be in love

It was almost this time last week I was walking out the door and happen to glance at the TV to see explosions were being reported in Boston. My initial thought was I hope my friends running in the marathon are safe and then it occurred to me that my mom was suppose to fly out of Logan shortly. I quickly dialed her cell phone. My sister answered the phone confused by all the chaos. They had just been shopping in Copley square and even stopped by the finish line to see the runners go by - they were pulling out of the parking garage to leave when the bombs went off. Too close for comfort. These two women are so much of my world. They are my best friends. We've wiped away each others tears, we've giggled together, we've shared our triumphs, fears and all the little moments in between together. We are each others support.

I've spent so much time glued to TV, watching it all unfold and wanting answers to many questions, which I may never get. I was reminded though through out the weekend just how wonderful life is. We spent Saturday at the ranch with family and as my mom and I drove Abigail around in the mule the calmness and the natural beauty surrounding us gave me peace. Then seeing the turnout at church on Sunday was remarkable, the sense of community was overwhelmingly powerful. After church we went to the park. It was a beautiful day. Watching Jonathan swing Abigail as she laughed made my heart burst with joy. The world can be a scary place, but there is still so much good in it. 

*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

i love you

Is it really April 15th? This year is just flying by and to think Abigail will be eight months old in two days...I just can't  believe it. We even received an invitation this weekend to her NICU reunion. I still remember the day she was born like it was yesterday. So scared that nobody could tell me if my baby girl was going to be ok and fast forward eight months later she's amazing - in the 55th percentile, starting to crawl, laughing, smiling, sitting, playing and eating solids. Discovered she's quite the little fish too when we started swim lessons two weeks ago - she loves being in the water. Still waiting on that first tooth though.

If I was honest I've probably been thinking about her first birthday since before she even arrived, but now I'm starting to gather inspiration for what I hope to be a whimsical day filled with love, laughter and fun. These are just a few of my pins.

*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/abigail-s-1st-birthday/

just a girl

What is with this cold snap?! I was loving the 70's and 80's we were having. Come back spring. I'm looking forward though to Abigail's first Easter and hosting brunch at our house. Now I've got to track down this wine Jonathan and I had at T. Cooks - it would go perfect with my menu for Sunday. Wish me luck.

*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

wtf

Ok being a woman is tough, but being a woman and a mom is the toughest. Not only do you have to carry inside of you for nine months precious cargo, you have to labor the child, then spend countless nights awake tending to them as well as worry that every decision you make is in their best interest only to discover on top of all that you have stretch marks and a deformed body. WTF. No one ever mentions the after-math of it all. Well, maybe they do and you think to yourself I certainly won't be like that. Ugh. Mom's deserve Mother's Day way more than once a year.

One look at my baby girl and it's all worth it though. Back on the elliptical I go.

*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

spring fever

I have spring fever and I would love to just get away and go somewhere fabulous.
*image courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

growing

I must think to myself a hundred times a day I can't believe how big Abigail is getting, but even more so today. I just can't get over how fast she's growing. Meanwhile I'm eagerly awaiting all we've got to come in the next couple of months: Abigail's first Easter, starting swim lessons and vacations.

*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

ready for spring

Where did February go? Abigail is six months old (almost seven) and into everything, so I don't have a second to spare - hence not blogging for the past month. I wouldn't have it any other way though. She's my world. Motherhood isn't easy, far from it. Every stage has it's difficulties, but the reward far surpasses the fatigue, being pooped on, peed on, having baby food in your hair, and never having a minute for yourself. Today she laughed hysterically for the first time and my heart burst with joy. It's these moments that remind you just how wonderful life is. 

I have a new favorite baby product, the Aden + Anais Serenity Star. As much as we've love the sleep sheep it only plays sounds for 45 minutes and Abigail would wake when the sound turned off. The Serenity Star will play noise constantly. It also tells you the temperature of the room digitally and by color - the star glows white if the temperature is in the recommended range by pediatricians, red if it's too warm and blue if it's too cold. Love that feature. It's a clock as well and can keep track of feedings - we don't need this function anymore, but will be great for the next kiddo. 

Speaking of the next kiddo my stomach is in knots I have to go in this month to have my fibroid checked. If it's grown then I'll have to have surgery, which holds the risk of not being able to have more  babies. If that's the case I'll be devastated, but Jonathan and I have always talked about adopting. However the outcome I have an incredible little family that I'm so grateful for. 

*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/