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/

royal palms

the entrance to the royal palms

the view of camelback mountain

our valencia casita

the rose petal turndown

my handsome hubby on our way to dinner

the fireplace in our casita

the property is covered with orange trees

one of the beautiful courtyards

For Christmas my incredibly generous and thoughtful parents sent Jonathan and I away to the Royal Palms Resort and Spa in Arizona this past weekend. I cried the whole way to the airport, it was so hard to leave Abigail, but I had the most amazing weekend away with my husband. All new (and old) parents must getaway together, it's important that you do.

The Royal Palms is exquisite. The grounds are beautiful. The food is out of this world. The little casita we stayed in was so romantic. At first I was totally bummed waking up to pouring rain on Saturday, but I'm so happy it did, because it forced us to relax. We snuggled up on a couch in T Cook's Lounge next to this beautiful fireplace and ordered wine. Something different from anywhere else we've stayed is all the nooks and crannies with fireplaces or water fountains the property had for you to just sit by.

On Sunday I had the best massage ever at their Alvadora Spa. It was so nice to wake up, walk two minutes to the spa and once again, relax. The treatment rooms were wonderful. They had french doors that opened to a private patio with a water fountain (that put me to sleep during my massage). The eucalyptus steam room was perfect for clearing my sinuses. And their signature products smell so good, I'm waiting for mine to arrive that I ordered. Then after being at the spa I met Jonathan for T Cook's brunch. It was the most lavish brunch I've ever been to, I totally indulged.  It was the perfect end to a perfect weekend.

*images courtesy of me

courage

I feel like super woman today - calmed an incredibly fussy baby, cleaned the house, ran errands, went to the grocery store, made appetizers and worked. Along with going to JCP to clean out of my old office, I know it was official three months ago I wasn't coming back, but now even more so. Bittersweet.

I'm exhausted, goodnight!

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

five months old

Abigail is five months old today. Motherhood isn't easy, it's actually the hardest job (ever!), but there isn't a better reward than your baby's smile.

*image courtesy of my sister, madison

a night away

For Christmas Jonathan gave me a night away at the new Omni in Dallas, so we're packing our bags, taking Abigail to Nana's and grabbing a seat on the patio at Texas Spice to soak up the sun in the beautiful 70 degree weather we're suppose to have tomorrow. Although I will miss my baby tremendously I'm looking forward to relaxing, spending time with my hubby and getting a good night sleep. I'm also really excited about having a cup of coffee in the morning and being able to actually drink it before it gets cold. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

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

happy new year

What a fun evening we had ringing in the New Year with friends and family. Wishing everyone nothing but the best for 2013. Wow,  it's 2013 (dang, I'm getting old - ten year high school reunion here we come).

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