in New Orleans. Because let me tell you: that would be a party to end all parties.

This week is going to be insane, but we're looking forward to becoming home owners again and celebrating Thatcher's birthday with friends and family next weekend!

Yet another milestone

2012-02-03T08:40:00.000-06:00

It is non-stop with these babies and their darn growing up - I can't stand it! Yesterday Thatcher and I went on a long walk with one of our Church friends, and the little boy wanted to stop at the playground. He's almost 3, so he's definitely in a totally different place than Thatcher, but he was so sweet with him. At one point while Thatcher was whining in his stroller he said, "Thatcher's having a hard time!" It was sooooo precious. I was like "yes, Micah, yes he is!"

Anyway, Thatcher is full out walking now, as in he can go from sitting to standing and be across the room in seconds. No furniture assistance necessary. So while he's still a little young for the playground, he still wants to run around like the big kids. Yesterday was a battle of the wills as I tried to convince him just to sit and play while all he wanted to do was walk. The problem is that walking requires shoes, a wardrobe staple we do not yet have. So that's what we'll be doing this afternoon! In all fairness, I did look for shoes a few weeks ago, but after not being able to squeeze his feet into any of them I decided it could wait. Clearly it is time for shoes to become a regular part of our routine, but I am not ready! I like looking at these cute little baby toes!

My first shoes were red Keds, and I am kind of dying to get him a pair as well. Do kids wear Keds anymore? Red is not exactly practical, but I love them anyway.

I know it depends on the baby ~~toddler~~, but what brands do y'all like? Any recommendations? I want him to be able to walk in them, which is definitely not the case with his "fancy" shoes. Hence, they came off in about 10 seconds.

I have a feeling this is going to be a mostly losing battle, but he needs shoes for when we're out and about. Any and all recommendations are welcome!

In other news, everything is on track for us to close on the new house on Monday - yay!

How hard can it be?

2012-02-02T09:21:00.000-06:00

Thank you so much for all of the wonderful comments yesterday. I am glad to know that I am not alone in this emotional journey of motherhood! Just this morning I was soaking up the time feeding Thatcher his bottle thinking about the fact that these days are almost behind us. How can that be?

Anyway, enough of that seriousness! One of the first purchases I plan to make for our new house is a headboard. We finally invested in a king size bed before Thatcher was born (how we ever shared a queen I do not know), but we were waiting to have a more permanent home before buying too much furniture.

At first I thought that I might want something upholstered, though I am thinking it may be too formal.

Source: images.search.yahoo.com via HappinessIs on Pinterest

How fun is this pattern? I'd never have the guts to do this, though, because I know I'd change my mind.

Source: images.search.yahoo.com via HappinessIs on Pinterest

I love pretty much everything about this bed, including the fact that it has a footboard. For some reason I feel like beds look more finished if they have footboards, but sometimes they overwhelm a room, too. Decisions, decisions.

Source: decorare.tumblr.com via HappinessIs on Pinterest

For example, I love this headboard but think the bed looks a little unfinished, though the bench does help some.

Source: bhg.com via HappinessIs on Pinterest

But then I started looking at rustic wooden headboards and think I'd prefer to go in that direction.

Source: images.search.yahoo.com via HappinessIs on Pinterest

How cool are these doors as headboards? I am determined to have reclaimed doors somewhere in my home.

Source: images.search.yahoo.com via HappinessIs on Pinterest

Then I stumbled across this beauty of a headboard and discovered that it is a DIY project. The first challenge would be actually building the headboard (that sounds like the hard part to me), but the finishing part seems easy enough.

Source: images.search.yahoo.com via HappinessIs on Pinterest

The only challenge is that this headboard also does not have a footboard, which I am thinking I really want. But how hard can making a bed be? Are we crazy to try that on our own? It may be a bit ambitious, but I'd love to get that rustic look without the Restoration Hardware price tag.

The littlest blessings

2012-02-01T09:57:00.001-06:00

I don't know if it's because the calendar hit February and I am an emotional mess about it being Thatcher's birthday month or what, but this morning I am feeling so overwhelmed with love for our little one and thankful for the journey of the past year. I was thinking about blogging about paint colors for the new house this morning, but that feels so ridiculous and trivial for some reason. All of a sudden it just hit me that we have been blessed beyond measure. And I don't mean in the big, obvious ways, though we've got a lot to be thankful for in that sense, too. We have two fabulous jobs, a house under contract, an adorable little boy, a Church that we love and lots of supportive family and friends. With everything going on, it is easy to forget about and miss the little blessings. And those are what I am most grateful for today.

The perfect sound of a newborn's first cry

10 tiny fingers and 10 tiny toes

Being able to take our baby for walks in the fresh air

Watching all of the milestones: smiles, laughs, first solids, sitting up, walking

Dipping our baby's toes in the ocean

Reading a book together on the couch

Little chunky legs running all over the house

When we're caught up in the busyness of life, it's easy to take all of the little things for granted. No one is guaranteed a perfect pregnancy or healthy baby (or anything else for that matter), yet sometimes I know I am guilty of falling into the trap of believing that we should all just get married, have a few babies when we want them, decorate some nurseries and go on with life. And for some people it does happen like that. But if only it were that easy for everyone. It reminds me of that quote "If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back!"

So today I feel undeservingly grateful for the littlest blessings in our life, which are not little at all. When I stop and think about it, they are actually the biggest blessings we have.

Source: images.search.yahoo.com via HappinessIs on Pinterest

seriously Pampers?

2012-01-31T12:05:00.000-06:00

Ever since Thatcher was born I have loyally logged all of our Gifts to Grow points on the Pampers website. I watched them accumulate and often wondered if it was worth it. Why in the world was I entering all of these random codes to a random website? I never bothered browsing the "rewards," assuming that certainly something great was to come out of this. I finally decided to look through the rewards last week before Pampers points went the way of all other rewards programs and held zero value. With Thatcher's birthday coming up I figured that we could use the points for a fun toy or something.

Would you know that my 2,800 points (roughly the equivalent of 28 boxes of diapers or THOUSANDS of dollars) only amounted to the Little Tikes Shopping Cart? Y'all, that is not even a freaking box of diapers!

The husband also says it's a girl's toy, but I was not going to let those points go to waste, and I think Thatcher will have fun pushing it around. Plus, in the middle of buying a house, free is good in my book. I am just floored that the rewards aren't slightly better. A year of hoarding Pampers codes and all we get is a plastic grocery cart? I wish they'd at least send you a coupon book or something! After the hours I spent entering codes, Thatcher better appreciate pushing that sucker around!

Girls weekend!

2012-01-30T09:22:00.000-06:00

This past weekend I got together with my college friends for a reunion in San Francisco, and we had such a blast! It kills me that we live all over the country (in Louisiana, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina and California to be exact), but we've been lucky enough to see each other a few times a year for weddings and bachelorette parties. Since we don't have any coming up, we decided to start what I hope will become an annual tradition.

I flew out super early on Friday morning and was in California by 11:00am, just in time for lunch outside!

After lunch we strolled in and out of stores, and I have decided that I could legitimately move in to Paper Source.

And then we parked ourselves at a wine bar and talked for hours and hours before getting ready for dinner at Foreign Cinema.

On Saturday we went to brunch at the Ferry Building and then walked around enjoying such deliciousness as salted chocolate ice cream.

Then we drove across town for another walk near the Golden Gate bridge. The weather was seriously to die for.

And then we again parked ourselves at a wine bar (when in California...) and talked until we decided we should probably shower and figure out dinner. Saturday night was spent enjoying take in, wine and cookie dough. A truly perfect night in my book!

Meanwhile, the husband was holding down the fort and sending me pictures of the boys' weekend. I am pretty sure Thatcher enjoyed several bottles in front of the TV but c'est la vie. This picture cracks me up because it's the wrong shirt (those are clearly cars on his pants - ha ha) but I was so appreciative to get away that honestly I didn't care if Thatcher ran around naked all weekend.

Plus, they got lots of packing done, so now our house looks like a bomb went off. But at least it wasn't me doing the packing so I'll take what I can get!

I can't believe we close in a week and then only have 3 weeks to get the new house painted before we have to be out of here! The next 2-3 weeks are going to be insane but fun!

My new toy!

2012-01-27T08:02:00.001-06:00

I just entered the 21st century and got my first iPhone. I know, I know. Where have I been? I've had Sprint since going away to college in 2000 and the one benefit of being a customer that pays bills on time for over a decade is that if you kick and scream you get free stuff. Our plan is also insanely cheap so we just stuck with it. Last year before Thatcher was born we indulged in Androids so that we could share pictures easily. We really like them, though they are still not as cool as iPhones. And mine is now shattered. In approximately 875 pieces. This may be the one time in my life where I am utterly grateful to Thatcher for breaking something that cost hundreds of dollars. But who can get mad at this face? I doubt I will blog from my iPhone again because it took 53 tries to log in, but I am still blown away by the technology. Steve Jobs is seriously a genius. Obvious statement, I know, but I am fashionably late to the party. Now I need to convince the husband that I will perish without an iPad.

Our house at 5?

2012-01-26T09:19:00.000-06:00

This is probably no surprise, but we absolutely love to entertain. When we lived in Tampa, our house was often the center of social activity because we were constantly inviting people over for dinner parties, football watching parties, sushi eating parties and pretty much anything else we could think of. Since we left Tampa in 2007, we've been renting, which definitely makes it a little harder. Not impossible, but there has been no reason to unpack our china and crystal. We haven't lived anywhere with a formal dining area in 5 years, so that is one of the things we are most looking forward to in our new house.

I can't wait to unpack our china and crystal, although I no longer love our crystal and wish I had picked something lighter and daintier. Don't get me wrong - it's pretty, but I would pick something different now. I am still in love with our china and can't wait to actually use it!

We have absolutely no dining room furniture, so that will be a project. My mom and I already have some ideas, but in general I'll be going for a French Country feel. I don't like anything overly formal, and I tend to prefer casual and rustic looks with a touch of unexpected fancy. Some dining rooms that have caught my eye are below.

I do not care for the chandelier in this one, but I love the table, wall color and prints.

Source: google.com via HappinessIs on Pinterest

I love this armoire, though it most definitely will not fit in our dining room!

Source: google.com via HappinessIs on Pinterest

The natural light and chairs in this room are to die for.

Source: images.search.yahoo.com via HappinessIs on Pinterest

I love the general feel of this room, especially that mirror.

Source: images.search.yahoo.com via HappinessIs on Pinterest

The challenge in our dining room is going to be the size. It won't accomodate the long rustic dining room table of which I dream, but it's not like we usually have more than 2-3 couples over for dinner all that often. Our dining room is square, so my mom and I were thinking that a round or square table would be best. The previous owners used a round table, but I'd love to find a square table so that we can accommodate 8 people versus 6. I think a bigger table would fit in the room and that she didn't maximize the space, although I am not a professional interior designer! And the 80s called and wants their taffeta back. Those curtains are just so not me!

The style of this table is not at all what I am going for, but I think a table like this could work since I can't put a long one in the room.

Source: google.com via HappinessIs on Pinterest

What would y'all do - round or square?

why I look forward to Wednesdays

2012-01-25T09:03:00.000-06:00

Wednesdays are slowly becoming my favorite day of the week. I know I've talked about our parenting small group at Church before (where we were intensely reading ~~quickly skimming between naps and diaper changes~~ and discussing Grace-Based Parenting(which I definitely recommend)). The husband and I have met four wonderful couples through this group, and we've really loved getting to know them. There are 7 children among us (including baby Charlotte who was just born yesterday) with 3 more on the way. It is so refreshing to know that we are not alone on this crazy journey of parenting and to talk with others who are in such a similar place in life. Most of the time our small group is like free therapy, and who can't use that? And I am loving having friendships built on such open honesty and vulnerability, which has become increasingly important to me as I've gotten older. Who has time for false pretenses and pettiness?

Anyway, two of the girls in the group wanted to partake in a year long Bible study at our Church and I decided to join them. It is definitely a huge commitment, but after just a few weeks it has naturally become part of my routine and something I look forward to. We meet every Wednesday night, and the group is really diverse, a great mix of ages, gender and perspective.

Meet the Bible: A Panorama of God's Word in 366 Daily Readings and Reflections

There is a reading for each day of the year, which is totally manageable. I am finding that I get more out of it if I stick to the schedule (one reading per day) and really dig in versus trying to play catch up. What I love about the class is that it's been an interesting mix of history, perspective on how to approach the Bible and what it all means. It's almost like taking a religion class, which were some of my favorite classes in college. I highly recommend the book, but I do think it'd be easier to finish in a group setting (I could totally see myself getting off track and then never finishing it). I love the accountability of participating in a weekly group, and I am loving having this as part of my regular routine.

The news we've been waiting for

2012-01-24T13:11:00.000-06:00

It's official: Thatcher is getting tubes. The poor thing has been sick on and off since October. He's currently on his 4th ear infection, which is basically an extension of his 3rd ear infection, and he's taking the strongest antibiotics possible (you know, the ones where the pediatricians warn you to watch your child VERY closely and if they stop breathing, head straight to the ER - just what a mom wants to hear!). Initially we were supposed to see an ENT this Friday, on day 10 of his antibiotic, but I just knew that he wasn't better. So this caring, nurturing ~~screaming, crazy~~ mom called the ENT and got an appointment for this morning. Thatcher has a double ear infection, and his poor hearing is the equivalent of listening through cotton balls. Breaks my heart. The great news is that his ear function is totally fine, but the liquid is preventing him from being able to hear anything clearly. I just hate that he thinks that this is the way he has to feel, but I am so thankful for modern medicine and the ability to make it better. The crazy thing is that most of the time you would never know that he has an ear infection. He struggles to fall asleep but then sleeps consistently for 11-12 hours, and he's fairly cheerful during the day. Thatcher is a total trooper!

So now we are waiting to get the procedure scheduled, but most likely it will be very soon because there is no other solution at this point. On the verge of being TMI, we also have to coordinate it with a urologist because Thatcher needs a much less urgent but still necessary procedure "down there" as well. Maybe one day I will tell you all the story of December 23 when the husband and I pretended to be mature adults and listen to a pediatric urologist discuss my son's wee wee (though he did not use that term) and future sex life. I am not sure who was the most uncomfortable person in the room, but I was on the verge of bursting out laughing and/or smacking the urologist for the entire appointment. PSA: mothers do not want to think of their 10 month olds making babies.

I am hoping that we can get everything coordinated and scheduled fairly soon so that our little man can get some relief. As if that's not enough to keep us busy, we got word that our closing is scheduled for February 6. If you were curious, that is just under 2 weeks from now and we have not packed a thing. We were supposed to be getting Thatcher's 1 year pictures taken that day, so we'll have to see if we can actually squeeze it all in. My personal email is out of control with paint, plumbing and roof quotes, and I have visions of completely gutting one bathroom. The good news is that my parents just renovated their house, and my dad, who is a fabulous ~~frustrated~~ interior designer, ordered those huge paint samples in a million neutral colors. So we should be able to pick colors and get to work fairly quickly.

Oh, and did I mention that February 11 is Thatcher's birthday party? The good news is that I am a pretty organized ~~obsessive compulsive~~ person, so everything is pretty much in order, but it's definitely one more thing to worry about. And then there is the fact that the husband and I both work full-time. And we're slammed. I seriously feel like a crazy person half the time right now!

Source: etsy.com via HappinessIs on Pinterest

Even amidst the craziness, I wouldn't choose to have it any other way. We feel so lucky to have stumbled across this house, and I truly love working even if it makes my plate full ~~overflow~~. We are beyond thrilled to celebrate Thatcher's birthday, and we know that tubes will make him feel 10,000 times better. It's just a lot at once. But nothing that a combination of wine, friends and mom can't solve!

The story behind Thatcher's name

2012-01-23T09:54:00.001-06:00

As Thatcher's first birthday approaches, I find myself reminiscing over my pregnancy. Each and every baby is such a miracle, and it still blows my mind that they start off the size of a period and eventually turn into walking, babbling, giggling humans. It's mind boggling, and the only words to truly describe it are below.

Source: etsy.com via HappinessIs on Pinterest

We had chosen Thatcher's name early in my pregnancy. I actually started calling him Thatcher around 14 weeks even though we didn't technically know he was a boy. I mean, as his mother I just knew but we didn't really know until September 14, 2010. I don't think I've ever told the story of his name here, but we get asked a lot about whether it's a family name since it's so unusual. And the answer is no!

As we do for every 4th of July, we spent the weekend at the beach with my family. To say that the traffic between New Orleans and Florida was bad is a complete understatement. It took us around 8-9 hours to get to my parents' house when it is usually a 4 hour drive, and the return trip was just as bad. Since the husband was trapped in a car with nowhere to go, I downloaded a baby name book on my Kindle. It was a little premature since I was only about 7-8 weeks pregnant but crazy pregnant women just can't help themselves! I wrote down every name that we liked on the back of an envelope, but we both immediately loved Thatcher for a boy. It met almost all of our criteria, which included being strong and masculine, unique but not made up, unlikley to get shortened and a name that could transition from toddler to professional. It was really important to us that he have a unique name, so I actually checked every name we considered in the Social Security Database (which is a favorite activity of mine - I'd be shocked if you didn't become hooked). Thatcher was not in the top 1,000 for any year in the past decade, so we felt pretty confident that he wouldn't be sharing his name at preschool. Though we just heard that another couple we know in real life is probably using it, which I think is really weird since it's clearly a name we specifically chose and is not often used. But I guess imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right? Right. I still think it's really weird - just keeping it real, people! It'd be one thing if his name was David or something, but Thatcher? Most people comment on how they've never heard it before.

Anyway, the only thing his name was missing was meaning. Thatcher is an Old English name and means "one who thatches rooves." Yeah, not exactly as powerful as something like "one who seeks truth" or "a light that shines." We talked about it and decided that we liked the name enough to use it, and the story of how we chose it - in the car on a drive back from one of our favorite places - and the intentionality behind it was enough. His middle name was easy. William has always been my favorite boy's name, but we really did not want our son to have a common name, and we also felt strongly about using a name that did not lend itself to nicknames (Bill, Will, etc). William also happens to appear on both sides of our family (though who doesn't have that name in their family?) so that was an added bonus. I should also add that we did strongly consider what sounded good with our last name, as well as what his initials/monogram would be.

Names are hard, but I have to say that I am still completely in love with our choice. And I secretly wonder if it will become a family name or if he will decide that he doesn't like it. Only time will tell!

The world's best laugh

2012-01-22T17:36:00.000-06:00

Is there anything better than a baby's belly laugh? I could listen to them all day! It's a dreary afternoon in New Orleans so I decided to break out a new toy for Thatcher. He got entirely too much for Christmas despite our best efforts to tell everyone not to buy him stuff, so I put a few things away for a rainy day. Need a gift for a little boy? Thatcher highly recommends the Fisher-Price Big Action Scoop 'n Shoot Excavator

I also think I finally fixed the our little walker video (some people had said it wasn't working). It seems like videos only work if I upload to YouTube first (it won't let me upload straight from Picasa for some reason). Does anyone else have that problem? I don't really love having videos on YouTube because it creeps me out. Would love any suggestions!

Page turners

2012-01-20T10:27:00.000-06:00

I absolutely love to read. When I was little, I would literally stay up way past my bedtime with a flashlight to finish The Baby-Sitter's Club (I totally wanted to be BFF with Stacy) and anything Judy Blume. I also secretly wanted to hang out with The Boxcar Children. I was really super cool.

As I've gotten older I have found it way harder to find time to read, and I really have little patience for a mediocre book. It has to be an I-can't-put-it-down-page-turner in order to hold my interest. Everyone keeps telling me to give The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo 150 pages, and I don't HAVE 150 pages. I need to love a book from the beginning.

I just finished 2 amazing books in the past week. I mentioned the first one once before, but now that I am done I fully endorse it.

An Invisible Thread

This book was so incredibly touching. If you liked Same Kind of Different As Me then you will love this. It's the story of a busy sales executive and a little boy who has less than nothing. His mother and family are addicted to drugs, and he essentially has no stability in his life. At first I was skeptical becuase I figured that the sales executive (and author) would just be a priviledged woman who felt guilty, but it turns out that she grew up the daughter of an abusive and alcoholic father, so it also has a touch of The Glass Castlein it. The two of them form a life altering friendship that is profoundly powerful. I really can't reommend this book highly enough.

Out of the Canyon: A True Story of Loss and Love

This book will basically rip your heart out and stomp on it. So why would I recommend it? Because I think we all need a reminder every once in a while that we are stronger than we think and that 99% of the time we can't control the cards that we're dealt. It's the story of a man in Aspen who loses his wife and two sons in a horrific car accent. His grief is deep, but he is encouraged to keep his heart and mind open. He responds to one letter of condolence that changes his life forever. This one is hard to read because you just can't imagine the pain he felt, but at the same time it is such an uplifting story of the kindness of others and pure optimism after loss. It's devastating and happy all at once, if such a thing is possible.

Now I am reading Infideland it seems to be a promising page turner as well.

Other favorite page turners of mine are:

What are some of your favorite page turners? I am always looking for a really good read and for some reason having another book sitting on my nightstand motivates me to finish the current one faster.

Let's talk about finger foods and sippy cups, shall we?

2012-01-19T11:40:00.001-06:00

Just when it seems like we are getting into a rhythm or routine, a new stage pops up out of nowhere. And I am never, ever ready for it. At Thatcher's 10 month appointment our pediatrician brought up the transition from bottle to sippy cup and encouraged us to start working with him. Grrrrrrrreat, I think to myself. Can't we just leave well enough alone? He's on a good schedule and can hold the bottle to feed himself and life is grand. I felt like I had mastered everything about feeding Thatcher and our favorite items. I know there are a lot of conflicting opinions out there about when to get rid of the bottle. The most important thing, of course, is that he's getting ample nutrition, so I don't want to rush it, but at the same time I also know that he can't be a baby forever. And I won't be sad about not having to clean the 3,328 bottle parts.

And speaking of ample nutrition, I am really struggling to figure out how an 11 month old derives any nutrition from finger foods. My child is intrigued by them and plays with them but very rarely does he actually eat them.

Despite the fact that I've offered pretty much any finger food I can think of (fruits, veggies, meats, pastas, cheese, etc), the boy would just plain rather be lazy and have us feed him pureed stuff. The child won't eat macaroni and cheese! Clearly he is not related to me. So our current routine consists of me offering a plethora of finger food options, Thatcher flinging them off the high chair and to the dog and then me giving in and feeding him something soft. Every once in a while he will eat a good number of peas or grapes, but that's about it. Yet he isn't picky at all when it comes to the pureed stuff. This is our floor every single evening. Ignore the ugly brick (just one more reason we are thrilled to move!) What gives?

So, any suggestions on the transition from bottle to sippy cup (and formula to whole milk)? Thatcher will drink water and diluted juice out of a sippy cup, but the second the sippy cip is filled with formula, forget it! I am thinking we may have to go cold turkey (sort of like we did when we instituted Ferber) but I am not there yet. And I really don't want to buy 343 more sippy cups, as we already own ~~100~~ 6. And what about this finger food stuff? My current plan is to keep offering a variety of foods at every meal, but it also feels so wasteful (though the dog isn't complaining!) Every day is a new challenge with this parenting business.

And while we're talking about feeding toddlers, I have to rave for a second about Oxo. We chose the Oxo Sprout High Chair and have been totally thrilled with it. It's aesthetically pleasing, easy to clean and a nice compact size. However, the tray on both our chair and my parents' chair was getting knicked really easily (and I started to worry about germs getting into the crevices). So I emailed them to see if I could order replacement trays and - get this - they were super apologetic and sent me 2 new trays free of charge! They really appreciated the feedback and want to look into the design so that it doesn't happen in the future. I just love amazing customer service and when a company stands behind their product. I would have recommended this high chair anyway, but now I wouldn't consider another one.

Bring on the sippy cup and finger food advice!

And the theme is...

2012-01-18T11:35:00.002-06:00

I got lots of creative guesses about the theme of Thatcher's 1st birthday. Someone threw out Mardi Gras, and when I looked at the picture I realized that the paper products do look a tad lavender, but rest assured that they are in fact a pale blue. I probably need to find better things to worry about, but I actually ordered 2 shades of blue and sent back the ones that didn't work. You know, because I don't have enough going on with my full-time job.

Danielle (who is actually from Louisiana as well) actually guessed the correct theme: alligators!

Since Thatcher was about 6 weeks old, we have affectionately called him The Thatcher Gator. It all started when the husband and I watched a marathon of one of our favorite shows, Swamp People. We seriously love the show, and we jokingly started calling Thatcher by this silly nickname. It just sort of stuck, though we don't really use it in public or anything. Anyway, I thought it'd be a cute theme for his birthday since I am pretty sure the days of Star Wars, Thomas the Tank Engine and other ~~obnoxious~~ delightful cartoons are coming.

I am asbolutely thrilled with how these came out and highly recommend Sweet Birdie's Nest. We have lots of other cute paper items like return address labels, favor tags and a high chair banner, and they were so patient in working with me, the ~~frustrated~~ talented graphic designer that I am.

Hopefully it won't rain, but the positive news is that if it does, we should have a fabulous back-up plan: our new house! We made it through the inspection period and have negotiated a new purchase price with the sellers. They have been so wonderful to work with, and it's been great not to have to rely on an agent as the middle (wo)man. We are targeting an early February closing, so I guess we need to start packing! And for those of you who are counting, this will be Thatcher's 3rd home in one year and the husband and I's 7th in five years. That's a story for another day but we are looking forward to staying put in one home for the foreseeable future!

On being a working mom

2012-01-16T15:42:00.002-06:00

Last night, against his protests, the husband and I watched I Don't Know How She Does It. In all fairness, he chose Our Idiot Brother on Friday night, which even he, the man who sits through the most painful movies, agreed to turn off halfway through. So it was my turn to choose.

I have no idea why, but I had actually read the bookwhen I was in college and really enjoyed it. I definitely think the book is better than the movie, though the movie was cute enough.

My biggest complaint about the movie was that I felt like it turned SJP into a martyr without a voice. It was rather obvious that she felt pulled in a million directions and had a healthy case of working mom guilt. She begrudgingly went on business trip after business trip and pursued the next big project at work but almost acted as if she had no choice in the matter. Maybe it was bad acting (though with SJP I have a hard time saying that), but I just didn't believe that she truly wanted to be a career woman or that she truly wanted to be at home more. To me, it seemed as if she was stuck in this perpetual in between state and was just floating along, sometimes acknowledging her feelings but never acting on them.

Don't get me wrong - I am sure that the movie portrayed the way that some working moms feel. But it drove me insane that her character wasn't more intentional or vocal about her choices. Because I believe that at the end of the day it comes down to our personal choices for our family. I know that some women have to work for one reason or another and genuinely do not have another option. And I recognize that this is likely very disheartening and frustrating, especially for those women that have to work outside the home but would rather work as stay at home moms. And I do believe very strongly that being a stay at home mom is a job.

At the same time, I also know of many families who make the decision to forego one income in order for the mom to stay at home. While this may not always be an option, I do think that in many instances it is if the family is willing to make some sacrifices. I've read lots of blog posts on this topic, and all of them allude to the fact that it is an intentional choice that they have made for their family. Maybe it means less pedicures, purses and family vacations, but lots of families find a way to make it work. In I Don't Know How She Does It, it almost felt like she was waiting for someone to make the choice for her. And, I felt like it portrayed working moms in a slightly negative light.

What do I mean? Well, not all working moms miss all of the "firsts." And not all working moms ignore their husband. Not all working moms dread going to work. And not all working moms choose the next big project or promotion over Thanksgiving with their family.

How do I know? Well, because I feel like we have made some choices that enable me to work and be a mom. I really don't feel like it has to be either/or. I purposely chose to take a step back at work and pursue an option that would enable me to work from home so that I can drop everything when need be. I choose to work because I like the interaction with other adults and sense of purpose it gives me. I choose to work because I honestly think I'd be a really bad stay at home mom. This raising kids business is H.A.R.D., and I don't mind admitting that working actually feels like a break most of the time. Even towards the end of maternity leave when I was so sad to think about leaving Thatcher every day, I knew that a big part of me needed to get back into a professional routine to feel more like, well, me. Not a day goes by where I am not immensely thankful to have found a solution that feels like the best of both worlds for me. I work full-time but am still available to drop Thatcher off in the morning, pick him up in the afternoon and play with him for a bit before dinner, bath and bedtime. And I feel so incredibly fortunate.

Do I always plan to work outside of the home? Honestly, I'm not sure. We have one baby right now, and our arrangement works really well for us. We have made a lot of intentional choices to ensure that both the husband and I are satisfied and fulfilled. Right now I enjoy working, but if that ever starts to change then I'd be open to exploring it. Was it hard to get off the "fast track" at work? Give up the promotion I was likely about to get? Sure. But for us it was a purposeful choice. And I think this is part of the reason why I didn't love I Don't Know How She Does It. I felt like SJP had so many chances to make different decisions or to change things but she never really did. And I just wanted to scream "what do you want, lady?!?! Do you want to work or not?!?!" I don't think that working vs. staying at home vs. having your own business really has a right answer. There is just not one solution for all families. All that matters is that families make choices that work for them.

Even though I choose to work, I will admit that sometimes it's really hard. There are days that I feel bad for dropping Thatcher off at school and days when I wonder how I will squeeze everything in. Because the reality is that someone still has to RSVP to parties, go to the grocery, buy birthday cards, pay bills and the list goes on. And I am still trying to fit all of my social obligations into the mix as well because playgroup, small group at Church and girls' nights matter to me. A lot. I truthfully think guilt is something that comes along with being a parent. If I didn't have working mom guilt then I'd probably have I-shouldn't-be-spending-money guilt or some other form of guilt. But somehow it all gets done, and if I ever felt like it were no longer working for us then we'd talk about it and make a change. The truth is that we have way more control over our decisions than we sometimes believe, and I think that's what drove me nuts about the movie. It's like we were supposed to feel sorry for SJP but she wasn't really doing anything to make her situation better.

Has anyone else seen it? What did y'all think?

A perfect Louisiana Saturday

2012-01-14T11:14:00.000-06:00

The skies are a deep blue, it's about 60 degrees outside, and there's very little humidity. Essentially, the perfect crisp day. We have jambalaya on the stove, and friends are coming over this afternoon for mimosas, bloody marys and of course to cheer on the Saints. I really don't think life gets better. Well, eating crawfish during Mardi Gras with a cold beer is a very close second.

The husband's jambalaya
--stalk of celery
--parsley
--green onion
--onion
--2 green bell peppers
--chicken breasts
--sausage
--chicken broth
--Contadina tomato paste
--Uncle Ben's rice
--Tony's
--bay leaves
--minced garlic

1. Chop all vegetables very finely. At the same time, boil the chicken. When the chicken is done, cut/chop/shred into bite sized pieces. We usually saute the sausage on the stove (in a separate pan) at the same time. Basically, multi-task: cut veggies while chicken boils and sausage sautes.
2. Saute the onion, bell pepper and celery in a generous amount of olive oil and minced garlic. When those vegetables are soft, add the green onion and parsley. Let it cook down.
3. Add the chicken and sausage to the vegetables. Also add the tomato paste and combine. We usually throw in Tony's, garlic powder, onion powder, bay leaves and hot sauce. If you want, you can also add cayenne.
4. After all of that is combined, add 2.5 cups of Uncle Ben's and chicken broth. Let it all cook - we honestly don't measure the chicken broth, so use your best judgment. Too much and obviously the rice will get soggy, so start with less and go from there.

His jambalaya is not an exact science, but it is so freaking good. It actually tastes better the next day, too.

These pictures are from last weekend, but we're wearing the exact same clothes. I am superstitious like that. This shirt got us to the Superbowl, but last year I couldn't wear it since I was approximately 8 months pregnant during the playoffs and we all know how that turned out. Who dat!!!

Now we're off to the new house inspection. If the inspection goes well and the Saints win, it will absolutely be a perfect day! If you asked me to choose one - well, I am not sure I would know what to pick!

Exciting news!

2012-01-12T19:57:00.000-06:00

After approximately 10 months of looking, we have a house under contract! We started looking in March of last year, right after Thatcher was born. My mom and I have probably been through 30 houses, and it has been totally exhausting. We only involved the husband if a house was worth a second look, and many were not right for one reason or another. After a while it became a game really. My mom and I would go to every house on broker tour "just for fun" even though we had no intention of buying half the houses. We probably would have been kicked off the set of House Hunters because we looked and looked but never bought. It has pretty much been my hobby for the past year or so.

There was 1 house that we really liked last spring, but we decided to keep looking becuase we weren't totally sold. It had an amazing yard, but the kitchen was tiny and the layout was not great for how we live. In the early fall, there was 1 house that we loved, but it had been on the market forever and wasn't going anywhere. In December we actually made an offer on a house that we absolutely adored, but the owner was not willing to compromise on price and that was that. We weren't too upset about it because the location was not our favorite. And, we figured what was meant to be would be.

We are so excited about the house and are keeping our fingers crossed that everything goes well with the inspections on Saturday and then the appraisal. The front of the house is an older cottage, and a couple added onto the back and renovated everything in the 90s. It has a really great feel to it, like an updated charming cottage if there is such a thing! I am in love with the kitchen, master bedroom/bath and family room. Oh, and the fact that it has wood floors throughout and 2 fireplaces!

I am not totally sure that we'll keep the wall mural in the kitchen, but we'll see. What do y'all think? Part of me loves it and part of me hates it. We are so relieved that we may finally be done with house hunting. If all goes well, we should be homeowners in February. So far 2012 is shaping up to be a great but very busy year!

Thatcher's 1st birthday: a sneak peek!

2012-01-11T20:40:00.000-06:00

You all should know by now: I am not quite complete without a party to plan! As soon as the ornaments and stockings were put away, I was on to planning Thatcher's 1st birthday. I have actually had the theme chosen for quite some time (since he was approximately 3 months old for those of you who are counting), and I ordered the invitations before the holidays. Obsessive compulsive? Maybe. But I am a planner. And good parties are planned in advance.

I have so many people tell me "it's so hard to plan a party" or "you're so organized" or "I haven't done a thing yet!" But really, this party planning business is pretty easy. You just have to, well, plan. And be organized. It doesn't take Martha Stewart to throw a great party, but the woman does provide some amazing inspiration.

In planning Thatcher's party, I came across my new favorite resource: Celebrate Express.

People, they have solo cups in every color of the rainbow. What more creativity do you need?!? Pick a color and run with it! In fact, one of the cutest 1st birthday parties I've seen is Ethan's Orange and Yellow shin dig. Thatcher's 1st birthday festivities are not centered around a specific color, but this really and truly makes anyone look like a professional party planner. So, here's a sneak peek at some purchases!

Any guesses on the theme? If anyone guesses correctly, I will totally send your baby a party favor (they are cute, believe me!) For real.

For the invitations, I turned to Sweet Birdie's Nest. They have been fabulous to work with, and I am thrilled with the final product. But, I am not sharing -- yet! Once they are stamped and delivered I will reveal them but not until then. Nerd alert: party of one. But seriously, what's the point of invitations if you go sharing them with your internet friends (and some real friends) in advance?

I am really happy with how everything is coming together, but I am not happy about Thatcher turning 1. I mean, I am happy, but if I had the power to stop time I would. In just one month we will be celebrating our little man - everyone pray for beautiful weather!

Happy 11 months, Thatcher!

2012-01-10T20:53:00.000-06:00

I have seen monthly updates done this way on other blogs and really like it. I don't know who "started it," but if you did, let me know and I will give you all the credit. And a virtual high five. I most recently saw it on The Workaholic Momma and My Thoughts - Interrupted, 2 blogs I absolutely adore.

Trying to photograph Thatcher right now involves a lot of chasing, a lot of "noooooo!" and the husband and I snapping at each other at least once. Thatcher has absolutely zero interest in sitting still and would much rather walk all over the house like a drunken sailor terrorizing our 7 year old dog. Not really a set up for the most impressive photography.

I can't believe that we only have one more monthly sticker left! This year has seriously flown by. I know that everyone says that and it's the most annoying cliche but it's so true. All of a sudden we have a strong-willed dare-I-say-the-dreaded-t-word-TODDLER on our hands.

I am not sure I can handle counting Thatcher's age in years yet...

The husband's 30th birthday party

2012-01-09T19:46:00.000-06:00

Seeing as how the husband turned 30 on December 21 this is a little delayed, but better late than never! To celebrate his birthday, I wanted to do something fun but easy. He organized a really fun wine and cheese party last summer for me and even though he is not "a birthday person," I pretty much insisted that we celebrate. Any excuse to plan and throw a party, right?

I chose a tapas restaurant called Baru and settled on a family style menu.

My mom came over and watched Thatcher for the night!

I picked a 5 course menu, and each dish was more delicious than the one before it. We had mazorca, which is sauteed corn and cheese that is to die for, grilled portabellos, fried oysters, empanadas and skirt steak. The corn and oysters were by far my favorites. Of course, I had to add a baby picture of the husband to the menu.

There were about 20 of us, so it was a tight fit, but we had such a good time. I also made placecards for each seat with a picture from when the husband was a year old.

The husband was so happy to see all of his friends even though he would never have let me plan this had he known about it. He ended up figuring it out a few days before, which was totally fine since it wasn't meant to be a surprise, but he is really just not into his birthday. Though it's odd because he certainly doesn't turn down the presents...

We ended the night with berry chantilly cake which is just about my favorite cake on the planet. Next to cookie cake, that is. It was a wonderful night. Next up: Thatcher's 1st! 5 weeks and counting...

Geaux Saints!

2012-01-07T16:40:00.000-06:00

Thatcher is ready for his first playoff game!

3 hours until kickoff...WHO DAT!

Our little walker!

2012-01-06T19:52:00.002-06:00

While part of me really does NOT want Thatcher walking, it is just so darn cute that we keep encouraging it. He's so wobbly and unsteady that it's adorable.

Please ignore the classy turtleneck and diaper outfit. That's just how we roll before bathtime around here.

11 in 2011

2012-01-05T19:13:00.001-06:00

2 years ago, while under the influence of champagne, the husband and I inadvertently started a little tradition. Every year we separately write down what we hope happens (or what we hope to accomplish) in the year ahead. Then we put it in an envelope and seal it until the following year. Neither one of us reads the other's list or talks before writing. You can read last year's version here.

It's so fun to open the envelope and remember where we were a year ago. I am always slightly surprised by one or two, mostly because I can't recall what I wrote by the time New Year's rolls around. And then I wonder whether I actually did what I set out to do when the year began. And I also wonder how close the husband and I's lists will be.

Source: papertissue.tumblr.com via Edna on Pinterest

Without further adieu, here was 2011's list:

Relatively easy birth experience and a healthy baby (check)
Take our first family vacation (check)
Change jobs either within XXXX or somewhere new (check) This one surprised me because I didn't realize it had been on my mind so long!
Half marathon in October (FAIL, though I did start training)
Continue to attend our Church regularly (check AND we joined a parenting small group we love)
Read more regularly (FAIL, which I blame on le bebe)
Everyone stays healthy, including Miss Coco (check)
Dinner at the table without the tv (half check - we got great about this at our old house but have reverted to coffee table eating again)
Take Thatcher to the zoo or aquarium or on the streetcar - let him experience NOLA (check)
The husband continues to enjoy his job and do well (check)
Spend a weekend away from Thatcher just the two of us (half check, as we went to 2 weddings, but we were most definitely not alone - maybe in 2012!)

I really love this tradition because it's a great reminder of everything we have to be thankful for, and it's a good way to assess whether we spent our year on the things that mattered to us. The husband and I again had several in common but then a few that were totally different (he definitely did not want to read more but was hoping we'd win the lotto. Too bad that one didn't happen!) It's actually nice to see that - for the most part - our goals for any given year are quite similar. If you think it's too late to write a list, it's absolutely not - we just did ours tonight because life has been crazy.

I can't wait to see what 2012 has in store!

2011 in review

2012-01-04T15:13:00.000-06:00

So I am rather annoyed with Blogger / Picasa right now. Seems that somehow Google has decided that I need albums of each picture on my blog, so I deleted them, and now the pictures are gone from my previous post. I don't get it. Has anyone else experienced this? Tres annoying.

We've been so busy the past few weeks with the husband's birthday, Christmas, parties, New Year's and more....but before too much time elapses, I want to do my annual year in review. I love looking back at my 2010 in review post - it's just fun to see what was going on each month!

January 2011
I was extremely busy with work and trying to prepare for maternity leave. I was large and in charge and ready for baby boy to get here!

February 2011
I think it's safe to say that this month will go down as one of the best in our lives. Thatcher William arrived on February 10 after a rather easy labor and delivery. We were sleepless and delirious but thrilled beyond belief.

March 2011
Thatcher and I soaked up the gorgeous weather in New Orleans and took long strolls in the park. The husband and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary with drinks and a nice dinner at NOLA. Thatcher also celebrated his first Mardi Gras, made his debut at his Sip N See and turned 1 month old!

April 2011

April brought our first trip to the beach and Thatcher's first Easter. I was still on blissful maternity leave, so we did a whole lot of relaxing and lounging.

May 2011
May was wonderful and hard all at the same time. Thatcher was baptized on Mother's Day, and we had a beautiful service and brunch. I had to go back to work the next day, though, so it was bittersweet. I missed my little guy so much but also loved getting back into a more normal routine because - let's face it - I lived in pajamas for 3 months. And my wallet was shrinking due to daily coffee with friends.

June 2011

June might go down as the craziest month of 2011. We had 2 weddings on back-to-back weekends, and I was working like a mad woman. We had to leave Thatcher for the first time, and he was having major weight issues. Our house got broken into, and life was insane. The highlights of June were watching the husband's brother and our sister-in-law get married in Los Angeles and then standing in a dear friend's wedding the following weekend. I was absolutely drowning in my personal and work life, but weddings make it all better.

July 2011
I turned the big 3-0 and the husband threw a fabulous 30th birthday party for me. We also celebrated Thatcher's first 4th of July at my parents' pool. I was still insanely busy at work and remember looking SO forward to our August beach vacation.

August 2011
We took another family vacation to the beach, and Thatcher turned 6 months old. In other words, he was halfway to a year. Tears. I also started my new role at work (where I get to work from home - woohoo!) and things calmed down dramatically. I finally felt like I had some actual balance, as I was working 70-80 hours a week for most of May, June and July. My aunt (my mom's younger sister) also got to meet Thatcher for the first time.

September 2011

We moved into our new place, and Thatcher continued to grow despite my best efforts to stop him! We spent a lot of time hanging out on the couch watching football and made sure Thatcher knew exactly who to cheer for! This is also the month Thatcher became mobile, and he hasn't stopped crawling like a mad man since! We enjoyed more playdates with friends, too.

October 2011

In October we were lucky enough to have friends visit us from Georgia, and Thatcher had a blast playing with their son Parker. Thatcher also started his new school, which has been a total blessing and a wonderful fit for us. Thatcher pulled up to standing for the first time, which was so fun to watch. We carved a pumpkin together, had a Halloween playdate and thought Thatcher made the cutest lobster ever.

November 2011

We celebrated Thatcher's first Thanksgiving with both sides of our family, and I traveled to Brooklyn for work. November seemed to fly right by...

December 2011

December was a fabulous month of celebrations: Thatcher's first Christmas, the husband's 30th birthday, a visit from good friends in Tampa and so much more. I have no idea where December went, but it's gone. December brought Thatcher's first steps, his first tooth and entirely too many calories.

I don't know where the time goes, but 2011 was very good to our family. It's amazing in particular to see all of the babies that our friends have been blessed with and how they've grown and changed. It's been a crazy, life-changing and exciting year, and we are hopeful for an equally wonderful 2012!

Random Thursday Thoughts

2011-12-29T17:27:00.002-06:00

1. I just started reading An Invisible Thread: The True Story of an 11-Year-Old Panhandler, a Busy Sales Executive, and an Unlikely Meeting with Destiny and so far I am absolutely loving it. If you liked Same Kind of Different As Me then you will love this, too. And if you haven't read Same Kind of Different As Me then you must buy it immediately.

2. I went shopping today and am loving Banana Republic's spring clothes. Of course I bought stuff that wasn't on sale. Isn't that how it always works? But they were giving a discount for using the Banana Republic card, so that helped. I got this shirt and a few other things. I did get this jacket on major sale with all the discounts they had going on, which I am super excited about.

3. I am obsessed with Seda France candles. They are a total splurge, but I exchanged a few stocking stuffers for a new one today. They smell soooooo good and I would have them all over the house if I could. I bet the holiday one smells divine.

4. I can't wait for our friends Brooke and Doug to get here tomorrow morning! They are good friends from when we lived in Tampa and we haven't seen them since their wedding in May 2010. We have lots of fun plans for dinner, walking around the Quarter and just hanging out. We're really looking forward to having them!

5. If I eat or drink one more thing, I might explode. Which doesn't bode well since I have drinks with high school friends tonight and New Year's Eve this weekend. On Tuesday, January 3 I am abstaining from alcohol and dips/chips/candy/cake for a good long while. Wish me luck because the Saints are in the playoffs.

6. Thatcher's favorite Christmas book without a doubt is That's Not My Reindeerwhich he will now read to himself in the morning (I let him go to bed with it). He is truly obsessed with it - such a cute baby book (never to early to start shopping for 2012!)

7. After shopping today, the husband and I tried a new sushi restaurant. I could eat sushi every day of the week. Yummmmmmm.

Thatcher's 1st Christmas

2011-12-28T16:34:00.002-06:00

Thatcher had a wonderful first Christmas, and we have the pictures to prove it. At one point on Christmas Day my dad asked "how many pictures have you taken today?" Honestly, I take so many pictures since I am still learning to shoot in manual and want to make sure I end up with a few good ones!

On Christmas Eve, we made cookies for Santa and lounged around the house. And yes, I am absolutely aware of the fact that Thatcher has no idea what cookies or Santa are, but it was fun! A friend brought the cutest cookies for Santa party favor to our Christmas baby playdate, and I would totally make these again or give them as gifts. The recipe was easy, and the cookies were delish.

Later that day we headed to Church as a family of three. Our Church has the most beautiful Christmas Eve service, and Thatcher was delightful until about 15-20 minutes before the end. Seeing as how we had to get there 30 minutes early to secure aisle seats at the back (aka the crying baby escape route), we were proud of him! And it was so fun to share the back pews with other families in the same boat.

After Church we continued our tradition of dinner at my parents' house. Thatcher was wired and somehow stayed up for the entire meal! The adults enjoyed a delicious meal of butternut squash soup, lamb, spinach stuffed tomatoes and mashed potatoes and copious wine and Thatcher dined on puffs. He's fancy! My dad also made bread pudding from scratch, which was to die for. After dinner we put Thatcher to bed and headed over to the husband's aunt and uncle's annual Christmas Eve party, which is always really fun. The highlight is his aunt's gumbo and pepper jelly, both of which I could devour year round.

On Christmas morning, we got up and opened presents at our house before heading to Church. The Christmas Day service was really fun, and Thatcher again behaved himself!

After Church we headed to my parents' house for breakfast and more present opening.

My mom is known for finding the most ridiculous stocking stuffers. This year we all got tattoo arm sleeves that look scary real. I told the husband he should casually wear it to work one day and see if anyone notices.

In case that wasn't enough activity for one day, we then had the husband's parents over to our house in the afternoon. I made clam dip, ham biscuits, prosciutto pinwheels and baked brie and we watched Thatcher play with all of his new toys!

It was such a wonderful Christmas, and we feel so lucky for all of the food, family, friends and festivities. Here's to many more Christmases together!

Our weekend in a picture

2011-12-26T21:44:00.000-06:00

Christmas with a little one is a blast. It's full of energy, joy, laughter, fun and delightful baby squeals.

The only thing that would make this long family weekend better is a Saints win tonight with Drew Brees breaking Dan Marino's record...Who Dat and Merry Christmas!

Celebration in the Oaks

2011-12-24T07:45:00.000-06:00

Last night we decided to brave the late afternoon witching hours with a usually cranky baby and take Thatcher to one of my favorite holiday events: Celebration in the Oaks. When I was little, the entire park used to be illuminated with fabulous lights with thousands of colorful sculptures dangling from the majestic oak trees. You could drive through miles and miles of beautiful displays and also get out and walk around if you wanted to. In post-Katrina New Orleans, a lot has changed, and the park only offers the walking version. It's still just as fun, but I hope that one day they will bring back the driving tour. I used to spend hours at Celebration in the Oaks with my grandmother, the only woman patient enough to bring me 5-6 times a season.

We arrived around 5:15pm to beat the crowds. Another awesome mom moment in history for me: the gates didn't open until 6:00pm. Grrrrrrrreat! Just what a tired Thatcher had in mind during his usual dinner time: waiting in Disney World-esque lines. Thankfully he was actually really, really good.

Once the sun set and we got inside, he was in total awe of the lights. He pointed at all of them and was completely happy the entire time. We had so much fun walking around (did I mention that they sell wine and beer for irresponsible parents like us?) and seeing what caught his eye.

I just love the holidays and feel so thankful for everything we've been given this year. I know that the holidays can be bittersweet for a lot of people, and I have all of them in my thoughts and prayers.

Wishing everyone a very merry Christmas from New Orleans!

nude or silver?

2011-12-23T11:04:00.000-06:00

I bought this dress for Christmas Eve and spring weddings. I love it, but I have no shoes to match. I thought nude would go, so I ordered a pair from Zappos and of course already wore them, but once I saw it on the model I started to worry that I really do need a silver pair. And finding cute silver shoes is akin to shopping for a bikini in December. Totally impossible and undesirable. When else am I going to wear silver shoes?

What do y'all think? Do I have to go with silver? Please say no. Please say no. Please say no.

More on paper / happy birthday!

2011-12-21T14:34:00.001-06:00

I think by now you all know my affinity for paper. No wrapping paper, greeting card or paper product is too expensive for this girl. I am probably one of the few people who saves every.single.invite I have ever received. You know, so that I have examples for the future clients of my non-existent paper store.

Anyway, a dear friend sent me this today, and I thought it was hilarious.

And sadly, it is probably true for some gifts. But I am so okay with that!

On an unrelated side note, happy 30th birthday to the husband! Without whom I would not have the most adorable baby in the world. I am in love with a man who cried when the Saints won the Superbowl.

Pictures of his birthday party to follow...

Songs for Frazier / best baby gift EVER!

2011-12-20T18:37:00.001-06:00

I wish I could take credit for this idea, but I cannot. One of my amazing co-workers wrote to all of us a few weeks ago asking us for our favorite lullaby / baby appropriate song. She then downloaded them all as a playlist as a gift for baby Frazier (how cool is that name, by the way?) and when she was done, she promised to share the list. I love how naturally eclectic it is, reflecting a variety of tastes. And, I love, love, love the thought and sentiment behind each song (this is reflected in italics where relevant).

I would have been floored to have received this as a gift. It's creative, useful, thoughtful and original. If you were really on top of it, it'd also be an amazing baby shower favor so that all of the guests walked away with the same compilation.

This makes my heart so happy - enjoy!

Cielito Lindo / Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlan / Mexico Y Su Mariachi

Sleep Softly Precious Boy / Ingrid DuMosch / My Sweet Little Boy - Lullabies and Bedtime Songs Especially for Boys
I just love the lyrics, and Thatcher listens to it nightly. Best time of the day.

My Sweet Little Boy / Ingrid DuMosch / My Sweet Little Boy - Lullabies and Bedtime Songs Especially for Boys

VCR / The XX / XX
When my husband had a scary heart surgery a couple years ago and I wasn’t able to stay with him overnight, this song put me to sleep for a few hours on a very uncomfortable hospital waiting room couch. Whenever I hear it now, it reminds me of finding peace in the middle of the night and loving someone deeply...definitely a personal lullaby!

Happy Birthday / Stevie Wonder / Hotter than July
A classic in the Lxxxx household from the day we brought these kiddies into the world.

Birthday / The Beatles / The White Album

Somewhere Over the Rainbow / Judy Garland / The Wizard of Oz Soundtrack

All Together Now / The Beatles / Yellow Submarine Soundtrack
Helps kids learn letters, numbers, and colors and still makes me smile when I hear it. My brother and I also loved "Yellow Submarine" and "Octopus's Garden" when we were kids.

I Will / The Beatles / The White Album
Just a sweet song!

Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel) / Billy Joel / River of Dreams
I've always thought it’s a really pretty lullaby that would be soothing for little ones and because my mother and I used to sing it together in the car…so it brings me comforting memories of time with my mother…just as I know Terra and her son will have many such moments.

Kokomo / The Beach Boys / Sounds of Summer

Brahms' Lullaby / Celine Dion / These Are Special Times

Baby / Dave Matthews / Some Devil
It’s a great little lullaby song with the message that anything is possible and you can do whatever you put your mind to.

Leaving on a Jet Plane / Peter, Paul and Mary / The Very Best of Peter, Paul and Mary
One of my favorite songs that my mom used to sing to me (she loves PPM).

Dancing in the Street / Martha and the Vandellas / Dancing in the Streets - The Very Best of Martha Reeves
Not quite a lullaby, but a fun song, and I have great memories of my whole family dancing around the house to it.

You and Me / Frances England
Because it always makes me feel warm and fuzzy about my kiddos!

Sing / The Carpenters / Now & Then
I remember that as the first song I learned to sing in school when I was really, really little. And for years, I believed that when it was played on the radio it was me and my friends from preschool. You can hear me in the La-la-la, la-la-la, la, la,la, la-la, la … part.

It's Alright To Cry / Rosy Grier / Free to Be You and Me
There is something about a gigantic man singing that I love. Free To Be You and Me full album rocks--"Atalanta" and "William's Doll" are also recommended.

Alligators all Around / Carole King / Really Rosie
Pierre / Carole King / Really Rosie

Let Them Be Little / Billy Dean / Let Them Be Little
It is a sweet song that talks about letting your child be little while they can before they grow up. It is an awesome song! It talks about giving them hope, praise, love everyday as they are growing up!

Hallelujah / Jeff Buckley / Grace
It is beautiful song and what else can one say when a baby is born?

Isn't She Lovely / Stevie Wonder / Songs in the Key of Life
For Mary-Michael

I and Love and You / The Avett Brothers / I and Love and You
Beautiful song. My husband sings it to our daughters. It’s very sweet.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What A Wonderful World / Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole / Facing Future
One of my all time favorite songs to relax to and recharge after a long day.

Puff the Magic Dragon / Peter, Paul and Mary / Moving
My all-time favorite song from my childhood.

You Are My Sunshine / Elizabeth Mitchell / You Are My Sunshine
My mother used to sing this song to me every day. I can still picture her singing it and remember how happy it made me feel.

Light Today / Eddie Vedder / Ukulele Songs
So I am a huge Pearl Jam/grunge music fan, which isn’t always so baby friendly. Right before Felicity was born, Eddie Vedder (lead singer of Pearl Jam) came out with an awesome CD of quiet, ukulele music which Felicity LOVED. I would play it when she cried and when I was rocking her and it usually calmed her down. This song actually has ocean sounds in the background which was also helpful.

Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy) / John Lennon / Double Fantasy
When I see babies, especially baby boys, I always think of John Lennon’s Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy). I am a horrible singer, but when I am holding a baby I always want to sing the song.

When You Dream / Barenaked Ladies / Stunt
I loved this song growing up, and it’s a lovely little treasure of a lullaby.

Three Little Birds / Bob Marley / Legend
Easy, calm, positive...a good baby groove.

Blue Monk / Thelonious Monk / Monk's Blues
For some reason, it always makes me think of babies crawling. Perhaps Terra could play it when the little one is on the move and exploring the house.

Like father, like son?

2011-12-19T20:42:00.002-06:00

In advance of the husband's 30th birthday party on Wednesday I have been doing a few very small projects that involve pictures of him as a baby. He always jokes that no one took pictures of him when he was little because he has none, although I am sure that's not true. One of the things that drives me just a tad batty is when people tell us that Thatcher is "100% his father." The last I checked, genetics would dictate that he does indeed have genetic material from me, but because he is a dark complected boy, everyone says he looks like his dad even if they look at him for 10 seconds.

Now, don't get me wrong - they do have similarities. But they are by no means carbon copies, and Thatcher actually has a totally different personality/demeanor than the husband. His facial expressions are strikingly similar to my brother, and his hair is super fine like mine. I don't know why it drives me nuts, but it does. I tend to ask moms "so who do you all think New Baby resembles?" or "do people say New Baby looks more like you or New Dad?" I realize this is a completely ridiculous pet peeve and should likely earn me a spot in the loony bin -- if something else hasn't already.

I'll let you all be the judge...how much of a resemblance do you see?

I see some similarities for sure, but I don't think Thatcher is a carbon copy.

a present for moi

2011-12-16T16:59:00.000-06:00

I absolutely love the organization I work for. I love that I work from home. I love what I do. I love my colleagues. I love that I have transitioned to something that works well with a little one. And, I love that our annual bonus letters mandate that we spend some of it on ourselves. What other company says that?

I went shopping today and bought 2 new dresses, 1 of which I can't find online but is so fun. The other is this fun Rebecca Taylor number. I already am planning to wear it to 3 upcoming parties, including the husband's birthday, but I think it will get a ton of use.

As every woman knows, a new dress means new shoes. I love these so much and also think I will wear them a ton. They don't look like they match the dress, but they definitely do in person.

And the rest goes to our savings account. Oh so boring, but Thatcher does need to go to college one day. Le sigh.

Housewife FAIL v2.0 / Mom FAIL

2011-12-13T19:11:00.001-06:00

Well, I am just on a roll this week!

It's been chilly, and I really wanted homemade vegetable soup. My mom brought us a bunch a few weeks ago, and I have been craving more ever since. However, I didn't have the time, energy or interest in making stock from scratch like my mom does. It involves overnight and skimming and whole chickens and that just doesn't fit into my work week. So my dear friend sent me a recipe, and off to the grocery store I went. Let's just say that the fact that I went to the store, managed to chop 96 vegetables and had a pot on the stove by 6:00pm was a miracle worthy of a big fat gold star in my book.

Except......chicken broth is NOT the same as chicken stock. Duh. Has anyone seen my brain?

So we'll see just how much this soup warms my soul. Ugh! What is wrong with me this week?

And to add insult to injury, Thatcher and I were on a walk this afternoon, and we smiled at a passerby just like we always do. She looked at me and said "aren't her little feet cold?"

I debated between informing her that "no, HER feet are not cold because SHE is a HE" and punching her. Then I decided that neither were very productive solutions, and I just kept walking. What is wrong with people? It really drives me insane that half of the world was born without a filter and another good 25% never received the Memo. You know, the one entitled "if you want an opinion on raising kids, have your own, and if you've already raised them, keep opinions to thyself." I mean, seriously. Most moms I know don't want unsolicited advice from anyone, particularly strangers at the park. And if we want advice, guess what? We ask each other or drink a bottle of wine whilst reading blogs. Or both.

Housewife FAIL

2011-12-12T13:46:00.000-06:00

I am a really bad housewife. Give me an Excel spreadsheet with a circular reference and I can fix all of the world's problems, but nothing confuses me as much as a laundry quandary. I am just not meant to be a domestic goddess!

Remember the precious outfit Thatcher was wearing yesterday?

The tag does NOT say "dry clean only." So like a good mother, I washed it. And in the process, ruined everything in the wash AND his darling Christmas outfit.

Anyone have a good solution to pink smocking? Anyone? So sad about this.

Secret Santa Baby Playdate

2011-12-11T15:53:00.000-06:00

This morning we had 8 of our nearest and dearest buddies over for a holiday playdate. It was so much fun!

Thatcher gave each of his friends cookies as a party favor - they came out so cute!

I did fruit salad in Christmas colors (I like to give myself credit for the small creative victories!)

And I made breakfast brie. This is kind of random, but I swear it is so good. It is just brie with strawberry cream cheese served with ginger snaps. Some people don't like it, but I think it's yummy.

We exchanged presents, and everyone got such cute stuff. Although the babies really were just as happy with the wrapping paper and tissue!

At every get together we attempt pictures, and it is getting increasingly comical. They are all mobile, and none of them have any interest in sitting still for a picture. And we usually attempt this at the end when they are fussy and super cooperative ~~losing their baby poo poo~~.

I always love getting together with others moms and babies, and it's amazing to see how quickly they are all growing! If you have a little boy on your list, I have to recommend these B Wheeeee-Is Cars

This is what Thatcher received from his friend Molly, and he looooooves them. You pull them back and they fly across the floor (no batteries needed!), and they are a perfect soft material.

In other super exciting news, Thatcher took his first steps this weekend! He's definitely not walking, but he took 3-4 steps last night and then did it several times today as well. The husband has been in Nashville for the Saints game, so trying to get a shot of this has been difficult (and of course last night my mom and I spent 2 hours trying to coax him to do it for the camera and nada). But this gives you the general idea. So cute!

I can't believe he is big enough to be taking steps - so exciting and sad all at the same time!

The height of absurdity

2011-12-10T18:11:00.000-06:00

Look at what came in my mailbox today (yes, all in one day!):

2 Crate & Barrel catalogs
2 Sundance catalogs
2 Garnet Hill catalogs
6 (!!!) Pottery Barn catalogs

Is it me or is this just so wasteful and absurd? Can't they plan their mailings a little better? I just received half of these last week, too. I can't even imagine the amount of money and paper they spend on these, and it's literally impossible to keep up. I barely have time to read the magazines I subscribe to, much less the 42 catalogs I receive a day. The 6 Pottery Barn catalogs is what really sent me over the edge, especially since it's not like the merchandise changes all that much. Sorry to be a grinch, but I just don't get how this is intelligent business! I'd rather they donate the money they spend on my catalogs to charity, as I can't remember the last time a catalog spurred me to order something - is that just me? And don't get me started on the 54 emails Amazon sends a night...that is a separate story altogether!

Things to make your heart happy

2011-12-08T14:04:00.000-06:00

It is so easy to get wrapped up in all of the craziness of the holidays. Have I wrapped all the gifts? Did I forget anyone? Are the holiday cards selected, ordered, addressed, stamped and mailed? Should I bake cookies for neighbors? What about the husband's co-workers? Is the tree chosen and decorated? Where are we going on Christmas Eve? Christmas? New Year's? Ahhhh - what resolutions should I pick for next year? Oh my gosh, it's almost 2012 - where does the time go? I better get busy! If you're like me, your mind can literally race with the obligations and details of the season.

It's exceedingly difficult to stop and just be. To enjoy the small pleasures and actually create memories versus trying to capture them on film (guilty as charged). To be thankful for what is versus upset at what isn't. To be faithful that whatever wish is on your heart will come true but also faithful that if it doesn't, you will still be okay. We're all struggling with something, and we all think the grass is greener. But is it? Most of the time someone else's yard just has a different set of problems to replace the ones we have. And a lot of times I wonder if I'd really want an unknown set of problems versus the ones I am facing. Probably not.

I wanted to share a couple of ways I've been forcing myself to be more present this holiday season.

Christmas Lullabies
Who doesn't love Christmas music? And snuggling with children? I found this album on iTunes, and it is simply beautiful. I added it to Thatcher's lullaby playlist and could literally sit and listen to the entire thing with him asleep on my shoulder. Yes, dinner needs to be cooked and the dishes need to be put away, but I won't have a baby for much longer either.

The Journey Daily Devotional
Our Church introduced us to this four week devotional, and it is wonderful for preparing for the holiday season. Each chapter is just a few short pages, which is totally manageable at the end of a long day. It follows the story of Mary, Joseph and Jesus and proposes ways to consider the season from a new perspective. It pushes you to remember that Christmas is not, in fact, YOUR birthday and that there are many things we can learn from the annunciation that are applicable today. It's totally not too late to get caught up; I highly recommend this devotional (and there is a longer version with more history if you have time).

Keeping Faith Front and Center
I stumbled across this amazing story via another blog, and it is well worth the 10 minutes it will take you to read. Whatever you're struggling with, this will give you a renewed sense of hope that there is a purpose for it. And it's not necessarily what you'd expect. Read it and let me know what you think.

Give, give, giving
I know that it's really tempting to buy 1,000 presents for your family, friends and little ones in your life, but I've been really struck this year by remembering that we truly have everything we need. One more toy or purse or gadget isn't going to make us happier or more fulfilled. I am not perfect; I've already bought presents and wrapped them and I very much have participated in the indulgent part of the season. But I've also been trying to find opportunities to give. They are absolutely everywhere, and not all of them cost money (though admittedly some do).

I love the series that Sam at Fitness, Food and Faith did on giving gifts that actually contribute to bigger causes (there is a post on gifts for little ones, women and men). Consider going through your pantry and donating all of the random canned goods you have (admit it - you're not going to use those green beans).

Or what about sending a get well card to a sick child through Make A Child Smile? I can hardly imagine spending the holidays in the hospital with a sick child, and receiving mail is a small way to brighten their day.

What are you doing this year to stay focused? I'd love to hear other ideas as well!

A vision becomes reality

2011-12-07T14:13:00.001-06:00

December 3 is a special day around here. Why? Well, on December 3, 2005, the husband FINALLY popped the question. I was pretty much sick and tired of the diamond commercials on TV and ready for him to ask already! Without recounting all of the details (most are in the linked post), he brought me to a Christmas tree farm (I was so sure it was THE DAY and got decked out in preparation), humored me by stopping by Pier One and then helped decorate the tree. And nada. So Pouty McPouterson changed into pajamas and started Christmas shopping online, at which point he invited me to the porch and asked THE QUESTION. Although he never really asked, which is a story for another day.

Celebrating at dinner: December 3, 2005

In front of the tree that started it all on December 4, 2005

Part of the reason he chose that day and centered it around buying a Christmas tree is because he knows my absolute love of Christmas AND he thought it'd be fun to one day be able to share the tradition with children. It absolutely blows my mind that 6 wonderful years later (to the exact day), we were decorating a tree with the help of a precious 10 month old. It was totally awe inspiring to actually see the husband's vision become a reality.

So thankful to have our little man here with us! Here's to celebrating another 50 December 3rds!

Channeling Amy Atlas

2011-12-06T08:35:00.000-06:00

I think I was an event planner in another life. I absolutely love entertaining. From picking invitations to planning a menu, I love it all. It doesn't stress me out, and I often procrastinate doing my real work in order to get something done for a party (Exhibit A: right now). I think a large part of it is genetic and/or learned, as my mom is a fabulous entertainer (a recent example being Thatcher's Sip N See) and her mother was as well. Real women know how to throw a good party!

At the moment I am planning 5 different parties. Most people would say that I am insane, but I really like it. Besides, Google Docs makes it easy to stay organized and keep everything in one place!

On Sunday I am hosting a Secret Santa Baby Playdate. There are 9 babies all born since February, and they will have such a blast playing together in their Christmas attire and exchanging gifts. I have a few fun ideas for the menu to keep it holiday themed, as well as mimosas for the moms (no party is a party in my mind without mimosas). We drew names via Elfster, which is pretty much my favorite website ever.

The following Thursday I am planning our holiday party for work. This one is a bit like herding cats, but it will be fun nonetheless. For this event I used the time-tested skill of delegating ~~bossing people around~~ and assigned myself to alcohol and cookie duty. Y'all know how I love my cookie lady and keep her in business.

The week after that is the husband's 30th birthday. The plans are in place, and he has no idea. I reserved a private room at a tapas restaurant, and we are having 5 rounds of tapas, all of which sound delicious. Fried oysters? Yes, please! I have a few fun ideas involving pictures from his childhood birthdays, so now I just need to get to work.

The day after Christmas I am hosting a bridal shower with 2 friends, and we're doing a champagne brunch. This one is a tad tricky since we have to pick everything up on December 24, but it is going to be beautiful and fun. We ended up ordering the invites I talked about in October, and they came out really well. I wanted to keep the colors neutral and winter white-esque so that it feels like the season without being a holiday party.

Last but not least, this sentimental momma has to admit that plans are in place for Thatcher's 1st birthday. I have a theme (which is a secret until I send invitations - call me neurotic, but I never share a theme until invites are out - it defeats the purpose!), and we have a location. Invites are being designed, banners are being created and yes, mimosas and the cookie lady are involved.

For all you party planners out there, what are your favorite resources (besides Pinterest, which has forever changed the land of party planning)? I am always looking for more ideas!

The Thatcher Gator

2011-12-04T19:12:00.000-06:00

One of our favorite nicknames for Thatcher is The Thatcher Gator. It started somewhere around March when he was a month old and our Friday nights often consisted of staying in and watching Swamp People marathons (don't judge). Over the past few days Thatcher has finally earned his nickname: we finally have teeth! My little toothless wonder no more!

In other fun news from the weekend, Thatcher also met Santa today! We went to the mall right at 12 when it opened, and we didn't have to wait long at all, which was great given the impending meltdown. Thatcher spent most of his time staring at Santa's beard and then when he figured out that the jolly old man was not in fact his mother, he freaked.

Smocked clothes are meant to get muddy

2011-12-02T16:41:00.000-06:00

Don't we all have two versions of our life? The one we want to portray and the one we sometimes would rather not share with the internet? I've read several posts on this very topic. On the one hand, if I shared with you every detail of my week, you'd either be bored to death, think I was sharing entirely too much or somewhere in between. On the other hand, when bloggers use discretion, they can be accused of pretending to be perfect OR people come away with the wrong impression. After all, you only know what I share, and I don't choose to share the details of the deep conversations the husband and I meaningfully and lovingly engage in to resolve our differences ~~knock down drag out fights~~ or the latest family drama (everyone has it).

But today I am just going to put it all out there. And please recognize, this is me being funny (and it's probably not really that funny). No, I do not think that muddy smocked clothes are that big of a deal, and yes I am extremely grateful for all of my blessings and the reason for the season. So now that we have that out of the way...

This afternoon I had visions of Thatcher picking out his first Christmas tree. He'd be dressed in a cute holiday outfit, the weather would be perfect and mom would get to practice her photography skills. He'd smile and laugh and we'd document the occasion in all its festive glory. We arrive to the tree lot, and it's a freaking muddy mess. No way is Thatcher sitting in front of a tree. And our adorable ~~strong-willed~~ son who is just so chipper today ~~a total snotty, teething mess~~ decided that he absolutely did not want to be held by anyone other than she who can operate the camera in manual (that's me!) The husband has not taken well to my kind photography lessons ~~yelling at him to change the shutter speed in public~~ and just clicks away. Um, yeah. Overexposed much?

The husband is all "that's bright" and I am all "scroll the damn wheel!" So mom takes over. Thatcher wants nothing to do with Da Da even though that is all he says these days.

So I give in and decide to give the husband another shot behind the lens. At this point, I have given in to the fact that unless we come another day we aren't getting pictures of a blissful first Christmas tree experience. But my desire for the tree outweighed my desire for pictures and so I decided to just go with it. After being placed gently on the sidewalk ~~practically leaping out of my arms, merely escaping death~~ Thatcher chills.

Oh and yes, his pants are totally undone. Why would we keep those snapped?

Fine, Thatcher. You won't smile and look cute? I'll just take a picture of you playing with evergreen. 'Tis the season!

This is all before we decide to crawl over to the mud and play in it for a while. And somewhere in the midst of all of this I decided to embrace the whole thing! Who cares if his clothes get muddy? This is life with a 10 month old, and we love every second of it. The husband had disappeared to pay for the tree we "picked out" and by the time he returned Thatcher was literally digging in mud. The whole outing was pretty much the opposite of how I envisioned Christmas Tree Excursion 2011 but c'est la vie.

And this, my friends, is why I am Queen Anal Planner and take Christmas card pictures in November. On some random Saturday when Thatcher was in a good mood, I got countless smiles and laughs, but I guaran-darn-tee you that if you try to pose kids in front of the tree in their perfect smocked outfit, they will turn on you. They are smart like that!

So excited for this holiday season! Next up: preventing The Wild One from tipping the 8 foot tree over.

Mouth Watering Stuffed Mushrooms (thank me later!)

2011-11-29T18:53:00.000-06:00

This is one of my absolute favorite "go to" recipes. It never fails. People always devour them (either they haven't eaten in days or these mushrooms really are that good). It's the kind of recipe where people are impressed and think you could compete on Iron Chef but it really took you no time. One day I want to try adding italian sausage to them, but they are really delicious as is. And, I always add more cayenne than it says because the kick makes them even better.

12 whole fresh mushrooms

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Clean mushrooms with a damp paper towel. Carefully break off stems. Chop stems extremely fine, discarding tough end of stems.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and chopped mushroom stems to the skillet. Fry until any moisture has disappeared, taking care not to burn garlic. Set aside to cool.

When garlic and mushroom mixture is no longer hot, stir in cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, onion powder and cayenne pepper. Mixture should be very thick. Using a little spoon, fill each mushroom cap with a generous amount of stuffing. Arrange the mushroom caps on prepared cookie sheet.

Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the mushrooms are piping hot and liquid starts to form under caps.

Thanksgiving

2011-11-28T19:04:00.000-06:00

Overall we had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. We got to spend lots of time together, as well as time with various family members and friends. Between the 5 day weekend and a very, very cold and dreary day, it was h.a.r.d. to get out of bed this morning!

Here is Thatcher's new favorite activity: climbing the stairs at rapid speed at my parents' house. It's exhausting! But it does make him take the BEST naps ever. So we indulge him!

Thatcher got to see both of his uncles this weekend! Uncle Cory (my little brother) lives here and is in college, so we see him a lot.

But we don't get to see Uncle Andrew (my husband's brother) and Aunt Anne (his sweet wife) often enough! They live in California, which we are quite jealous of - what's not to love about sunshine year round, the coast, the wine and the endless things to do? We can't wait to take Thatcher!

Thatcher was pretty fired up about it, too! I got all of our Christmas cards addressed and mailed, and I am also thrilled to say that I finished a project I talked about a few weeks ago: I successfully ordered and organized pictures from Thatcher's first 9 months. I am SO happy I did this, so thank you to everyone who said I should go the physical picture route. I am thrilled to have the albums and can't wait to add to them. A few things I learned:

High quality photo albums, while more expensive, are so worth it. I first tried ones from Target but hated them and ended up ordering more of these: Berkely Memo Photo Albums (I already had several in a celery color, and while the new green color is not exactly the same, they're still pretty)
Start in the beginning! Yes, you are tired right after delivering a baby, but I wish I had kept up with it sooner. I think I would have felt less overwhelmed
Mpix pretty much rocks. To keep costs down, I ordered the vast majority of pictures from Shutterfly using coupon codes and free prints, but for some of the recent ones that I really liked, as well as professional ones, I used Mpix. The quality is so far superior it isn't even funny. Again, had I not been ordering 600+ pictures at once, I could have spread the cost out, but I didn't. Lesson learned. Going forward I will order fewer pictures at a time and always from Mpix.
Nothing replaces family picture albums - I love, love, love the Picaboo and Shutterfly books, but there is something as nostalgic as a real family photo album - no more worries about what happens if - heaven forbid - all my pictures disappear into cyberspace

So for any of you still debating what to do, I definitely encourage you to invest in some albums, order your pictures and devote a weekend to the project - you will have the best reward in the end!

thankful...

2011-11-23T19:08:00.002-06:00

...for dirty diapers to change

...for long afternoon walks

...for a wonderful job working from home

...for excellent child care and teachers who love my son like their own

...for a selfless and amazing mother who has taught me everything from how to properly entertain to how to be a better mother myself

...for a spirited and slightly jealous Boston Terrier

...for diet Coke, pretty paper, Sharpies and People magazine

...for a smart and hard-working husband and his family-friendly company

...for Christmas music on the radio

...for a brother who could not be more different than me but is just like me at the same time

...for getting to choose between restaurants and not having to worry about where my next meal will come from

...for a roof over my head

...for parents that have become some of my best friends

...for iced coffee

...for my mom friends without whom I would not stay sane

...for my single friends for whom I can always count on a fabulous bad date story from (and I always laugh until it hurts with them because I know the day will come when they meet "the one")

...for my married friends who are willing to admit that it's not all puppies and rainbows

...for new friends and old friends, work friends and Church friends - one can never have too many friends

...for my health

...for Mardi Gras, the Saints and all things New Orleans

...for precious baby giggles

...for rain and good thunderstorms

...and so, so, so much more.

Source: cardiganempire.com via Heather on Pinterest

Thanksgiving trail mix

2011-11-21T13:36:00.000-06:00

As I've mentioned before, we have been so thrilled with Thatcher's new school and his teachers. They are seriously the best. I wanted to bring them a little treat for Thanksgiving, so I decided to make trail mix. The history of the recipe is that my best friend and I would DEVOUR this stuff growing up. Her mom could not make it fast enough. Its real name is "Trash," but I didn't think his teachers wanted to receive something called Thanksgiving Trash, so for the sake of this exercise in creativity I am calling it Thanksgiving trail mix.

--3 sticks of butter (I never said it was healthy!)
--1 box wheat Chex mix (but it does have wheat!)
--1 box original Chex mix
--1 box Cheerios
--1 bag pretzels
--celery salt, garlic salt, cayenne pepper and worchestire sauce

Basically you mix all of the dry ingredients together. Then, melt the butter and season it with the seasonings (use your best judgment - you really can't go wrong). Pour the butter all over the mixture and then bake in the oven at 225 degrees for 1 hour, stirring every 15-20 minutes. Then let it cool. If you're brilliant like me, you will add Reese's Pieces for Thanksgiving flare.

Then I wrapped generous servings in clear plastic bags (from the Hallmark store - they are like $2.95 for 25) and added cute tags that say "Thatcher is thankful for his wonderful teachers!"

Sorry for the blurry pictures but I used my phone, which, by the way, has the world's worst camera. It's the only thing I hate about my Evo. It really makes me want to get an iPhone.

3/4 to a year

2011-11-20T19:28:00.001-06:00

Let me just get the cliche out of the way: babies grow up SO fast. How can Thatcher already be 9 months old??? It's just nuts that he's a crawling, pulling up, giggling, most likely teething, talkative little boy. The holidays are going to fly by and then it will be his first birthday. I seriously can't believe it.

If you spy the bruise on his forehead, that's from a tumble he took at school. He is totally a wild man, crawling and pulling up on everything, toppling in the second you blink. We really have to watch him so closely now - I feel like all I do his chase him.

Thatcher's absolute favorite time of day is bath time, which is a total adventure these days. He literally crawls from one end of the tub to the other and back, and it's pretty much impossible to contain him! But the second he gets fussy, we throw him in the tub and ta da: happiness!

One of his favorite toys these days is his play table. It was actually intended to be a Christmas present from my parents, but I told my mom that I thought we needed to break it out sooner since he was pulling up on everything. Given that babies really have no clue what is going on at Christmas we thought it was silly to wait since he could use it now.

He is wearing size 3 diapers and still has no teeth. I jokingly call him the toothless wonder. He's on antibiotics for his second ear infection, which is such a bummer. His clothes are all over the place - some are 12 months, some are 9 months and some are as large as 18 months. It totally just depends! When he was weighed at the doctor last week he was 20 pounds, 5 ounces, and he's getting heavier by the day. And, as of today, he now is riding in his big boy car seat!

We ended up going with the Recaro ProRide. This was another Christmas gift from my parents that we broke out early - we keep joking that we are raiding the North Pole! It's like every time we need something I just go steal from the stash - ha ha! But honestly babies have no clue what's going on at the holidays, and even if they did, I highly doubt Thatcher would care about a car seat. And there is no shortage of presents left anyway. We actually started a new conversation in our parents' small group today at Church, and it's based on The Journey A Season of Reflections: Walking the Road to Bethlehem

Essentially we are talking about the events leading up to Christmas, the real reason for the season and how we, as parents, plan to approach this. This is really a topic for a separate post, but we both feel adamantly that after this year we are not turning the day into a day-long present opening affair. It's not fun carting a baby around and worrying about getting dressed, packing bottles and diapers and getting from place to place. More importantly, it totally misses the point of the day, in our opinion. Not that we won't do gifts - we will - but we don't want to spend the day focused on it and feel strongly about containing it to our house so that we can just relax for the rest of the day. It was so refreshing to hear other parents struggle with the same issues, and I'm looking forward to the next chapter. It's a really cool mix of history, scripture and modern conversation (i.e. how to tackle today's problems as it relates to Christmas and keep the focus on the events we're celebrating to begin with). 'Tis the season!

Greetings from Brooklyn!

2011-11-16T20:50:00.001-06:00

I am currently in New York for work and beyond the 5 hour delay in New Orleans yesterday, it's been a great trip. Last night I got to catch up with a high school friend over dinner, and it was wonderful to see all of my colleagues today since most of us work from home offices across the country. I stayed with my friend last night, but I checked into the hotel tonight after dinner. It's quirky from the minute you walk in, but this is something I have never before seen: a chalkboard in the bathroom. Yes, you read that correctly. One wall in the bathroom (behind the toilet to be precise) is covered in chalkboard paint. Don't get me wrong - I love chalkboard paint as much as the next person, but in the bathroom? Weird. I had to play with it anyway!

On a totally separate and unrelated note, I also discovered Limonata today. Holy goodness. That stuff is so good! It reminds me of Clearly Canadian, which I used to beg and beg for at the grocery (the only thing I begged for more was Lunchables - seriously). I never won the Lunchables debate (my mother does have standards after all), but she would usually indulge the Clearly Canadian. I wonder if they even make that stuff any more. Regardless, Limonata is delicious if you haven't had it. Would be totally wonderful with vodka, too!

It's been fun to get away for a few days, especially since I know Thatcher is in the most fabulous hands between his school, my mom and the husband, but I am ready to get home. My mom and I talk 39 times a day anyway, so she's great about sending all of the specific updates and pictures, and the husband is great with dinner and bathtime - so it's all under control. Really, the two of them are the only reason I can stand being away! I definitely feel super blessed in that department because my mom is great about deferring to us as the parents and is just naturally really great with babies. And the husband is fairly hands on when I need him to be, which I appreciate. My dad's role in all of this is to make Thatcher laugh and then hand him back to my mom. The husband did ask that I lay out Thatcher's clothes before I left (for real), but that's probably more because he literally cannot distinguish the difference between pajamas and rompers. I am exaggerating, but only slightly. Good thing my mom's around the block to run wardrobe control!

The stockings were hung...

2011-11-12T20:52:00.000-06:00

Like many other neurotic moms, I stressed and stressed over finding Thatcher the perfect Christmas stocking. I scoured every website, asked friends, asked the husband and received a blank stare in return and just couldn't make up my mind. I wanted something with lasting appeal but also childish. I then wondered if I should get something more sophisticated for my future gorgeous mantle. I thought about the fact that the stocking would get touched and dragged on the floor and decided the fancy stocking could wait. I worried about styles being discontinued because ideally I'd like all of our children to have similar stockings. If I am being honest, I thought about ordering extras from the same line for our unborn children, figuring that worst case scenario I could find someone capable of matching the thread and font for the names. Pretty much, I needed to get a grip. I finally settled on a fun stocking from Pottery Barn Kids, which I wrote about here. It came in the mail and I was happy.

And then one of my mom's dearest friends surprised us. She has one of the kindest souls you will ever encounter, and she needlepointed Thatcher a stocking that is breathtakingly beautiful. I mean, it is gorgeous. The pictures don't do it justice, but it is seriously stunning. Totally what I had in mind for my future fancy mantle.

The detail is phenomenal, and some of the thread actually sparkles (like Santa's belt and the ornaments on the tree). And could the animals peeking in the window be any cuter? I seriously love it. But what is even more touching is that she started this when she found out I was pregnant, waited to hear if we were having a girl or a boy to make it more feminine/masculine and then waited for us to have a name to personalize it. She's been working on it for months! I was so surprised and blown away. It is one of the best gifts we've ever received, mostly because of the thought and energy behind it. I love that her generous spirit will be the story behind his stocking for years to come, as that is one of the values I most want my children to have.

A few irrelevant rants

2011-11-09T15:10:00.000-06:00

This morning I sadly had to go to the drug store in search of a sympathy card. Can someone please share with me why they are all so hideous and cheesy? And 5 lines too long? The sayings are so trite. It's hard enough to write a heartfelt sympathy note when you know the person, so does Hallmark really think that their catch-all phrases will fit the bill? Who writes greeting cards anyway? I'd be really curious to know who accepts a job as a greeting card writer to begin with and what they do all day. And who approves them? Half the time I just want a simple card that is blank - let me write my own note, you know? And while we're on the topic, it really bugs me when people buy the super long greeting cards that border on being a short story and then just sign their name. Really? You couldn't tell me how you felt on your own? So you outsourced it to American Greetings who doesn't know me from a fly on the wall?

Has daylight saving time (and it is, in fact, daying saving not daylight savings - learn something new every day!) totally thrown anyone else's child for a loop? I love that it gets light early, but I don't love the parties at our house at 5:45am. One day Thatcher actually got up at 4:45am and insisted on playing for about an hour until passing out again until 8:00am. It was way nicer when he was getting up consistently at 6:30am. When we lived in Arizona, we actually didn't observe it at all, and I kind of liked that. It was weird that our time changed in reference to other people (like sometimes we were in the same time zone as California and sometimes we weren't), but it did make it quite simple. I actually didn't realize that a lot of the world doesn't even follow daylight saving time. The areas in blue are the ones that do. I think we should abandon it since babies clearly don't get the memo that falling back an hour means you sleep later.

So now that I have all of that mid-week nonsense off my chest I feel much better.

Monday ramblings

2011-11-07T19:09:00.000-06:00

We had another fabulously relaxing weekend, although Monday always comes too quickly. On Friday afternoon we savored the last of the late daylight and took a really long walk through the neighborhood. The weather was amazing and I just could not justify being indoors. And then we got wrapped up in the Michael Jackson special on Dateline, which is a riveting hour I won't get back in my life. But we just couldn't stop watching - it was so addicting! I have to say that I am really glad they found the doctor guilty today. I am sure Michael Jackson was addicted to medicine and asking for it, but the doctor definitely made a few questionable decisions. And not sharing all of the medicines and doses with the EMTs? Did he not think they'd figure it out?

Anyway, on Saturday I took Thatcher's picture for our Christmas card, which I am happy to say has been ordered - woohoo! Check that off the holiday to do list. I also got pictures ordered from Thatcher's first 3 months of life (this is progress, people!) - I ultimately decided, thanks to some of your feedback, that I really would enjoy looking through a real album. So my goal is to get all of the pictures ordered this week and then get the album(s) put together over Thanksgiving at the latest. We watched the LSU-Bama game, and it lived up to every second of the drama. I actually can't stand LSU (blasphemy in Louisiana, I know), but I do think it'd be great for the city if they got to play in the national championship in New Orleans.

On Sunday we went back to look at a house that we've had our eye on. And can I just say that I don't think our country has learned a.n.y.t.h.i.n.g. since the mortgage meltdown. Banks will still lend absurd amounts of money to just about anyone, and I think it's crazy that you can still buy a house with 0% down. I am all for everyone having access to housing, but I am really shocked that nothing seems to have changed since we bought our last house in 2006 in Florida (i.e. during the real estate bubble). Things should be different, no? My mom and I have been through dozens of houses since March, and this is really only the second one that we've thought about. My mom and I look at them together (she has great taste and vision), and then if we like one, I bring the husband. It's a good little system, but it's exhausting! We're not in a huge rush, though, so it's nice to feel like we have time to find the perfect place.

After that we headed to the Saints game because my parents were nice enough to give us their tickets. We had such a blast - who dat!

And that was pretty much our weekend. I am already looking forward to the next one!

Random Tuesday thoughts

2011-11-02T21:00:00.000-05:00

1. I finally got my recipe binder together. Only took 5 years. Some of these recipes have been moved from Tampa to Scottsdale to New Orleans. For whatever reason, having a recipe binder is way easier for me and inspires me to cook more. I like cookbooks but I prefer having all recipes that I'd actually cook in one place (versus a recipe in this book and a recipe in that book). This way I can flip through the binder and know that we actually like everything in there. If we don't like a recipe, I throw it out. I came across some really delicious dishes in the process and can't wait to try them. Ham and Gruyere Potato Gratin? Fig and blue cheese stuffed pork? Yummmmmm. I also found a few cookie recipes to try for holiday gifts.

2. I am about 50% done with Christmas shopping. Slightly insane, I know, but I wrap over the Thanksgiving holiday so that December can be enjoyed. You know, deck the halls, let it snow, pretend to like the Starbucks flavor du jour, fa la la la la, jingle bells and all that stress-free stuff. In all seriousness, I hate the mall on a Monday morning at 10:00am so you can imagine my joy on December 22. Fighting over the last scarf? No thanks.

3. So super psyched for Top Chef Texas tonight. But why on Earth is Padma wearing a denim dress? Is it me or is that heinous? And does anyone else think it's hilarious / ironic that Panera Bread is a sponsor? I mean, I like Panera and all, but it isn't really fine cuisine.

4. My mom got us the coolest baby book for Christmas last year. My initial plan was to get it started while on maternity leave. Not so much. With Thatcher's 1st birthday around the corner, I figured I should probably get that started. It is NOLA themed, so all of the pages have to do with activities specific to NOLA, but there are also spaces for generic stats and events like weight, height and coming home. I just need to order more pictures, but at least it's started. That said, I haven't done anything with the first 9 months of pictures and I really don't want to fall behind. Correction: I don't want to fall more behind. Do y'all still print pictures and use traditional albums? I like that idea way more, but it is going to cost an arm and a leg and possibly my marriage. I have thought about doing the Picaboo / Shutterfly books, but then what happens when Thatcher is a senior and he needs prints for the yearbook??? Though the yearbook will probably be digital by then, I realize. I guess I just hate the idea of not having "real" pictures. Thoughts? Help!

5. Speaking of Thatcher's 1st birthday, I really need to start thinking about that because I know it won't happen over the holidays when I am singing Silent Night and stuffing my face with turkey and cookies. We're going to have one birthday celebration for friends and family on Saturday, February 11 (he was born on the 10th). I have a theme in mind, so I just need to come up with the location and get started on the details. Our house isn't really laid out well for a baby's birthday party, so usually I'd use my parents' house since they have a fabulous outdoor area that's pretty spacious...but they also have a pool which I am thinking does not go well with babies galore. So I am leaning towards a park right now. I think we'll do late morning so people don't have to wait around all day (is that not the worst when people host stuff at 2:00pm and you feel obligated to go but it breaks up your day? Nothing personal at all, just prefer when events are either early or late!) Plus I feel like it minimizes the chance of a meltdown.

Happy Halloween / a new winner / weekend recap!

2011-10-31T14:14:00.001-05:00

We had a fabulous weekend of doing nothing! Honestly, those are sometimes our very favorite weekends, especially after having something on the calendar almost every weekend in October. We don't have anything planned next weekend either, and I think we plan to have another quiet and relaxing weekend. It's funny because the husband and I are both incredibly social, but we can both be such homebodies, too. So sometimes it's hard living in the city where we grew up because every time we turn around there's another wedding or shower or birthday party or someone wanting to stop by and see Thatcher. Don't get me wrong - we LOVE all of that and consider it a blessing. But we also like to just hang out alone sometimes, especially since we both work and the weeks are quite hectic.

Friday night we ending up watching Bad Teacher (the husband's choice). I have to say, it was actually quite entertaining and I laughed out loud more than once.

On Saturday morning, Thatcher and I headed to a Halloween playdate. Is he not the cutest lobster you have ever seen? There were 7 babies and 2 "big kids," and it was a blast. We had so much fun!

After our playdate, we went and met friends for shrimp po-boys, which is pretty much our favorite Saturday activity. Yum! Then we settled in on the couch and watched football before I finally convinced the husband to watch Something Borrowed. Let me start by saying that I have not read any of the Emily Giffin books, nor am I a chick lit fan, but the movie was entertaining - even if it did drag on entirely too long.

On Sunday we went to Church, ate lunch and then watched the horrendous Saints game. It was so pitiful that I even convinced the husband to partake in a little Halloween fun in the middle of the 3rd quarter. Ample baby pictures follow. Don't say you weren't warned!

Um, yes, my child practically levitates when he hops off the ground with happiness!

Last but not least, I never heard from Ashley, so I picked a new winner. And I swear this isn't rigged. I couldn't cheat if my life depended on it. Thatcher's friend Lillian will be so excited that her mom won - yay!

If you don't know how to find me by now, we're in trouble!

And the holiday card winners are...

2011-10-28T11:25:00.001-05:00

So excited for the 3 of you that won!

But first, since many of you said that you read because of baby pictures and updates (I have to say, I was surprised - I thought the husband and I were the only ones who cared, although I guess it's not surprising since it's pretty much all I talk about ~~I have no life~~), here is Thatcher on Wednesday night (aka the night that the husband was nowhere in site by bedtime because he's slammed at work right now).

Who needs sleep anyway?

So because I am a "play-by-the-rules-kind-of-girl," I first wrote out every entry to get the true number of entrants since some people combined their answers into one comment. See how much I love y'all
~~how quiet it is at work today~~?

Has anyone ever seen the first commenter win, by the way? I was pulling for you, Workaholic Momma!

The first winner is Ashley who clearly has an amazing first name. She also lives in British Columbia, which is my very favorite place on Earth.

The next winner was Dutchess 127 who is also coincidentally from NOLA.

Last but not least, Holly is the third and final winner. If you think you're hands and heart are full, she has adorable triplet girls who will be 1 in December. Congrats (on surviving a year with triplets AND winning the cards)!

To claim your free cards, please email me by Sunday night. If I don't hear from you, I will pick another winner. Have a great weekend! Over here we are doing absolutely nothing, and I can't wait. It's the first weekend in over a month where we have not one social obligation on the calendar, and I have no intentions of adding one! Look forward to relaxing at home with my boys.