10 Things I wish I could change about my Mom Body (It's not what you think)

Sometimes I dream about having my pre baby body back, but I've become accustomed to those changes. The extra fat or skin or changes in shape are part of having these beautiful children. Sure, being able to wear a bikini confidently again would be nice. But do you know what would be nicer? These things. 

1.  Skinnier Hips

But not for the reason you think. Stuffed between two car seats in the backseat of our altima on a road trip with both girls crying I have never longed for a thinner model of myself. The bruises on both hip bones and awkward sideways sitting would love more space.

2: Extra Hand (or two or five but I'd settle for one)

All the time. Seriously. But recently? Target parking lot trying to "one handedly" fold the stroller and get the infant and toddler both in the car before breakdown ensues.While not letting the toddler's chocolate milk and cake pop from Starbucks spill (don't judge). It would be extra especially nice if my arm was stretchy.

3.  Breast attached to my hand

What is it with all these car things? When we are driving and the only thing I can reach back to the babe's car seat is my hand- and she is not interested at all in a hand. Wouldn't it be nice? A bottle wouldn't work either because I'd have to see what I was doing. Boobhand. 

{Honorable breastfeeding mention by my friend Sarah: Breastmilk on tap. No pumping. Just hit a button and voila- a bottle is ready}

4. Unattached eyes (That sounds so weird now that I typed it)

Especially now that it's spring. I'm running into the house with groceries, or the baby, or a coffee, and the toddler insists she is fine staying outside alone. I have to decide between bad mom and letting raw chicken decompose on the front lawn.

5. Legs that never get tired

Have you ever swayed tirelessly at 3 am for an hour, only to put the baby down and have them wake up two point five seconds later and start the process over? My legs want to fall off. But I can't sit down. BECAUSE SHE KNOWS if I sit down. How dare you rock a baby while sitting instead of standing? Legs. I need better ones. 

6.  Everlasting clean hair.

It's not that I don't cherish the time I do get to take a hot shower, I do. A lot. But the process of washing, drying, and flat ironing takes time. Sometimes I don't feel like it. Sometimes I have two kids and am trying to get out the door to gym class and dry shampoo has to be my bff. But ongoingly clean hair I never would have to worry about? Sign.me.up.

7. Bigger (stronger) bladder.

Post pregnancy bladder is just not what it used to be. And even before that, I was always the one in line at the frat party 10x after a few miller lites. But now? I don't have time to pee. Especially not when I'm out with both girls/at a park with no bathroom/in the car with the kids/running out the door late for work. I need this organ to hold about five times what it does now. That would be lovely. 

8. A voice box that repeats what I say in programmed intervals.

Put on your shoes. It's time for dinner. Please bring your cup downstairs. I hate nagging. I truly do. I would love it if my brain just sent out wavelengths telling my kids what to do when I needed them to do it. It could even follow them around the house while I packed up the diaper bag.


9. A husband's ability to sleep through all sounds.

Okay, fine, that's not a "body" thing but maybe an ear thing? Once the hubby is out, he's out. He will hear a screeching baby or a blood curdling toddler scream. But that babbling I hear? Never. The foot hitting the crib that jolts me awake? Nope. Peaceful dreams. Give me some of that.


10. Photographic Memory that printed actual photos and videos. On demand.

The time DOES go fast. My iphone cannot keep up with the amount of hilarious things my toddler says or the cute phases my baby makes. I want to capture it, all in my head, and one day be able to go back and say "What was Piper doing on April 6, 2015?" or "How did Sienna say the word banana ate age 3 when she's talking too fast?"(ablana for the record). This one is cheesy, I know. But I'm the biggest proponent of photo taking, and I want the memories to all last as long as humanly possible. I can't be in two places at once either (damn, maybe I just need two of me) so I'd love the sweet snapshot of my toddler before bed time before scuttling off to rock the infant.

I guess none of this is realistic, but a girl can dream. What mombody part do you wish you had?

See? Need a third arm to carry bags. And possibly have a cocktail.

 

On having girls...

We found out about a month ago that we are having another girl. The joy of having a sister is one I only experienced through my long-time best friends, but never through blood. Never through growing up trying on each other's shoes and giggling when we should be sleeping. I hope that my girls will grow together, though I'm sure they will be different. I hope they cheer each other on in sports, and feed each other Ben & Jerry's after a break up. I hope they are fiercely protective of eachother, but also kindly competitive. In short, I'm really excited for Sienna to have a sister and vice versa. 

But, this thing happened. Since we found out we were having a girl, everyone feels it's okay to ask right away; are you having a third? You're still young, you can try for that boy. Two girls? I feel sorry for Jamie. Facebook (I deleted the comments, they are not funny to me), real life, people seem to have no idea that's sort of a harsh question/statement. It's like asking if we are sad we are getting this new child. When I found out I was having a girl the first time, I got cards. I got cute bows. This time? Nothing. Maybe this is just a product of baby #2? I don't expect gifts to roll out in front of me. But recognition of a new little girl coming into our lives would be nice. A HUGE thank you to my sweet friend Sarah and little Morgan for sending us a sisters book. The little gesture made a huge difference to me. It's nice to know that it can be a joy- and Sarah has a little sister herself so she for sure knows all the ups and downs of sisterhood. 

This morning, I saw this article posted on facebook. Of course having girls is somewhat different than having boys. There is that whole anatomy and hormones and puberty thing. But really, there is no reason having a girl limits the fun or the gross (S is currently obsessed with worms) that comes with having a boy. I love how succinctly he puts it- life is pretty wonderful.

And the same goes for my mama friends with all boys- it's just a gender. It doesn't define who they are. Hopefully, if we are all good kind parents, that will hopefully define them far more than what color newborn hat they get in the hospital.

So stop asking if we are having more kids just because we will have two girls;  for now we are grateful for a healthy looking babe who has a heart that's pumping well and good kidney function and a brain that looks fantastic. That's not sarcasm- it's true. Thankful for health, excited for what this new little one will bring to our lives. If she's anything as much as a spitfire as Sienna, we will have a highly entertaining next 18 years.  So here's to my two girls- I can't wait for you two to adventure through life together.

Sienna holding her worm friend. See, girls can like dirt and bugs too.

Conversations with a Toddler: Baby Jesus

Sienna has a few Christmas books.  One is a little boy telling the story of what he would have done if he was there when baby Jesus was born. Sienna actually is quite familiar with the term "baby Jesus" and loves our neighbors manger set up outside their house. She told them one day "uh oh! baby Jesus brrrr" before he had a blanket on him. It's pretty darn cute. Fast forward to tonight reading this book.

Mama: Sienna, who is that?
Sienna: Baby Jesus! (Continuing to tell me who else is on the page) Mama, Dada.... ummm... Grammy??
Mama: Sienna I think that's a wiseman.
Sienna: Noooo.... mama, dada, grammy!

Well mom, you've been promoted to wiseman wisewoman, You're clearly climbing the ranks over here.

Unprompted Love.

Sienna has been crazy attached to me lately. Mommy and mama are nearly the first words out of her mouth in the morning (if we aren't counting saying good morning to her duck lovey), and almost always the last word at night after a tired "night night" is muttered. 

She wants me all the time. If I am upstairs and she is downstairs, she will come to the bottom of the stairs and scream, "MAMA! Downtairs now!" When J tries to distract her, she figures out a way to wiggle past the gate and open the bathroom door, even the shower curtain, until she finds me. 

Some days it is utterly tiring. I can't unload the dishwasher without her asking to be picked up, or yelling for me to come play a game. If I leave her with someone else, she says no and cries. (She's always fine less than  five minutes after I'm gone) By the end of the day, I feel like I've been needed so much sometimes that I might as well have a newborn. The honestly may sound harsh, but motherhood for me has always been about finding balance- there is good and bad lurking around every corner- but the good joy always outweighs the not so joyous.

Last night, I knelt down to find some tupperware for leftover soup. I had the cabinet door open and was stooped down peering inside. I heard the pitter patter of little feet coming running towards me and before I had the chance to turn and look, I got bombarded with a huge hug from behind. Two little outstretched arms, a head resting on my back. Giggles. Sienna has always been a cuddling baby and child, but this development lately is life changing. The choice of unprompted warmth and affection from Sienna is so incredible. It is these moments that hands down make me feel like every hard moment of parenting is worth it.  It's understanding that while we may have a tantrum to deal with, or a rough night of sleep, we are teaching her that affection is good. It is knowing that despite how crazy life seems in my head at times, it is actually quite lovely. 

I need to give myself reminders to let go of the little things that can build up sometimes in parenting. You know, the 4am playtime that makes me exhausted the next day. The tiny freak out over wanting to touch something that's hot. The bad car ride resulting in tears. They are little missteps on this adventure, but it is always worth the journey. The little things on the flip side: getting a hug without asking for one from my one year old. Hearing the sweet joy of giggles when Sienna thinks something is funny. Watching her learn new words and use them every day. Those are actually the big, important things.

I'm so thankful for my toddler (okay fine, and my husband who sometimes plays like a toddler), who are able to show me the joys in life, just when I need it the most.

Literary Love

From the time I was little, I wasted nighttime hours of sleep to read. When I was in middle school, it would be under my blankets with a flashlight. When I was in high school, and came home from some adventure with friends, instead of turning on the TV, I'd always have a book to pop open. The smell of book pages and the life of the characters warped me into a different world. I was enamored with the love stories, couldn't keep my hands off the page turning vampire type series at one point, and with brief breaks in grad school and residency when things really piled up, I've never put books down.

I stand by the fact that so much of my "innate" intelligence that gets me through the adult world is not innate at all- it came from books. I cannot even begin to count the number I've read. In the past month, I've been through four novels. I read on so many topics by the time I was eighteen I felt like I personally knew heart surgeons, mothers who had lost their children, exotic travelers. I was transported to their worlds through the words of authors I admire. And that's not to say all of my reading is serious- that couldn't be further from the truth. I love a good chick lit book. In fact, I think that they always showed me the reality of life versus the fairytale. I relied on female writers to challenge the norms of society; they gave me different ways to think about things when all I knew was Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty.

Since my days of reading old books by flashlight, I've come around to my kindle. I miss the pages of a book, but they are cheaper and easier to carry this way.  It also somehow, enables me to power through books more quickly, because I can just set it down as I dry my hair (yep, did that this morning to finish up a good one) or read it in the car when Sienna unexpectedly passes out on the way home from the store and I find myself sitting in the driveway with idle time. Recently, I posted on facebook asking for book recommendations. I loved the onslaught of comments. I think it was up to 33 last time I checked. My friends, like me, know the power of a good book.

And just in case you're in need of a good escape from reality, here are a few of my top picks:

Me Before You (came recommended from my friend, Sarah, and I couldn't stop texting her throughout it and making excuses to read it when I should be doing other things)
The Husband's Secret
The Fault in our Stars
The Next Best Thing

Happy Reading.

The Blog Overhaul: New Template, New {DIY!} Header, Signature, and some other fun....

{Preface: All of these update & semi tutorials are for Windows, not mac computers}

A little while back, I decided my blog needed a makeover. It was sort of too much someone else's, not enough mine, and I needed a reason to start writing about life again. An aesthetic overhaul was the way to go. So what did I do?

 

Well first of all, my old background had to go.

 

Enter Star Sunflower Studio. I totally found this site via googling; I wanted something simple but also me. I really loved some of their backgrounds. So I bit the bullet- for the first time I decided to pay for a good background. I knew I could figure out the rest on my own, but this was easy peasy for a starting ground. Oh and also, amazing customer service. They sent me links and directions for installing my twitter and pinterest

 

They are also on etsy! You can search for them (sunstarlowerstudio) and see what they have for you, too.

 

Okay so I had my background. And I knew I wanted to create my own header with photos, so I decided that I would google and figure it out on my own. I knew that Picasa was the way to go but really had no clue how to start. I searched many blogs and found Blissfully Domestic to be the most helpful. So a big thanks to her! I literally just followed her steps. Except, I went a few steps further. First of all, you can get digital scrapbook paper. Who knew? I decided that the third block of my header would be a digital scrapbook jpeg. I just found one I liked, and saved it. Then added it right into my picasa collage.

You just save your picasa collage as a jpeg. When you go into blogger, you go to layout, Header, and then just add your image.

Easy as that. Okay fine, it took me forever to really line up the photos. And if you want a full tutorial, for sure head on over to Blissfully Domestic as linked above. That was my saving grace.

A few other things: I am obsessed with fonts. I hate normal fonts for fun things like a blog header, or if I am printing invitations, or writing letters. So I religiously use DaFont to find new fun looks for my words. For the header, I wanted to have something different. I downloaded a few  new fonts and mixed and matched with old fonts. You can add this right in when making your collage. Once you choose a font, just download it and save it wherever you want.

 

 I usually save to my desktop just because it's easy to get to. Once it shows up on your desktop, right click and hit "extract files". Double click on the new (same named) folder and then double click on the font listed inside. You will see this:

Okay sort of you will see this. Your screen may not have an excel sheet about your friend's baby shower on the bottom. But you get the point. Hit install, give it a minute, and VOILA! It will land in your fonts for you to use from here on out. Easy right? It's one of my fave things to do in terms of spicing things up.

I used my new fonts for my signature too. I just wrote my name, then found some hearts in a font I loved, and there we have it. I saved it as a jpeg via word. Then I uploaded it to picasa. Then simply steal the code they used to create your image (it's not stealing like illegal stealing).

Go to settings on blogger, then Posts and Comments, and then find the box that says post template.  It will look like this:

Copy and paste your link in the Post Template area. Hit save and it should show up on all of your posts to come. I don't know how to go back and make other posts have your signature, but this part is easy and even I could do it during naps/after baby bed time.

My friend Kelly suggested that I post this to help other non-full time bloggers who are just figuring this out day to day, so here it is. Are there other random blog things you want to know? Things that I didn't make clear that I can help with?

Happy blog re-designing!

 

On Being Kind....

I was walking into work a few days ago (you know, at a pediatrician's office) when I saw an older grandmother in front of me juggling three kids trying to scoot them into the building: a baby in a stroller, a straggling toddler, and a school aged kid who was moving as slow as molasses. She dropped something on the ground so I shuffled a little faster through my morning fog, picked it up, ran to open the door for them and handed the toy back to her. She sighed a deep breath- I thought it was frustration- but then she looked at me and said "thank you baby for being so kind, I have my hands full".

Her words  warmed my heart more than my hot tea on a cold fall morning. I had a little pep as I walked back to my office. It was so simple. Being kind is easy. I started to think about simple kindness. I'm not talking flying to Africa to help orphans or donating millions. Just everyday, simple things that make a difference for someone else.

A few months ago, I was in the mall. I saw a dad with a little girl dressed in a princess dress, crown, wand. Do you know what he did when he heard another little girl whining and begging her mom for one? He bent down, held his daughter's hand, whispered something quietly... and then I saw the little girl hand her wand over. The other child was now a princess too. See that? He not only acted kindly, but taught his daughter kindness.

A few years ago, before my mom retired, she taught kids who had a lot less than we did growing up. She knew they should bring in their own snacks but often parents forgot or couldn't afford it or kids skipped breakfast. Like clockwork, just when she was about to run out of her classroom stash of snacks, my dad bought a huge plastic containers of pretzels and stocked them in her car. She carried them into her classroom and without ever mentioning it or acting like it was a kind deed at all, she fed any of her students who needed something.  She and my dad define kind.

My brother has always been a good guy. He stands up for what's right. Questions people when they don't- as if being kind is indeed the only choice. Last week he was visiting my parents. He has a new employee who lives nearby and doesn't know many people. He invited him over to dinner with my entire family because he didn't want him to feel lost in his new environment. An open door, an open invitation.

Here's the thing- if there's anything my parents have instilled in us, it's this: be kind to others. Just that. No "because they may need it" or "because if you're not they won't be nice to you". Just be kind. Smile at people. A hand on the shoulder or a hug goes a long way. Hold the door. Pick up something if someone drops it. Look for the best in people. I guess, I owe them a big thank you.

As a parent, I so greatly hope I teach Sienna this well- that I give her a standing example to emulate. I hope that I encourage her to understand that the only difference between big sweeping gestures and small good kind deeds is the attention you get but that both can be incredibly important.

Don't underestimate the importance of the little things. They sure go a long way.

Happy Friday, friends.

Where we are lately...

I played powerball last night. Despite best efforts and wishes to the lottery gods, I didn't win.

I have to say when I used to dream about winning the lottery I'd dream about a sprawling beach house and a walk in closet full of designer clothes. My dreams lately have turned to paying off grad school loans, buying a reasonably sized but perhaps newly built house in a dreamy town like Swarthmore, and well yes... that beach house in Rehoboth still enters the picture at times.

But, I think what I'm trying to say is lately I've made the shift from thinking of us as a newlywed couple with a newborn to a family of three-- possibly more one day-- figuring out our place in this world. I'm starting to think about things I never really considered five years ago: Where will Sienna grow up? What school will she go to? Where can we give her the perfect place to run around the neighborhood with her friends? I think this stage may be real adulthood. Real parenthood.

There's that whole saving enough money for a down payment in these sweet little towns we are thinking about. And then there's figure out how to live somewhere perfect for our family and commutable to our jobs that we really enjoy. Being a grown up is hard sometimes. I continue to struggle with the working mom balance daily and as I look to our future, I really do want my daughter to see that her mom has a lot of worth- both in the home and out. At the end of the day though, I'll never be the mom to go on weeklong business trips if I can avoid it. I'll always rush home to make sure dinner and bath are shared times. But still a balance is necessary to make the right decisions for what comes next for our family.

As I... no we... make this transition from newlyweds to new parents, to a family who is focused on what's best for the three of us, I feel like this is a time of change. Good change, but as always some anxious energy thinking about the future, too.  That's where I am lately- day dreaming about our future, living in our present.

And sometimes, taking photos like this when my girl randomly says "Cheese mommy!"

(local) Wanderlust Wednesday

First of all- I realize it's 9/11. My memories of that day are still pretty strong, and today as we look back and look ahead I'm grateful the people I love are safe and sound. I'm grateful for a country that provides us with so many niceties. I hope that we continue to move forward bravely, to thank the NYPD and NYFD for their incredible work 12 years ago today, and everyday. {We remember}

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I've been house dreaming lately. Today's wanderlust wednesday is not truly about traveling the world; it's more about exploring our journey as a family and where we will end up next. We're not moving yet- and I've dropped to J that when we do I want to build our own new home. Part of me knows that probably will never happen because it's in our blood to paint and reno and create spaces that are truly our own. And so... through my browsing on redfin and trulia, I bring you my current dream home....

I just fell head over heels for charm that oozes from the front of the house. The cute landscaping, the color scheme that is eerily familiar to the house I grew up in. The corner lot with rocks for our little one to climb on. The space- this house is massive compared to what we have now. I love that the garage is in the back, giving the front that warm welcoming glow of "come on in" without having cars sitting outside. I love the back stone porch.

Is it the best neighborhood? To be honest, we don't know. But the street view and the houses around it are gorgeous- always a good sign.  It's been on the market over 100 days- so who knows, maybe in another 100 or 200 or 300 when we are realistically ready to buy, it will be there waiting for us. 

It needs work. While the exterior screams "I love you, come in and be my forever family" the inside says "sorry I tricked you and look like the 1980s threw up". But the floors are (mostly) new hardwood, the master bedroom is huge with walk in closets and a huge bathroom, and on the first floor is an extra master suite- would be perfect for grandparents or other family members to stay in when visiting. A ton of painting would have to occur. A full kitchen reno (2.0) would have to occur. But it would be liveable and spacious for our family.

What's your latest house dream? Happy Wanderlust Wednesday. Dare to dream.

Secrets of baby fashion.

Do you guys know how I find my absolute fav items in Sienna's wardrobe? Not pinterest, though I do pin a bazillion things there that I never rarely (I mean never, Jamie) buy.

It's through this crazy process of instagram. It sounds crazy, I know. But awhile back one of my fav bloggers mentioned LHS (little hipsqueaks) and Dot Dot Smile. I immediately began following them on IG and they often link to other small shops. I've fallen in love time and time again with these amazing homemade designs. I mean, I love baby gap- who doesn't? But I also love the fact that these are more unique type outfits and that they don't have characters and other sparkly weird things scrawled across them. And this morning I FINALLY scored these amazing headbands from LHS through Brickyard Buffalo, which posts all kinds of good deals.



LITTLE HIPSQUEAKS HEADBANDS

DOT DOT SMILE LUCY DRESS

So if you want to find some awesome little shops with some mama homemade items, do yourself a favor and follow @littlehipsqueaks and @dotdotsmile on IG and watch for their flash sales + their links to other amazingly adorable shops.

Here's to small, local business and the comfiest baby digs around.

A lesson to all mamas and dadas

This morning, I clicked on a post a friend had on facebook. I couldn't stop reading. I was drawn in quickly and emotionally. I found myself wiping away huge ugly tears and crying audibly. I found myself wishing, for this woman, that things just happened differently. If you want a good honest but heartwrenching blog post to read, here it is below:

Love, Light, and Laughter Blog- Be with me. Just for today.

Here's the point. Secure your dressers, your big tvs, your furniture to the walls. Even if you think it can't be pulled over- it could be.

I'm for sure getting myself to Home Depot to get some more anchors for our furniture. Like thsi mom said, I too have my heavy furniture secured to the walls. But her little changing table? Nope.

Time to get going on this and stop saying "I'll get around to it". Injury prevention and saving a kiddos life is worth the tearful blog read.

XOXO

Wedding Season 2013 is upon us!

This weekend we packed up our bags, our car, our snacks, our girl, and our ridiculous amount of baby luggage.

We headed south towards Charlottesville, J's old college stomping grounds. His UVA friends are true gems and the fact that they've proven to be the greatest husbands and dads around is not lost on me.

Virginia's campus is gorgeous- and S came home with quite a few UVA outfits (okay as did mama because I expected MUCH warmer weather and needed a sweatshirt). We explored, we ate good food, we walked and talked and dined al fresco with all the babes.

The actual wedding was at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyard. So gorgeous! One of the best venues we've ever seen. The views, the amazing porch that overlooked the mountains for cocktail hour. The inside of the barn for the reception. It was a picture perfect wedding out of a magazine. We had the best time. And the bride + groom, Jess and James, were gorgeous too!

One of my favorite parts of this weekend was the Sunday morning gathering and brunch with all the friends and babies. J's known these guys forever. And the fact that there are so many babies and kiddos that join our get togethers make things crazy, chaotic- and more fun than we could have ever expected.

These babies range from eight weeks to five years old. I loved every minute of seeing them interact. Sienna was obsessed with the older kids and walked around saying "baby" when she saw the little ones younger than her.

Awesome weekend (not so awesome car trip home) and awesome time visiting with some of the greatest people we know.

Love to James + Jessica! Congrats Newlyweds! Can't wait for the next UVA family reunion!

For Boston.

Sienna was sleeping soundly for a nap for the first time in a week on Monday when Ellen was interrupted for the news. I was supposed to be napping too, but I found myself watching in horror.  Both Boston and running have a special place in my heart. In fact, my first clear memories of Boston were making the trek up to watch my brother run in nationals in high school. Wide eyed enamored with the city, Quincy market (and for sure in high school that HUGE abercrombie), cute restaurants, and the college students that seemed to pour out of every corner.

I walk the line of runner. Sometimes I am training and running and even completed the Philly half marathon with J one year. Other times I barely run a few miles a week. But there's a certain love, and energy about races. When I'm not running them, I'm watching them. Cheering on J as he crosses finish lines, S in the sling or stroller smiling these days. One of my best friends is an avid runner. She ran until she was almost literally giving birth. There's no doubt that even in the times in my life when I am not lacing up my shoes, my respect for runners never waivers. It's a push your body push your mind sport. And when you are at the finish line of a race, cheering on your husband or friends or if you yourself know you only have a few steps left.... something magical happens-- excuse the cheesiness. There's a sense of accomplishment, a sense of pride, and a sense of community. Picturing for just a moment what it felt like to be at that finish line gives me chills through my body. It could have been someone I loved. It could have been me. And then I think, after the tragic 9-11, people still fly. We do it every day. And after the 2013 Boston Marathon, people will still run- probably with even more conviction and pride.

And Boston... Boston is a city that has always had my heart. When I thought about where this happened- it broke my heart. I pictured the college students frantically calling parents. I pictured that dad who lost his son. I pictured this gorgeous city full of sadness. I couldn't help but cry. Because for me, Boston has always been a city full of happiness, full of tiny shops and good brunches and good friends. From visiting in high school for track meets to visiting my brother in college when he went to Northeastern (Note: I cannot believe my mom let me stay with my brother during his dorm or disgusting apartment days. How did I not get a bacterial infection from those dirty floors and mice?!) Boston was always the "fun" place to be. My brother made Boston a connected city where everybody literally knows your name (Cheers? Anyone?) He would whip us in and out of restaurants and bars and in each one introduced me to yet another friendly face. When he transitioned from the single days to meeting his wife, our visits became less about bars and night life and more about exploring the city. I loved Newbury street shopping and lunches. I loved that the fall REALLY felt like fall- New England gorgeous fall. Last year, they moved out of Boston and closer to us. And I've often thought that I am forever grateful to have my family closer- but I really miss that perfect city. My hope is that Boston shines through right along with the sport of running. That people are able to go back to and embrace the area where the explosions happened- that the city and the people are loved. That the heroes and stories that were a positive light on that day are remembered.

Anytime a child is lost, it always gets me emotional- there is just something wrong with that. And as I get older, I realize a child is still a child in their parents eyes no matter how old they get. My grandmother has told me so many times- a parent shouldn't bury their child. All three of the victims of this tragedy were "kids". A college student from china, a young professional, and an 8 year old. I wish their families and especially their parents a ton of hope, love, and the patience to navigate the path of grief they are sure to have ahead of them.

Sending tons of love to the running community and to Boston.

xoxo

Overhead via text: rollercoasters of mama life

Discussions with a fellow mama about those new mothers who make it look so damn easy:

 

"[They're] like no big deal, baby shmaby....

And I'm crumbling in the corner

eating kettle corn,

because that's my happy place"

 

 

 

 

Me too, my friend, meeee too.

 

My must have right now

Anyone else have a baby + work half time, so that you are constantly balancing home and career, never quite totally in or out of one or the other? This is my life. I love it. I feel insanely lucky to have 2-3 days home with S a week. But it also means that I sometimes just don't have time to go get my nails done leisurely. Now, don't get me wrong, my husband is the best in the land and when I say that I mean it: he is super dad. But on weekends lately I just want to take my time to be with my fam, or for a long shower, or a few extra minutes in bed. But, I do have some down time after S goes to bed at night or during naps. And you know, when I'm watching reality tv that doesn't need my full attention.

Enter this genius product:  Sally Hanson Insta-Dri   (linked here on amazon)

This lovely stuff is under $4. Cheap. And you can get it from target. Or the phamarcy. Or wherever.

 

 

 For St. Patty's day I went with this lovely green shade. I love it!!

Here's the best part- this stuff takes t60 seconds to dry- it's always set and good to go before I need to scoop up S or switch the laundry or grab the car keys. It is PERFECT for a new mama without much time or patience to wait for that nice hard glossy finish the salon gives you.

Since it's super affordable (and sometimes just has to replace a mani when there's no time) I've invested in quite a few colors. Here are three of my favorite shades. The slate (left) looks darker in this photo than it actually is. I started using the petal pushed (far right) awhile ago just because of the tone of the color. But for sure, this stuff is my best friend as a mom.

So if you are a bit short on time (and/or if you happen to be a bit short on money for your biweekly mani) these are seriously winners.

Happy nail painting!!

Women Tell All: I LOVE THIS EPISODE

I love women tell all. I feel like it not only shows us some of what happened behind the scenes, but also gives us this little look into current bachelor lives. I like how you can tell who became friends, and I for sure like the way the girls totally revamp themselves (hello AshLee's gorg ombre blonde and Leslie's Herve).

But guess what I didn't like? It was so slow. I had to read twitter to be amused. There were 100 commercials. We never heard Kacie B talk. We didn't hear Amanda's odd laughter. And Brooke? Brooke is who we hear talk? She didn't even talk on the show.

Okay so this episode happened a few days ago, the order of events is blurry to me. But let's just start with Tierra. First of all, I give her some (SOME) credit for showing up. I give her negative credit points for being shady about her 7 carat fake maybe real fake maybe real engagement ring. No comment? No points for you, Tierra. And more negative points for the dress. It looked like it either a) came from good will in the 1960s but less cool or b)needed some high white gogo boots. Anyway, I think this girl is just super immature and this show was wrong for her. According to some inside info (and by that I mean Chris Harrison's very public blog) Tierra made a comment when asked if she watched the show that she doesn't like the show The Bachelor. Did you not sign up for this show?

Okay one more thing. I am in the HUGE minority on this. Tierra stated to AshLee "I didn't call you a liar, I just said that you lied". The internets, blogs, twitters immediately got on Tierra telling her that lying is the definition of being a liar. I disagree. Sometimes I do stupid things, but I am not stupid. So I actually think T won this one. I teach kids this all the time- you aren't a bad kid, you just chose to do a bad thing. Difference. Boom.

Unrelated but related-Selma's faces while Tierra was talking were awesome. And her hair is amazing. I want that hair. Pantene Pro V commercial hair.

Moving on. Sarah. Sweet sweet Sarah. My heart broke when she said that she's sure it is her one arm that keeps guys from loving her.  I think Sarah will find a new boyfriend with noooo problem now. She's so pretty. Also I follow her on instagram + twitter (What it's not creepy... yes it is). She skiis some bad ass mountains. I think she's pretty amazing for technically having a disability.

Okay so I hands down think Des will be the next bachelor. She dressed far better than she had on previous episodes where I was confused if she had maybe gotten dressed in the dark thought she could have made better choices. Her dress was on point, her hair looked great. And she spoke with such poise and normalcy- also things I thought were sometimes missing for her during the season. She for sure was told what to say. I think she's our girl. (Let's be honest, it doesn't matter who they chose, I'll watch but for the record I'll say that Lesley would have been my choice. Fine, I follow Lesley on twitter and instagram too and she seems to have a boyfriend. Womp Womp.)

Ohhhh AshLee, while everyone was saying how sweet you were this season I was always comparing you to Emily Maynard. Sweet exterior but can kick some ass if needed. We saw this in the WTA. And go you for calling Sean out on something that happened in the fantasy suite. My guess is that AshLee's interpretation of what was said was closer than Sean's of what was not said. Can we all just stop reading between the lines and admit they did it in the fantasy suite and that's why this girl is so mad? If looks could kill, Sean would be a dead man (I think this goes both for AshLee's hair, dress, and her death glares). So that's my take. It actually made me think Sean is a bit scummier than I've thought this season. Still not a bad guy- I mean I think most bachelors probably sleep with all three girls in the fantasy suites. CH (Chris Harrison- we are on an initials friendly basis) said on his blog he would have respected Sean more had he said something to the extent of....  I can't be held responsible or remember what I said before or right after intimate moments. Good call, CH.

PS anyone remember Ed's issues in the fantasy suite with Jillian? Ha! Just remembered that.

I can't wait for next week's finale- but really for the after the final rose more than the episode. I am pretty sure I know who he chooses because of the social media world but I won't spoil it for all. I'm happy with the choice, I will say that.

PS I would like to point out that Lindsay and Catherine were way up there in my rankings from the beginning and always my top 2 in my top 5. I'm pretty good at this dating on a reality show thing.

PPS I think maybe one day the Bachelor franchise should hire me. Just saying.

xoxo,
Sparkles & Reality TV Love.

Tierra ENGAGED?!

Is tierra engaged?

With a ring that is like 8 bazillion times bigger than most people's?

What the....

I'll tell y'all one thing- now I REALLY can't wait for women tell all.

(I wonder if her fiance is r u n n i n g for the hills after watching Bachelor)

Here's the ring photo circulating the interwebs.

And if the mood strikes ya, you can find the article here on wetpaint.

Bachelor Episode (oh i dont know...)

I had a cupcake + glass of wine with bachelor tonight. Happy Birthday Eve to me!

So I have a major girl crush on Catherine.

She is way up there for me. I give her major credit for talking to Sean about her fam. And she's so sweet and real- she cried when Lesley left!

I love AshLee and think she's sweet, but that poor girl has a rough past. I think Sean likes her but I think there's too much levity there.

TIERRA IS GONE! YAY!
Best lines tonight:
"Why haven't you found someone when you're 32 YEARS OLD?"
"I can't control my EYEBROWS"
"They said Tierra, you have a sparkle. Don't let those girls take your sparkle"

Top 4 Rank
Catherine
Lindsay
AshLee
Desiree

(Unless the previews for Des' home town date are totally fake??)

I started getting the mushy sweet feelings I get towards the end of this show that rope me in. I know it probably won't last, I know it's not usually real romance but I love it anyway.

They should really attempt to line up a finale with Valentine's day. BUT then again men would hate that, and then women would have to hang out alone (with the rest of the female half of the population).

Til next week...

#bachelorforever #tierrableisgone #jenniferracheliloveyou

Our guess at top 4....

I think Tierra is going to go tonight!

And lesley too, just because she's super young and doesn't seem quite ready for marriage.

So that leaves us, with our ORIGINAL top 4.

Catherine
AshLee
Des
Lindsay.

Let's see how this turns out...

grammys

Justin Timberlake performance?

Yes.

Adam Levine + Alicia Keys?

Yes.

Good going, grammys. Goooood going.