tennessee

I talked about my grandmother passing away last month but I have yet to share a few details of our trip there.  DJ and I road tripped our way down to Kingsport, Tennessee where my grandma lived and my Aunt Vickie and her husband Dennis still live.  Even though it was not for the best of reasons, I really do love a long road trip for the most part.  I love to sing along to songs, eat on the road and see new things along the drive.  DJ and I played two games on the way down and on the way back up.  The first was counting how many state license plates we could find and the second was guessing which artist we would hear more songs from.  We saw 28 states and the winning artist was Led Zeppelin on the radio which neither of us guessed.

Once we got to Kingsport it was extremely late and we stayed down the street from my aunt and uncle at a hotel because they have cats and poor husband is deathly allergic.  We got settled and I fell asleep almost immediately after a shower and a few episodes of Friends.  The next morning we slowly got up and drove down to visit with my aunt and uncle.  My uncle and DJ talked about cars and my Aunt Vickie shared stories with me about my grandma.  We then headed to get something to eat. (steak, because the entire way down we were searching for a decent place to find a steak that didn't have an hour wait)  After lunch I was feeling a little crummy so we parted ways and went to take a nap before the funeral.  DJ wanted to stop at Bristol Speedway before my nap so we drove a little ways to check it out.  There was no one in sight and we got to do a little exploring which was fun. 

Later that night was the funeral and then the next day was the grave service.  After the service we were heading right back to Michigan.  It was a short trip but so nice to see my family.  My aunt and uncle sent us home with delicious marmalade, some moon shine, a rose bush and a few bags of old photos as well.    We drove home through the mountains and it was absolutely beautiful.  Pictures do no justice to how stunning the sights are.  I really love Tennessee.  I can't wait to go back.

back track

I'm using this week to back track to some stories I forgot to share.  Cinco de Mayo was quite an eventful day.  It was my mama's graduation day!  She went back to school and that smart pants finally finished.  Besides being so proud of her I am also so grateful that my sweet baby boy will have his grandma there to watch him everyday instead of having to send him off to daycare!!  Yay!!!!  Anyway, just as we were preparing to get ready so that we could leave for my mom's graduation, DJ came into the living room and said that he wasn't sure what was going on but that he thought he heard our neighbor say to call 911.  I heard the dogs barking like crazy and ran out to grab them and walked right up to the fence along the side of our house and was faced with my neighbors garage (that backs up to our side fence) engulfed in flames!  It was incredibly scary.  DJ ran to help our neighbors while I called 911 and he came back to tell me that I needed to grab the dogs and leave because both of the neighbors cars were in the garage and they had full tanks of gas.  I grabbed the babies and drove the 4 houses down to my best friends house and screamed for her sister.  There is one way in and one way out of our subdivision and there was no way in or out with all of emergency vehicles and fire trucks.  DJ called and asked me what I would want him to grab because he needed to evacuate since our tree had now caught on fire.  I couldn't even think.  He said he would grab our wedding rings and our wedding album. 

Thankfully after a few hours the fire department had stopped the fire.  Our poor neighbors lost their entire garage and everything in it, including two of their cars.  There was no damage to our  home luckily.  The tree needs to be cut down but my husband is truthfully thrilled about that.  A few rooms smelled like smoke but we were able to get the smell out with a little Febreeze and opening the windows up again.  My neighbors however are staying in a hotel and found out that the amount of smoke and water damage to their home will keep them out for nearly a month.  I feel overwhelmingly sorry for them.  It could not have happened to sweeter people.  She lost her wedding dress among many other sentimental items.  It just happened so fast.

Needless-to-say we were late to my mother's graduation.  We missed the beginning but luckily we made it in time to see my mom walk.  Oh, that lovely lady, she's amazing! 

After our wild start to the day and my mama graduating, the family and I all went out to eat and stuffed our faces with bread, salad, pasta and pizza.  After dinner DJ and I went home to finally take care of what we could and reflect on how lucky we were that day and how much worse everything could have been.  All those "what ifs" that come up really make you realize how much worse an already bad situation could have been.  The fact that in the moment we couldn't think of what to grab with the threat of our home burning down and the fact that we could have lost everything.  It's eye opening and had made us start to put together a plan in the event that this was something we were ever faced with again.  Especially now that we will have a baby to consider.  It's funny how these events can change you, shape you and make you see what is really important to you.

weekend inventory

Whew that weekend flew by.  I always feel so thrown off by a long weekend.  Last night I nearly forgot about The Bachelorette!  Is anyone else watching this season?  I like Emily, I think she's so pretty and she has the most adorable southern charm.  Unfortunately I think that her suitors are mostly duds.  I don't know who picked these turds out but I am so bummed for her.  I do like Chris and Arie after last night though.  I have a lot to say about this show but we can save that for another day.

Back to weekend shenanigans.  Saturday was obviously a rain out for our garage sale.  DJ was super annoyed that every time he thought he could just go ahead and start setting everything up it started to pour.  We probably could have gone ahead late in the afternoon but instead we decided to start fresh Sunday morning.  Saturday afternoon DJ and I went out to Ichiban for dinner with my bestie.  DJ left us after dinner to watch little sister play soccer and us girls went to see the movie What to Expect When You're Expecting.  It was very cute and made me very emotional about having a baby soon.  After the movie I came home and went right to bed.  I have been feeling so crummy with allergies and have no relief to speak of.

Sunday the garage sale went off without a hitch.  We sold some stuff and worked on our front lawn the whole day.  We knocked out two birds with one stone.  Afterwards we packed up what was left over from the garage sale and piled it in the back of DJ's truck to donate.  I had a weird craving for Big Boy so we drove to the Big Boy down the street and what do you know it was tore down!!  We have lived in Plymouth now for 4+ years and never went to Big Boy, but the one day we decide to go it's been torn down.  (Apparently the Kroger we do all of our grocery shopping at is expanding)  We drove to the next closest Big Boy and there in the parking lot was the General Lee!  DJ was super stoked.  We decided to stay in on Sunday night and rent the Marley documentary about Bob Marley.  It was so good.  We ate gummy bears and cuddled on the couch.

23 weeks pregnant

memorial day

Bowie was scared to swim at the beginning of the day I swear.

 Monday we went to Gallup Park as planned and the day started off just perfectly.  The dogs played and swam and everyone was having such a good time until Bowie saw a group of young guys playing volleyball and he bolted after them and broke his collar.  Bowie does not stop when he gets loose and we both panicked.  DJ ran after him and Bella and I followed behind but they were both running so fast.  I told Bella to go get Bowie so she took off after our guys.  I lost them around a curve and tried to catch up.  I went around the next curve and still couldn't see any of them.  I was nearly in tears, until I finally heard DJ yelling at Bowie to stop.  I realized they were in the water behind all the brush.  I walked up to the water and DJ was fully clothed and swimming behind Bowie who was following behind a duck and then Bella was paddling close behind DJ.  It was quite a sight. The water was deep enough that DJ couldn't touch and covered in sea weed.  It was terrible.  The fun day was officially over after that.  We went home and watched movies in the air conditioning while the dogs snored.  How was your memorial day weekend?

made for baby

It's Friday and I am so ready for this weekend.  I mean rea-dy.  I have to work for a few hours on Saturday but after that I'm free.  Free at last.  It has been the longest week in history.  I didn't even work on Tuesday but I feel like I've worked 17 days in a row.

DJ and I are having a garage sale this weekend.  (Come buy some of our crap, ha)  Having a baby means that there will be one more man taking up my closet space in this house.  I hope I haven't made any rushed decisions based on pregnancy hormones and end up regretting giving up some of my clothes and shoes but space must be made for my little one.

 

Please tell me how cute DJ's first pair of hockey skates are??  Obviously these will be our little man's now.  My father-in-law dug them out the day that DJ told him that we were having a baby.  I mean, come on, and let's all just say, "Awwww" together.

Happy weekending home slices.  Stop by our garage sale Saturday and Sunday and if you have no plans for the holiday come play with us at Gallup Park on Monday.  The babies will be so happy to have more friends to hang out in the sun with.  Plus Bella has fine tuned her frisbee skills and can't wait to show off.

thoughts on having a boy

It sure changes everything to find out what sex the sweet baby inside of you is.  I now have a son.  I will be the mother to a boy that will grow to be a man one day and hopefully get married and have babies of his own.  I feel a responsibility to make sure that he knows to treat the women in his life with care and love.  I want him to be the kind of man my husband is to me, his father.  That father that will teach him to ice skate and to treat his mother with respect, among many other things.

I am thrilled that we are having a boy.  I could see instantly how happy my husband was to hear he was having a son.  He is passing down his last name, planning to teach him so many things, get him the best of everything and be the best kind of dad.  He has so many ideas for the nursery and Halloween.  It makes my heart swell with joy and love.  It assures me that I have married the best man.  He is going to be the best father for my son.  I am so in love.

I also know that when we have more children they will have an older brother to do all the protecting.  Whether we have boys or girls after this I know that besides my husband and I they will have the watchful eye of an older brother when DJ and I can't be there. 
I must say that I thought DJ and I would end up with a girl. My mother and I didn't exactly share the same bond that we do now. I'm sure she blames her gray hairs on me. And DJ, well let's just say he was some what of a ladies man. It just seemed fitting that the man that now feels enraged to see young girls in Victoria's Secret would end up with a beautiful daughter.

There are so many reasons to be happy and thankful.  I know I am experiencing what many can't or haven't felt and that fact is not lost on me.  I am grateful.

weekend inventory

The weekend was great.  Nice weather just as promised.  Saturday was spent with friends celebrating wedding showers and graduations and Sunday was a family day for the Bloomingburgs.

Meg, Leigh and I chatting on the Penn patio.  I had to tie my hair in a knot moments later because of the hot hot heat.

The most beautiful bride Kady / All the hockey mamas at Catie's graduation party

Babies love family day.

Gallup Park in Ann Arbor was the perfect place to spend the day with my little growing family.

Sunday was the best part of the weekend.  I woke up to the strongest baby kick yet.  I looked down and as Baby Bloom kicked a second time I saw my stomach move!  I told DJ to wake up and give me his hand.  Of course nothing happened.  I waited in bed to feel it again and kept a sharp eye on my stomach.  There is was again.  I yelled for DJ to come back to bed.  We waited again...nothing.  UGH!

After our amazing day at Gallup Park in Ann Arbor we splurged and ate some yummy pizza.  I layed down on the couch to digest my overload of carbs and there it was again.  That extra strong kick.  I yelled for DJ and once again that was the end of the kicks.  Later on that night I layed in bed rubbing myself down with lotion and I could feel the soft rumblings of Baby Bloom.  I texted DJ this time so that I wouldn't startle baby and he came in quietly to lay his hand on my stomach and finally feel his son move.  There it was.  Baby Bloom isn't messing around now either.  Even since Sunday that little man is making it known that he is strong and getting bigger.  I can feel that little love all day long now.  He likes when I'm laying down mostly.  Obviously I'm happy to oblige.

landscapingspiration

Every since finding out DJ and I were having a baby I have gone on a full blown panic about things around the house.  I want EVERYTHING to be complete.  I mean we moved in nearly a year ago and somebody has yet to get everything I want hung on the walls.  At this point though, I want it all. 

The interior is just the half of it though. When we moved in to our house last year the back yard was covered in gross overgrowth from Hines Drive, a woodsy area behind our house.  It took a lot of long nights after work last year to chop it all back.  I mean, we found things back there that just should not have been back there.  Once we got it all chopped back our backyard was double in size.  That was last years project.  This year however I want a total overhaul.  I mean tear it out, tear it up and do it the way I really want it.  I even threatened to pay someone to come over and do it! Gasp!  Thankfully the planning process has begun.  Planning can at least ease my thoughts.  Hopefully my landscaping will resemble these beauties real soon.

Check my Pinterest board out here!

We have plans to work on the yard a bit this weekend, but I'm mostly excited to spend time with my friends at one of my most gorgeous friend's bridal shower and soak up some of the sunshine they are calling for.  I am so pale my father-in-law even said something :( Happy weekending!

are you kidding?

Whoa how did it get to be Thursday already?  I have so many catch-you-up-on-my-life blog drafts but at the end of my terribly long work days (someone is on vacation) I am lucky if I can make it long enough to eat dinner.  Anyway here's a terribly adorable video that husband showed me last weekend to get me out of a bad mood.  It SO worked.

Have you seen this?  I can't even handle the cuteness.  I just can't.

guest post - mother's day interview with michelle and miss mia

This week I am featuring guest posts from my mommy friends.  I asked some very special women, all my age, if they would participate in a mother's day interview.   I was thrilled when they agreed and I hope you enjoy reading their responses as much as I did!

Last but certainly not least this week is my mother's day interview with my friend Michelle.  I have known her since I was a little girl and she has always been someone I've been able to look up to.   

Now that you are a mother yourself has your relationship changed at all with your own mother?

I believe it has, we have definitely become closer.

What has been the best advice you have received regarding motherhood?

Cherish the time you spend with your child, because they really do grow up fast.  Take lots of pictures and videos!!

How about the worst advice?

That your child should be potty trained by a certain age, believe me, they do it when they are ready.

What has been the hardest part so far of being a mother?

Disciplining my daughter, it kills me when she says "mommy your mad at me?"

What has been the most rewarding moment?

Holding my baby girl for the first time, it made all the fertility treatments, pregnancy struggles and 17 hours of labor so insignificant.

Do you have any advice for first time mothers?

Trust yourself, everything really does come naturally.

What was your guilty pleasure while pregnant?

There are too many to name, but one I won't forget was red white and blue popsicles. Yum.

Do you have plans to have more children?  If so how many?  How soon?

If we are blessed with more, I would love to have 2 more. Anytime would be good.

What has been your biggest obstacle so far to overcome?

Having to work, I missed some first time moments and it was very tough.

How has your own mother inspired you?

She has inspired me to trust in myself when it comes to mothering my daughter.

What was your earliest childhood memory about your own mother?

My mom always helping out with activities that my sister and I were involved in, like Girl Scouts and Dance.

How do you want to most be like your mom?

I want to be able to cook like she does, she really knows how to throw down in the kitchen.

What did you do for your mom on mother's day in the past?

One Mother's Day that I will always remember was when my sister and I along with our neighbor friend, got all dressed up and did a dance to "Baby got Back" by Sir Mix-A-Lot.  Our moms loved it!!

Lastly, what is your greatest wish for your child?

That she believes in herself and succeeds in life. That she finds happiness in whatever she chooses to do and that she knows how much her Daddy and I love her.

I'm so grateful that you were a part of this Michelle.  I love you and your whole family.  Happiest Mother's Day to you! xoxx

guest post - mother's day interview with tracey and aidan

This week I am featuring guest posts from my mommy friends.  I asked some very special women, all my age, if they would participate in a mother's day interview.   I was thrilled when they agreed and I hope you enjoy reading their responses as much as I did!

Today's interview is with a long time friend of mine.  I've known her for over 20 years and grew up only a few blocks from each other.  Tracey has a son named Aidan and I can't believe how big this young man is already.  Hope you enjoy!

Now that you are a mother yourself has your relationship changed at all with your own mother?

I really don't believe that my relationship with my mother has changed to much. My mom and I have always been really close. Of course as much teens do, I put my mom throw some years of hell but we always stayed close and she was always the person I could turn to. I definitely call her a lot more for "nurse answers" because of Aidan, on top of the at least once a day to call and chat. 

What has been the best advice you have received regarding motherhood?

As a new mom you receive a lot of advice, even when you don't want it. Everyone seems to want to give you their two sense, from complete strangers to family. The best advice I received was probably from a stranger about potty training. Aidan wanted nothing to do with the potty, most of the time I had a hard time changing his diaper because he absolutely hated being naked, ever since birth. And this stressed me out, I thought for sure my son was going to be in diapers his whole life. I don't even remember where I talked to this lady or how I started talking to her for that matter, but she told me to try and put Aidan's potty in front of the T.V and have him watch it while he sat on the potty. I thought she was crazy, but was willing to try anything with the fear that now my son was going to go potty in my living room is whole life. It worked! And after about a week he was running into the bathroom all on his own and going! (Thankfully the living room thing lasted only a week.) 

How about the worst advice?

 I don't think I was ever given bad advice. It seems like everyone wants to give advice, tell their story and even now as a mom when i meet first time moms I catch myself doing the same thing. I took what everyone said and if I thought it was a good idea I tried it and if it wasn't I didn't.

What has been the hardest part so far of being a mother?

Besides lack of sleep, getting back into shape, and the fact that its not just about me anymore?? When you become a mom all your worries change. The hardest part for me was trying not to worry to much about Aidan. I could make myself sick with all the worrying I do. ( I still check on him when he's sleeping to make sure he's breathing) I had to learn to worry enough but not to much. So when Aidan's right eye started to turn in I blew it off like it was just a toddler thing. When I finally did get him in to an eye doctor, I learned that Aidan's right eye didn't work and he basically couldn't see. He now wears glasses and his eye is getting stronger as the days go on. Everyone talks about how cute he is in his glasses, but he's just doesn't look like my little baby anymore( mostly because he's growing up way to fast) so my favorite time of the day is in the morning when he comes walking out of his room rubbing his sleepy eyes and for a few minutes I can see my little monster.  

What has been the most rewarding moment?

At the risk of sounding cheesy, every day is rewarding. Watching him grow and learn, he defiantly is my little miracle. 

Do you have any advice for first time mothers?

Mommy knows best! Give yourself  "me time" and Boppy Pillows were my life savor, every mommy must have one! 

What was your guilty pleasure while pregnant?

I craved snickers and Ice Cream. While I was pregnant we lived walking distance from a Dairy Queen, so I always said as long as we are walking it's okay! We went pretty much everyday. Also no one could wait on me enough, I think the part I miss the most about being pregnant is how much everyone took care of me and did everything for me :) 

Do you have plans to have more children?  If so how many?  How soon?

I would love more children, and I never thought I would say that after the very complicated and long delivery I went threw. But at this time Ive been put on hold by a doctor due to some medical conditions. ( We had plans this coming fall) We have recently been looking into adoption, keeping our options open. 3 would be ideal, but 2 would be great! 

What has been your biggest obstacle so far to overcome?

Our biggest obstacle has by far been bed time. Aidan has never been a great sleeper and pretty much slept with us in our room. When he was just a few months old he wouldn't sleep anywhere but my chest, so we went threw co/sleeping until we moved into our house. When we moved into our house we had his bedroom all set up and said that he would now start sleeping in his own bed, he was 5 months old. I thought this would be a good time for the transition. He did really well, but he was still waking up so often to eat that when I would feed him I would just take him into bed with me and there we'd stay.( a little bit of laziness on my part) Over the next few years we had issues with getting him to go to bed at night, then after me and my husband took our first trip away without him we had bigger problems. Aidan wouldn't even go into his crib, he would scream and scream for what seemed like forever and I would give in and take him to bed with me just to get him to settle down. So this is when we bought him his first "big boy" bed. He really seemed to like it but wanted either me or his dad sleeping in his room with him. We spent a lot of long tired night sleeping on his floor. To this day it is still something we are working on, every night is a battle to get him into bed, then it takes Aidan 20 minutes to say goodnight. And more often then not I still wake up to that adorable face, that part I don't mind so much. 

How has your own mother inspired you?

My mom raised three girls pretty much on her own, while working and going to school. She inspired me in so many ways, shes my hero and I owe a lot to her. She believes in me more then I could ever ask for and she makes sure I know it. 

What was your earliest childhood memory about your own mother?

I think my earliest childhood memory of my mom, was when i was 4 or 5. She was working late and I didn't feel well. I was in bed with my dad but couldn't sleep. I remember hearing the door opening and I got up and ran to her. We sat on the couch till I finally feel asleep. To this day when I get sick, I cant help but call my mom.

How do you want to most be like your mom?

I'd love to be as strong and willing as she is. She always put us girls first no matter what.
  
What did you do for your mom on mother's day in the past?

A few years ago we started a tradition on mothers day were we go and my mom picks out the flowers for her yard, then we go to her house and spend the day planting and cleaning up the yard. We share a love for gardening, so its a perfect time for me to ask question and she shares her helpful hints.

  
Lastly, what is your greatest wish for your child?

This one is a lot harder to answer then I thought it was going to be.  There's so much, I wish for Aidan to live a long healthy life, to be accomplished, to be happy and to live his life to the fullest, loving every minute as much as he possible can.

Thanks Tracey!!  I love you and your whole family!  Have a wonderful Mother's Day!  You deserve it! xoxx

guest post - mother's day interview with sarah and riley

This week I am featuring guest posts from my mommy friends.  I asked some very special women, all my age, if they would participate in a mother's day interview.   I was thrilled when they agreed and I hope you enjoy reading their responses as much as I did!

Sarah is a nurse and the mom to little miss Riley.  Her and her hubby just closed on their new home.  Riley is already 16 months old and such a little stunner.  I can't wait til my son is able to walk and talk!   

 

Now that you are a mother yourself has your relationship changed at all with your own mother?

Since becoming a mother myself I have really tried to improve my relationship with my own mother.  Growing up I was the typical teenager that didn’t want my mom in my business and didn’t want to talk to her about anything.  I am and have always been an independent type A person so it has been a challenge for me to give up some control.  I just keep telling myself…I turned out fine right?!  And I didn’t become the person I am today on my own. 

What has been the best advice you have received regarding motherhood?

The best advice I received about motherhood so far was when someone told me to take it one day at a time.  When Riley was first born it was so physically and emotionally draining to breastfeed every 1 ½ hours not to mention how much cracked nipples hurt lol!  After a long night of feeding, changing diapers, pumping, sanitizing bottles…the list goes on…I would say to myself, “I made it through another day!”  It sounds silly I know but it really did work for me. 

How about the worst advice?

Being a new mother any advice is good advice to me!  So I can’t say that I have received any bad advice. 

What has been the hardest part so far of being a mother?

The hardest part about being a mom is being a working mom.  I had no clue how hard it was going to be and how guilty I was going to feel about being away from her while I was at work.  I cry when daycare calls me and says another kid bit her or she fell and bumped her head because I feel like I should be there to protect her and hold her when she cries. 

What has been the most rewarding moment?

There have been so many rewarding moments so far but if I had to pick one it would be when I get home from work and she sees me and says “mama” and runs to give me a hug.  It melts my heart and I know it’s her way of saying I love you mommy!

Do you have any advice for first time mothers?

My advice to first time moms is to take a shower everyday!  It’s easy to get so caught up in motherhood and forget to take care of yourself, trust me after a shower you feel like a million bucks and like you can do anything!  When my husband went back to work and I didn’t want Riley out of my sight I would put her in the bouncy seat and set her in the bathroom while I showered.

What was your guilty pleasure while pregnant?

Ok I am going to get real personal here and say that my guilty pleasure while I was pregnant was sex haha.  With all the hormones and extra blood flow lets just say I loved the second trimester J 

Do you have plans to have more children?  If so how many?  How soon?

I definitely want more children!  Not too many people know this but I did get pregnant when Riley was only 9 months old and I unfortunately had a miscarriage.  Although it wasn’t a planned pregnancy it was still the hardest thing I have ever had to go through.  On the day I found out about my miscarriage, 11/11/11, my niece was born. One life was taken out of this world and one life was brought into this world.  It has been about 8 months since my miscarriage and I am ready for another child.

What has been your biggest obstacle so far to overcome?

The biggest obstacle I have had to overcome and am still working on is time management between working, being a mom and being a wife.  I am a nurse in an ICU and after working a 12 hour day I am exhausted.  When I wake up the next morning the last thing I want to do is clean the house and do laundry.  My priority is spending time with Riley.  So I am trying my best to balance all my roles and responsibilities; it’s a work in progress.

How has your own mother inspired you?

My mother has such a big heart and helps every person in anyway that she can.  I inspire to be as open hearted and caring as she is.  

What was your earliest childhood memory about your own mother?

My earliest childhood memory of my mother was in kindergarten.  For Halloween we were having a parade and I wanted to be a princess.  She made my costume by hand and I remember her working so hard on it.  I can still picture the crown she made for me that had tulle hanging from it.  She really did make me feel like a princess.

 

What did you do for your mom on mother's day in the past?

Growing up my brothers and I always made my mom breakfast in bed for mother’s day. Looking back now we made her some unappetizing things yet she always ate what we brought her.

Lastly, what is your greatest wish for your child?

My greatest wish for Riley is that she has happiness in her life.  I have an amazing husband, a great career and the love for a daughter only a mother would know.  I am so happy where my life has taken me and I wish that my daughter has as much happiness in her life that I have had in mine.

Thank you so much Sarah!  I love your answers and you crack me up!  (the second trimester is pretty awesome haha)  Happy Mother's Day to you this year! xoxx

guest post: mother's day interview with ele, austin and cole

This week I am featuring guest posts from my mommy friends.  I asked some very special women, all my age, if they would participate in a mother's day interview.   I was thrilled when they agreed and I hope you enjoy reading their responses as much as I did!

Today I'm sharing my mother's day interview with my friend Ele.  She gave birth to twin boys earlier this year.  She's incredible and I hope I look as good as her after giving birth to one baby boy as she does after twin boys! 

 Now that you are a mother yourself has your relationship changed at all with your own mother?

As the baby in the family, having babies made my mother see me as a women instead of only her daughter.  We have a stronger bond then before I had children.

What has been the best advice you have received regarding motherhood?

Even though I am a first time mother, that the unknown will become known when the time comes. I was advised to trust in my self.

How about the worst advice?

Worst advice regarding motherhood dealt with when I stopped breast feeding... do NOT stop cold turkey... ouch!

What has been the hardest part so far of being a mother?

Seeing your child in pain but not being able to do anything about it. As in: vaccinations :(

What has been the most rewarding moment?

The most rewarding moment of being a mother was after a long hard journey in the NICU... I finally got to walk out the front door of that hospital and finally it was with my children in hand. We prayed hard for their fight for life, and it was worth all the pain!

Do you have any advice for first time mothers?

When all else fails to get the crying to stop... put your child in the car and drive... always works.

 What was your guilty pleasure while pregnant?

 Ben and Jerry Ice cream... every night!

Do you have plans to have more children?  If so how many?  How soon?

Our most recent journey was incredibly stressful. We both need lots of time to catch our breath after raising newborn twins! When I say catch our breath, I really mean we'll need to sleep for a few years to catch up on what we've missed.

What has been your biggest obstacle so far to overcome?

Going back to work has been extremely difficult :(

How has your own mother inspired you?

She has inspired me to be fun and creative as a mother. I want to create wonderful childhood memories for my boys.

What was your earliest childhood memory about your own mother?

My earliest memory of my mother is when I was in pre school. We were all given Indian names and my mom named me babbling brooke because I am known to talk too much.

How do you want to most be like your mom?

I want to be as forgiving as my mother. No matter what I did, I was immediately forgiven.

What did you do for your mom on mother's day in the past?

When I lived closer we would get pedicures and have a girls day out.

Lastly, what is your greatest wish for your children?

 My greatest wish for my children is that they believe in themselves as much as I believe in them.

Thanks Ele!  Happy Mother's Day to you! xoxx

baby bloom is a...

BOY!!!!

guest post: mother's day interview with sara and lyla

This week I am featuring guest posts from my mommy friends.  I asked some very special women, all my age, if they would participate in a mother's day interview.   I was thrilled when they agreed and I hope you enjoy reading their responses as much as I did!

Today's post is featuring my lovely friend Sara.  She recently gave birth to the adorable Lyla.  I love her and could read her interview over and over.  Enjoy!

Now that you are a mother yourself has your relationship changed at all with your own mother?

Absolutely!  I think I’ve apologized 100 times already for all the things I did as a kid.  Honestly, it is so cliché but they say the love a mother has for a child is like nothing you’ve ever felt before and it’s true.  The first time I got to hold my daughter and have that feeling, it made me think of my mom loving me like that – and made me appreciate her so much more.  She stayed with us the first week Lyla was born to help out and just watching my mom hold my daughter was the best thing in the world. 

What has been the best advice you have received regarding motherhood?

The best advice I received was from my best friend who told me not to listen to everyone else!  As soon as you tell people you’re pregnant they start to overload you with their stories and advice (sorry Laura, I know I did with you a little!).  It can be really overwhelming and annoying, so just smile and say thank you. Not everything that works for someone else’s baby is going to work for yours; it’s a learning process for the both of you.   

How about the worst advice?

I don’t think that I’ve really received any bad advice.  Just a lot of unsolicited opinions on how I should be doing things, i.e. do what they did.  I know my daughter child better than anyone else, so I do what I think is best for her.   

What has been the hardest part so far of being a mother?

The exhaustion is by far the hardest thing of being a mother.  I was so emotional the first couple of weeks that I’d cry at literally everything.  And I definitely put way too much pressure on myself about every single thing.  I’m a control freak by nature and it was very hard to deal with the fact that some things did not work out the way that I had hoped. 

What has been the most rewarding moment?

Honestly, every single moment and milestone I have with her.  From her first smile to our cuddle sessions in the morning, and now her talking (gibberish) to us.  Every day I am consumed with more and more love for her. 

Do you have any advice for first time mothers?

(Even though I previously said don’t take other people’s advice – this is more advice for you personally, not so much about the baby.)  The same thing most mothers say, it goes by so unbelievably fast so try hard to live in the moment with them.  Another big one is to communicate with your partner!  It’s not always sunshine and rainbows those first couple weeks (or months), you will be a crazy and sleep deprived person – so try remember to give each other attention during that time (you’ll need it).  And don’t be afraid to ask for help, especially if it gives you an hour or two to yourself.  Your child will take over your life for the next 18+ years, and you need every break you can get to remember who you are and what you need. 

What was your guilty pleasure while pregnant?

I became obsessed with beets!  I had never had them before, and for whatever reason I tried them and couldn’t get enough.  And salt, my god I would’ve licked a deer salt stick if I could have. 

Do you have plans to have more children?  If so, how many?  How soon?

It’s funny because before I would always say “one and done – that’s it!” But as soon as I held her in my arms I thought - now I know why women do this over and over.  I do think that I would like to have one more child eventually, probably within five years.  I’d like for us to get married first and buy a house so we can have more room!  But yes, I hope to have one more. 

What has been your biggest obstacle so far to overcome?

Learning to let go and realizing that I can’t be in control of how things will turn out.  I had my birth plan ready to go and all these ideas of what I was going to do.  At 38 weeks I found out she was breech which meant that she would have to be delivered via c-section, and not naturally like I had wanted.  When she was born I intended on breast feeding, however, she had a very high pallet and couldn’t latch on at all – which meant I had to pump or give her formula.  I opted to pump because I knew my milk was the best for her… but it was so time consuming and I couldn’t care for her when I was doing it.  It made me completely miserable and I got mad at myself that it wasn’t working.  Eventually it got to the point where I wanted to stop pumping, but I felt like I was admitting defeat and felt guilty for being selfish.  I had a Crohn’s attack 4 weeks after she was born and was forced to quit pumping because of the medication they were putting me on.  It ended up being a life saver because I was able to get more sleep and give her my complete attention.  Again, the pressure of trying to do what everyone (books, blogs, doctors, etc) says is the best thing was beyond overwhelming.  The truth is – what’s best for you ends up being the best for your baby. 

How has your own mother inspired you?

I think about how much my mom and I have been through… how many times I broke her heart when I was growing up, or when we had really good moments.  I just think of what she did during those times, the patience she had – and that’s what I hope to do with Lyla. 

What was your earliest childhood memory about your own mother?

Not sure how old I was but driving in the car on our way up to our cabin, singing country songs and stopping at the cheese store for snacks!  We did that a lot so that’s probably why it is my strongest memory

How do you want to most be like your mom?

I hope that I’ll be as strong as my mom, I know growing up there were times when I tried so hard to push her away and she never gave up on me.  She was also really understanding and open with me, so I was able to go to her with things (when I wasn’t pushing her away) that other people would never go to their mom about.  If I could have half of my mom’s strength, patience and understanding then I’ll be lucky!

What did you do for your mom on mother's day in the past?

The older I get the more I know how much my mom has done for me, so I always try to get her something small and write something to tell her how thankful/lucky I am to have her as my mom.  I know that I didn’t tell her enough growing up, but she was an amazing mom and she needs to be reminded of that.  It’s not a lot, but I know she appreciates me recognizing everything she has done for me – and continues to do! 

Lastly, what is your greatest wish for your child?

I just want her to be happy and healthy.  She is already so loved by so many people; I don’t want her to ever forget that.  Without a doubt I know I’ll be doing as much as I can to make sure she experiences as much as she can in this life.  But other than that, I can’t ask for much else.  

Thanks again Sara!  Happy mother's day to you! Love you! xoxx

gender

Tuesday is the day!  We are jumping out of our skin in anticipation for this doctors appointment.  Check back on Tuesday for the official reveal.  The rest of this week I have a special mother's day treat to share with you.  I had a few mommy friends participate in a mother's day interview.  I can't wait to share their responses with you.  They all have such amazing advice and I am so appreciative of their participation.  Happy Mother's Day week!

ladies, all the ladies

I swear if you are not watching Girls and The Conversation you are seriously missing out. 

I saw a preview for Girls back in March and I put it on my calendar to make sure to DVR this show.  It was compared to Sex and the City.  I can see where they were going with that in three ways.  One, it's on HBO.  Two, it's about four women.  Three, it's a realistic view into how women really talk and real women issues.  On the other hand though if you're looking for the fashion, that's not the kind of show it is.  I love love love this show though.  It's so funny and I adore the real life views.  You need to watch it! Lena Dunham is so smart and funny.

I also watched last weeks premier of The Conversation.  A number of enviable celebrities, like Gwyneth Paltrow and Jane Fonda, share their views about issues women face at all ages.  Amanda de Cadenet sits around her house with each celebrity in a very relaxed way, just as girl friends do and it gives you a fly-on-the-wall view of conversations about problems that all women face, even celebrities.

I can't even find words to explain how good both of these shows are.  WATCH THEM!  And happy weekending to you.  My awesome mama is graduating this weekend! Yay!  Sunday we will be sunning ourselves in downtown Plymouth for the Green Street Fair with all of the rest of Plymouth.

rock n' roll queen

There is nothing I love more than legit gooooooooood style.  Not the chick that follows the latest trends or buys everything off the front rack at Forever 21 with all the tell-tale signs of cheap and tacky.  I'm talking the girl that can walk into Forever 21 and walk out with the item that no one will ever know was bought from that store.  The girl that can spot a forever trend over a here-today-gone-tomorrow trend.

Style requires timeless pieces.  The quintessential little black dress, a pair of jeans that make your ass look fantastic and a chic blazer, among others.  My very favorite item of clothing that never seems to be out of style is the vintage rock n' roll t-shirt.  Quite frankly nothing makes a girl look cooler.

I have lots that I've acquired over the years from various garage sales, thrift stores, vintage shops, estate sales  and lots that I've stolen from my oh so rock n' roll hubby.  He's just the coolest.   Here are some of my favorite new rock n' roll t-shirts out there with a vintage feel and some actual vintage treasures.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

weekend inventory

A whole-lotta nothing is what we did this weekend.  I dined with my bestie on Friday on a whim and pulled a real pregnancy bone head move.  I was baking a sweet potato (because last week baby was the size of a sweet potato) and if you've ever baked a sweet potato you would know that it takes for-ev-er to cook thoroughly.  I set the timer for 40 minutes and then flipped it and set it for another 40 minutes.  (It was a big sweet potato.)  During the course of that 40 minutes I was texting with my friend and we decided on a whim to go get some Nico and Vali (my favorite) for a late night dinner.  She lives 4 houses down from me so she was at my house before I even had time to get out of my pajamas.  I hopped in the car and we went to dinner.  I got home about an hour and a half later.  The smell of sweet potato was overwhelming.  I FORGOT TO TAKE THE SWEET POTATO OUT AND TURN THE OVEN OFF!  The timer was beeping still, but the sweet potato was luckily not on fire or anything.  In fact it was mostly just mushy.  DJ was at hockey so my poor little babes were stuck with that awful smell and that annoying timer beeping away for an hour!  I felt so bad and immediately thought about how bad it could have ended up.  I blame the baby stealing all of my smarts.

Saturday after a late lunch, we went to go cheer my little sister on in her roller derby bout.  It was super cute and those girls are tough cookies.  It was pretty unclear at the beginning to DJ and I, how exactly roller derby worked, but after a few we got the hang of it.  Natalie's team didn't win, but we had a really good time watching from the front row.  Afterwards DJ and I stayed for the older girls as well.  That was by far much faster and rougher.  We didn't plan on staying all night but it was actually a really fun night.  We were cheering for opposing teams which meant that we had to stay for the entire thing.  The scores change so quick.  DJ's team won in the end, whatever.  We came home after a long day and as soon as I layed down Baby Bloom started to wiggle like crazy.  I can't wait for DJ to be able to feel the baby move. 

Then Sunday we did absolutely nothing besides grocery shop and nap.  DJ made tacos and we filled an entire ketchup size container with all of our fire sauce packets from Taco Bell.  We like it spicy over here and we really like their sauce apparently.  Plus our neighbor's son works there so we make him hook it up when we see him in the drive through.  It can't ever be too spicy people.