Hi Friends,
I was going to write yesterday but I spent three hours researching Paris hotels after Isla went to bed and then ended up booking the one that was recommended to me (which also happened to be the first one I looked at).
Dammit.
Totally a wasted night but now I have ZERO fears that I didn't do the ground work on seeking out a great hotel for us while we're in Paris which also happens to land on our 15 year anni.
I should mention- since B's uncle was confused over the weekend- this is our 15 year Anni of being together not of being married. We were together 7 years before we got hitched and I decided that it's just nice to celebrate both anniversaries - Why not?! Not to mention- we should get 'credit' for those 7 years. ha!
So anywho---our trip planning is coming right along. I'm such a researcher and reader that once something's decided I dive in headfirst--this commitment and slight OCD usually works to our advantage. Blog to come once everything's planned!
I wanted to write yesterday because I had this moment in the afternoon when I just felt like, 'oh yes, this is going to be one of THOSE days' and by that I meant the kind when you feel like everyone around you HATES kids. I felt like everywhere I went someone was sneering at Isla or we were in someone's way. I am VERY aware when I'm out and about and I generally try not to selfishly block other people or get in their way with my kid---regardless some people had a serious case of the 'Monday grumpies' yesterday. Evidenced by, the not-so-old man who got annoyed that my door was open when I trying to unload Isla as he was pulling into a handicapped spot (which he had MORE than enough room to get into), the old woman who sneered at me in the grocery store (passenger in said car) and the cashier who informed me he wasn't going to remove/scan any of my groceries with Isla in the cart. THANKS SO MUCH FRIENDS- HAPPY DAY TO YOU TOO!
I am completely generalizing here (especially since two of my examples from yesterday were men) but generally old women are the absolute rudest when I'm out with Isla. I remember being genuinely surprised by this when I was pregnant too since I ran into the same issues. I can't tell you how many times I had a door opened for me when I was super prego and had an old woman shuffle in, in front of me. I don't know why that is and every time I wanted to scream, "LADY, MOST LIKELY THIS WAS YOU 50 YEARS AGO. SIMMER DOWN!" geez.
I should follow this up by saying, believe me--I have been the 'annoyed one' who is SO inconvenienced by some random 'soccer mom' who I deemed had all the time in the world to gallivant around with their kid (if I had only known!)
I was queen of the 'rat-race' and my time was holy.
It was ridiculous.
Then I got a reality check--called a baby and my world got so much more real. I became more patient, more understanding...just generally more kind. I wish everyone could take a deep breath and remind themselves of that--quit taking it so seriously! We're all in this together.
I hope everyone's having a great Tuesday!
S
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Today in Pics
Hi Friends!
We had such a fun day today-- it's been REALLY rainy here so the days can get 'long' REAL QUICK, especially since girlfriend isn't napping again (*insert 'mom sobbing'*) I try to get us out of the house to do SOMETHING by 10:30 or 11 and then we usually get back around 1-2pm so for a good portion of the afternoon we're busy running around. It keep us both happy and 'cabin fever' at bay.
Today we had a super fun playdate at Play Happy Cafe in Lynnwood. This is the type of place that you'd NEVER go to if you didn't have kids (it would literally be your nightmare) but for kids and parents it's a total dream. There's a walled off big play area with a ball pit, bouncy house, kitchen, track for cars and lots of dress up areas. There's always something to do and the girls can rally at this place for a good 2 hours. It's such a nice and relaxing (well kind of) time to just sit with coffee (they serve Ladro- thank goodness!) and not worry that one of them is going to dive off of a 12 foot platform or something.
But before I share the pics from our day, please check out how.much.my.kid.LOVES.brie.
We did lots of rainy day activities like reading, watching Frozen, watercolor painting (in the $1 book from Target- don't get crazy), baking cookies together and doing dishes. She was so thrilled to get to help that she cleaned the sink for me-- who knew she'd be so thrilled?! This could come in handy :)
We had such a fun day today-- it's been REALLY rainy here so the days can get 'long' REAL QUICK, especially since girlfriend isn't napping again (*insert 'mom sobbing'*) I try to get us out of the house to do SOMETHING by 10:30 or 11 and then we usually get back around 1-2pm so for a good portion of the afternoon we're busy running around. It keep us both happy and 'cabin fever' at bay.
Today we had a super fun playdate at Play Happy Cafe in Lynnwood. This is the type of place that you'd NEVER go to if you didn't have kids (it would literally be your nightmare) but for kids and parents it's a total dream. There's a walled off big play area with a ball pit, bouncy house, kitchen, track for cars and lots of dress up areas. There's always something to do and the girls can rally at this place for a good 2 hours. It's such a nice and relaxing (well kind of) time to just sit with coffee (they serve Ladro- thank goodness!) and not worry that one of them is going to dive off of a 12 foot platform or something.
But before I share the pics from our day, please check out how.much.my.kid.LOVES.brie.
She literally threw herself on the counter to get to it. Quite honestly, I let her do it because I don't even blame her! (I feel like I've done this a time or two in Crescent Bar :)
and now.... pics of our day!
Toddler Train.
Isla had a BALL! Thanks ladies for getting together- it was such fun!
We ran by B's office for lunch after our playdate and then headed home to get some things done. Miss Isla was in rockstar form- at one point she had that Princess dress, her huge tutu skirt and at least 3 pairs of socks and a leg warmer on. The kid has a real sense of style- let me tell you.
We did lots of rainy day activities like reading, watching Frozen, watercolor painting (in the $1 book from Target- don't get crazy), baking cookies together and doing dishes. She was so thrilled to get to help that she cleaned the sink for me-- who knew she'd be so thrilled?! This could come in handy :)
She was thrilled to have a little cookie picnic together on the floor while watching Frozen. (Please note the one leg warmer)
Here's to hopes of sunny Spring weather in our future and more days like today :)
xo.
S
Current Hits!
Hi Friends!
I had to post on the current trend in our house that is....Bizzy Bear. Isla loves interactive books--she's a big fan of Biscuit books, Dear Zoo and Where's Spot. I was trying to find more flap/touch&feel books for her and my BF recommended the Bizzy Bear series. They were a hit from the beginning!
The books are REALLY well made- better than any other flap book and they're relatively cheap. You can find most of them for $6ish on Amazon. You can find them here: here.
Check them out- they're AWESOME!
S
I had to post on the current trend in our house that is....Bizzy Bear. Isla loves interactive books--she's a big fan of Biscuit books, Dear Zoo and Where's Spot. I was trying to find more flap/touch&feel books for her and my BF recommended the Bizzy Bear series. They were a hit from the beginning!
Check them out- they're AWESOME!
S
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Checking In
Hi Friends!
We've turned a corner over here (knock on wood!) ... I think Isla is FINALLY over the worst of her growth spurt. For a solid 2 weeks she went from sleeping 7am-7pm to getting up at 6:00, 5:30, 5:00 and then the real cherry on the top....3:45 AM. (I pretty much wanted to sell her that day).
It was a rough two weeks to say the least but I had been through it before with her so I I had hope that it was just a phase and she'd get through it. We're busy catching up on sleep and finding ways to not go crazy indoors with all this rain! (UG!) Can we just get some sun around here?!
On a positive- it's been so apparent how much she's changed in the last two weeks, she's exponentially more verbal, her memory is lasting longer and longer and she's really engaging. Every morning she was up early I could just see the 'wheels turning'-- TOO MUCH TO DO MOM! :)
It's also very bittersweet because her little face is changing so much and she's started looking like more of a 'kid' and less of a Toddler. I caught a glimpse of her profile the other day and she looked like such a little girl it just clinched my heart.
Here are a couple highlights from our week last week--
We've turned a corner over here (knock on wood!) ... I think Isla is FINALLY over the worst of her growth spurt. For a solid 2 weeks she went from sleeping 7am-7pm to getting up at 6:00, 5:30, 5:00 and then the real cherry on the top....3:45 AM. (I pretty much wanted to sell her that day).
I now know the only way she'll co-sleep is with a VERY early morning :(
It was a rough two weeks to say the least but I had been through it before with her so I I had hope that it was just a phase and she'd get through it. We're busy catching up on sleep and finding ways to not go crazy indoors with all this rain! (UG!) Can we just get some sun around here?!
On a positive- it's been so apparent how much she's changed in the last two weeks, she's exponentially more verbal, her memory is lasting longer and longer and she's really engaging. Every morning she was up early I could just see the 'wheels turning'-- TOO MUCH TO DO MOM! :)
It's also very bittersweet because her little face is changing so much and she's started looking like more of a 'kid' and less of a Toddler. I caught a glimpse of her profile the other day and she looked like such a little girl it just clinched my heart.
Here are a couple highlights from our week last week--
Spring is definitely 'springing' around here- midday light rain showers, cherry blossoms and green!
A weekend brunch date with my Cousin and dear friend, Sarah (& her 'blue' bump)- LOVE HER! :)
A VERY special (and RARE!) coffee date with my Hubby after Isla had a late nap on a walk and we got to enjoy a mocha at Aura Coffee in Kirkland and research our coming vacuum (more below :)
A Birthday celebration in Ballard for our Friend, Linds-- Happy 30 lady!
Isla shows off her art.
Riding the Toys R' Us firetruck--she just can't.stop.talking.about.it
And our BIG NEWS---
B and I are headed to FRANCE in April for our 15 year Anniversary-- we cannot wait! More details and our itinerary on my personal blog if you have advice of interest :) Miss Isla is thrilled for us and thrilled to spend the days with her Grandparents (3 sets of them!) Lucky girl!
Hope everyone's well!
Xo- S
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
update
Hi Friends!
Such a blogging hiatus going on right now-- my computer is back home but the first time I got on it the white screen of despair appeared which is pretty freakin' funny since Apple couldn't get it to have that problem. I pretty much was like, "SERIOUSLY? It does it to me ALL.THE.TIME." I felt like I was at the car dealership telling them my brakes were squeaky to have them drive my car around the block and hear it purr like a new luxury ride. BAHHHH- hate when that happens! Anywho- I'm scared to use it because I'm convinced it's still on its last leg so I've been putting off blogging on the laptop---once again.
All of these convincing excuses also coincide with what I have deemed a new growth spurt out of my 2 year old. She's been getting up 1-2 hours early (which auto corrected to 102- hahah! Feels like it!) and to top it off she's still not napping- even when she gets up at 5:30 AM. Somehow that kid powers through almost 14 hours....it's insanity. Bottom line- I've been a bit of a 'mom-zombie' this past week.
Not to mention Frozen has played in my house WAY.TOO.MUCH this week! I bought it for Easter but got so desperate this weekend to just have her chill out that I slashed the packaging and popped it in. Unfortunately that little stunt has now opened the flood gates of Frozen everyday and I'm so damn tired by 5pm I just don't care. The best part? She HATES the Let it Go song sequence. She always says, "no,no,no...no sing"....bahahahah!
Time to upload some pics and get with the program--oh and I have fun news coming soon! (no, I'm not expecting-- calm down Mom). Hope everyone's week is going well!
xo.
S
Such a blogging hiatus going on right now-- my computer is back home but the first time I got on it the white screen of despair appeared which is pretty freakin' funny since Apple couldn't get it to have that problem. I pretty much was like, "SERIOUSLY? It does it to me ALL.THE.TIME." I felt like I was at the car dealership telling them my brakes were squeaky to have them drive my car around the block and hear it purr like a new luxury ride. BAHHHH- hate when that happens! Anywho- I'm scared to use it because I'm convinced it's still on its last leg so I've been putting off blogging on the laptop---once again.
All of these convincing excuses also coincide with what I have deemed a new growth spurt out of my 2 year old. She's been getting up 1-2 hours early (which auto corrected to 102- hahah! Feels like it!) and to top it off she's still not napping- even when she gets up at 5:30 AM. Somehow that kid powers through almost 14 hours....it's insanity. Bottom line- I've been a bit of a 'mom-zombie' this past week.
Not to mention Frozen has played in my house WAY.TOO.MUCH this week! I bought it for Easter but got so desperate this weekend to just have her chill out that I slashed the packaging and popped it in. Unfortunately that little stunt has now opened the flood gates of Frozen everyday and I'm so damn tired by 5pm I just don't care. The best part? She HATES the Let it Go song sequence. She always says, "no,no,no...no sing"....bahahahah!
Time to upload some pics and get with the program--oh and I have fun news coming soon! (no, I'm not expecting-- calm down Mom). Hope everyone's week is going well!
xo.
S
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Wednesday's Ten
Hi Friends-
Sorry for the long hiatus- my beautiful desktop is still 'at the shop' so I have to motivate myself to use this old school laptop to blog and it's ... well, apparently hard to do. Poor me. If you'd like to hear more about my 'first world problems' tune into my personal blog- it'll really make your day.
Just a couple things to note regarding the last couple days.....
1. My kiddo is enrolled in pre-preschool for next year and I'm thrilled. It's a play-based program, we got the teacher we wanted and the one class they offered- yahoo! It's a co-op so I won't be blissfully having solo coffee dates and watching soaps for hours in the afternoon but we're thrilled! My girl's getting SO BIG!
2. My Hubby went to bed at 7:45 (that's right folks, 7:45 PM) tonight because he got up at 3:30 AM -- in the FREAKIN' AM GUYS!- to go to work when he couldn't sleep. I was so mad I stomped out of bed at 3:30, threw open the bathroom door and said, "SERIOUSLY GUY, ARE YOU KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW?!" and then I proceeded to send him ridiculous, exhausted-lunacy in the form of text message...and then I went back to bed. I woke up and said, "did that really happen?"
3. Today as we drove around to get errands I caught Isla muttering, "c'mon waffoll" to herself....all because she heard me yelling at her waffle that got stuck in the toaster this morning.
4. I find her like this at least once a day. Little girl--Big bed.
5. We had a lovely family dinner (and late xmas-- complete ridiculous fun) at Bastille in Ballard on Sunday and it was SO AMAZINGLY YUMMY. I hardly ever do French food because it can be hard to find vegetarian options but they really rocked it and our waitress was awesome!
6. On that note....can you believe I've been a Vegetarian for 20 years this year. Crazy! It's one decision I have never- ever regretted!
7. I just finished a super sweet afghan for my Niece and I can't wait to post pics when they get it....on to a new project!
8. We FINALLY got the iPhone 6 and it literally has changed my life. My iPhone 4 was so bad--the battery would just die at 40% and it froze all the time. It literally was waving the white flag in surrender. Time to upgrade!
9. I'm convinced Isla's stuck between seasons- her fashion sense is astounding and impressive all at the same time. She's really into dressing herself lately and I try not to take over---even when it's really, really difficult to keep my comments to.myself.
Sorry for the long hiatus- my beautiful desktop is still 'at the shop' so I have to motivate myself to use this old school laptop to blog and it's ... well, apparently hard to do. Poor me. If you'd like to hear more about my 'first world problems' tune into my personal blog- it'll really make your day.
Just a couple things to note regarding the last couple days.....
1. My kiddo is enrolled in pre-preschool for next year and I'm thrilled. It's a play-based program, we got the teacher we wanted and the one class they offered- yahoo! It's a co-op so I won't be blissfully having solo coffee dates and watching soaps for hours in the afternoon but we're thrilled! My girl's getting SO BIG!
2. My Hubby went to bed at 7:45 (that's right folks, 7:45 PM) tonight because he got up at 3:30 AM -- in the FREAKIN' AM GUYS!- to go to work when he couldn't sleep. I was so mad I stomped out of bed at 3:30, threw open the bathroom door and said, "SERIOUSLY GUY, ARE YOU KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW?!" and then I proceeded to send him ridiculous, exhausted-lunacy in the form of text message...and then I went back to bed. I woke up and said, "did that really happen?"
3. Today as we drove around to get errands I caught Isla muttering, "c'mon waffoll" to herself....all because she heard me yelling at her waffle that got stuck in the toaster this morning.
4. I find her like this at least once a day. Little girl--Big bed.
5. We had a lovely family dinner (and late xmas-- complete ridiculous fun) at Bastille in Ballard on Sunday and it was SO AMAZINGLY YUMMY. I hardly ever do French food because it can be hard to find vegetarian options but they really rocked it and our waitress was awesome!
6. On that note....can you believe I've been a Vegetarian for 20 years this year. Crazy! It's one decision I have never- ever regretted!
7. I just finished a super sweet afghan for my Niece and I can't wait to post pics when they get it....on to a new project!
8. We FINALLY got the iPhone 6 and it literally has changed my life. My iPhone 4 was so bad--the battery would just die at 40% and it froze all the time. It literally was waving the white flag in surrender. Time to upgrade!
9. I'm convinced Isla's stuck between seasons- her fashion sense is astounding and impressive all at the same time. She's really into dressing herself lately and I try not to take over---even when it's really, really difficult to keep my comments to.myself.
10. Last but not least, I looked up from the computer to see this today....I couldn't figure out what she was singing and then B came home and said, "oh yah, the Sesame Street theme song"- HA! What a clever little lady :)
Happy end of week everyone!
xo.
S
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Milestones
Hi Friends--
Well, as of today I can officially say I have abandoned my cart and stomped Isla out to the car because she was being SO bad. UG!
She's on a roll and we're hitting 'milestones' around here.
What made it even more of a joy was that I hurt my lower back when I carried a box that couldn't have weighed any more than 30 lbs into Fed Ex. Pathetic-- considering my kiddo weighs almost the same. Apparently I need to lift some real weights or something.
So I'm not feeling 100% and my 2 year couldn't give a rip.
shocker *SOB!*
It's been quite a week--lets just say, bring on Friday! I can't wait to have a sunny weekend at home with B and our little terrorist. (I already told him I'm sleeping in this weekend--don't even MESS WITH ME! :)
Happy Thursday!
S
Well, as of today I can officially say I have abandoned my cart and stomped Isla out to the car because she was being SO bad. UG!
She's on a roll and we're hitting 'milestones' around here.
What made it even more of a joy was that I hurt my lower back when I carried a box that couldn't have weighed any more than 30 lbs into Fed Ex. Pathetic-- considering my kiddo weighs almost the same. Apparently I need to lift some real weights or something.
So I'm not feeling 100% and my 2 year couldn't give a rip.
shocker *SOB!*
It's been quite a week--lets just say, bring on Friday! I can't wait to have a sunny weekend at home with B and our little terrorist. (I already told him I'm sleeping in this weekend--don't even MESS WITH ME! :)
Happy Thursday!
S
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Crash, Cry, Cough and Cope.
Hi Friends!
So my computer crashed--totally kaput--ug!
Thankfully Hubby located this laptop for me to blog on- yay! I'm hoping to get my Portland pics up from last weekend this week. It was a sunny, Spring, kicking-up-our-heels, good food lovin PERFECT time!
I can't pass up amazing graffiti--PERFECT backdrop.
My kiddo's had a rough week. Wrapping up a cold, working on a cough, completely disagreeable at any wonderful proposition I make ("Hey Isla, wanna go eat a cookie and go to the swings?"--- pause---"NO!!!!!") This is where poses below come from. They usually include ear plugging and some form of yelling at me. I'm working on strategies to diffuse this lovely new behavior.
The days are long--LONG, LONG, LONG right now--but we're making our way through them. I always tell myself---it could always be more challenging... I could have twin two-year olds or triplets--Lord help you guys out there were multiples, I can't even imagine. **hands down respect!*
The days are long--LONG, LONG, LONG right now--but we're making our way through them. I always tell myself---it could always be more challenging... I could have twin two-year olds or triplets--Lord help you guys out there were multiples, I can't even imagine. **hands down respect!*
Isla had a fun little playdate with her buddy, G today. They did lots of fighting and yelling but they really do love each other and even held hands on the way to the park. It was the sweetest :)
oh, and Isla walked Cle which was pretty much the highlight of her day (No L, we aren't looking to adopt. ;)
xoxo.
S
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