Crown + Castle

I'm back!

2011-10-14T11:48:00.000-07:00

Hello, everyone! I've not written in nearly ten months. To be very honest, this has been an extremely tough year for me. Some things I may write about, and some not. But! I have missed blogging, and have missed keeping up with all of you - so I'm back. I can't wait to catch up.

Here's what has been going on with me:

My little bologna sandwich is 19 months old. How does this happen so quickly?! She is full-on toddler, into everything, and the most adorable little girl you can imagine.

Every girl needs hot pink leggings and sparkly red shoes, right?

I started my MBA. As if I did not have enough to do - mom, wife, full time career gal - I've taken on graduate school as well. Please pray for my sanity. I am loving the program so far and I know it's the right move, but it's a lot of work. Look for some posts on balance soon!

I turned 29. I don't feel old, really, but saying "I'm 29" seems impossible. Wasn't it just yesterday that I was pulling up the College of Charleston to move into the dorm? What, that was a decade ago? Oh. Right. Turning 20 has got me thinking about my 30 before 30 list, too!

House projects continue mercilessly. Setting up shop in our new home - which, technically, is not new" anymore since we bought it over a year ago, but it makes me feel better to say that since I am in no way finished with the initial to-do list - is a big job. I love to decorate and be creative, but I am ready for it to be done already. I will be sharing some photos of what we're doing - currently, bathroom renos and turning the sun porch into a play room for Willa.

I started a new job - with my same firm. I like it.

I took a fun trip to New York. Between momming, working, and schooling I have not had much "me" time, but was able to escape for a long weekend in June with some dear friends to the city. I miss New York and that city is truly a part of my heart. There is very little that a leisurely brunch with friends at Balthazar cannot fix. In my dream life I have a weekend apartment in the West Village.

I am seriously looking forward to the holidays! Right now I'm planning both Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, and spending way too much time on Pinterest looking at decorations (follow me here if you wish!). I can't wait to get the house all fixed up for fall and winter, and I can't wait to do fun "kid" stuff with Willa now that she's a bit older. Here's a photo I'm just loving right now:

What's been going on with all of you?

Christmas To Do List

2010-12-09T10:18:00.000-08:00

Christmas is supposed to be a time of thanksgiving and reflection, so why is it that we always feel so frazzled and let our to do lists take over?

In years past I have let things go until the last minute, meaning I'm making a mad dash to finish Christmas shopping/gift wrapping/cooking/card mailing. This year I want to relax and enjoy everything - I am not going to give in to the madness. Part of my family is coming next weekend to have "Christmas"; the next weekend is Christmas at home; then we're going to Charleston for a third Christmas and an extended vacation. Lots of family and friends team means a lot to me, and I don't want to be the person running around trying to get things done.

So far, I've ordered all our presents online, and with the exception of a few small gifts, I am done! Tonight, I am going to wrap them all. This weekend, I am going to finish making the spa baskets (I'm doing body scrub, body wash and soap for lots of the women in my family) and goodie baskets (chocolate and fudge goodies for all!). I mailed all the Christmas cards today, so that means my goal is to be done with all the gifting and carding at the end of the weekend.

There are a few more things I'd like to do to decorate for Christmas around the house, but I'm not going for perfection. If it doesn't get done by the end of the weekend, it's not going to get done.

The last thing I need to do is menu plan a Christmas dinner for next weekend. I'd like to make as many things as possible ahead of time, so that when my family gets here I can spend time with them. I'll post the final menu!

When it's all said and done, I really hope that by next week at this time I am sitting back and relaxing - and not letting the "little things" get in the way of a wonderful Christmas season.

Everyday Food: November review

2010-11-22T07:32:00.000-08:00

One of my dear cousins gave me a subscription to Martha Stewart's Everyday Food magazine last year. I must say that this is the best cooking magazine I've seen for people who want to make quick but tasty meals. Although I love to cook, I don't have time during the week to whip up five course meals. However, I don't want to eat basic standbys all the time either. This magazine gives me some inspiration.

Each month I try to make as many recipes as I can. Some are so good that they go in my permanent recipe file, and of course some are just so-so or not good at all. I'm going to share my reviews each month here. Note that I'm not compensated in any way by this magazine.

Butternut squash baked risotto: This was easy to make and really good. I served it as a main dish but if I make it again I will serve it as a side dish. I used regular instead of black kale, and added some extra shallot.

Butternut squash and bacon quiche: This dish, while easy to make, was confusing to taste. I made this dish for breakfast/brunch, but the earthy taste of the squash made this almost too much for either. Also, since there is no cheese, it didn't really taste like quiche to me. This would be better served as a side dish for dinner, I think, if you like eggy things as side dishes for dinner. I'm going to stick to my usual quiche recipes.

Spicy butternut squash meatloaf: This was delicious. I used beef instead of pork, and next time I would dice the squash and bread even smaller.

Spicy lemony brussels sprouts: This recipe is our new brussels sprouts recipe - it goes in the permanent file! Absolutely delicious - I have never thought to put curry on brussels sprouts before. A must try.

Hazelnut meringues: Another delicious recipe that I am saving! If you love hazelnuts, these meringues are for you. I am probably going make these as part of my annual holiday cookie boxes this year.

Pecan-chocolate chip pie: This was okay. I'll probably just stick to my regular pecan pie recipe. If I make it again I will use a higher quality chocolate.

Pumpkin bread pudding: To die for! This got rave reviews. It's the perfect indulgent dessert for fall. I served it with dulce de leche, per the recipe.

Pumpkin doughnut muffins: These were not good at all. The recipe calls for too much flour, but I always like to go by the book the first time around on any baking recipe. The muffins were too doughy. A big disappointment as these sounded delicious.

What are your go-to recipe or cooking magazines?

Holiday cards from Shutterfly

2010-11-18T05:59:00.000-08:00

I have used Shutterfly in the past for online photo ordering and a few photo gifts here and there, but I've never used them for holiday cards.

I've been seeing Shutterfly posts in the blogosphere lately and was pleased to learn they are now printing on cardstock instead of just photo paper!

I especially like these options:

I'm a sucker for Tiffany blue, and love the combination of blue+red during the holidays.

I love to travel and I think this stamp is a sweet touch.

I am loving woodblock this year, so these cards are also perfect.

If you want to check out Shutterfly's holiday cards, go here.

{I am getting 50 free cards for this post!}

November roundup

2010-11-17T06:36:00.001-08:00

Here are a few things I'm loving this month!

-This house makeover - wow! Inspiring!
-When we take W to NYC, I'll want to use this guide to find kid-friendly restaurants. I also want to go here.
-For a little girl's party, these placemats are perfect.
-In honor of William and Kate's engagement, royal watcher Ella Kay has relaunched The Daily Kate. I will be reading shamelessly.
-This wreath is very pretty and by changing the color of the felt, could be used in any season.
-A good site for foodies.
-This compilation of the best baby and toddler books brought back some memories and added to my shopping list.
-I'm thinking of a Peter Rabbit/woodland theme for W's first birthday, and this beautiful party provided lots of inspiration.
-I want to bake homemade marshmallows and then make smores by the fire.

W's first holidays

2010-11-16T11:41:00.000-08:00

Winter is my favorite season (odd, I know, for someone who grew up in sunny Florida - or perhaps that's why?) and I love everything about winter holidays. My house always feels so cozy this time of year, and I'd trade you a cup of cocoa, a fire in the fireplace, and sparkly Christmas decorations over hot weather any day!

This year I want to go above and beyond with my Christmas cooking, decorating, and spirit - it's W's first Christmas, after all. I know that some say there is no point in going all out for baby's first Christmas - she won't remember it, after all. However, I do believe that what babies experience becomes part of how they think about the world - and, for this reason, I have several extra projects in process to make the holidays special. {These projects don't just involve material things.}

Having a baby in the house makes me love this season even more, and I can't wait until she is old enough to really participate in our Christmas traditions and experience the joy of the season.

Stay tuned for my holiday project progress and wish me luck!

Quiet, productive weekend

2010-11-15T07:19:00.000-08:00

The weekend flew by for me but my husband and I got so much done. I always hate that feeling on Monday morning when you feel like you need an extra day added on to the weekend just to relax - but it's so nice to cross things off your list, too.

Saturday morning W slept "late" - until 7:30! I try to keep up with her weekday routine on the weekends - she's happier that way. So after a quick breakfast we put her in the jogging stroller and walked up to my grandmother's house. Our nanny does this every weekday morning and it's wonderful, both for W and my grandmother, and we are lucky to live so close! Then it was off to our townhouse for a morning of chores - we are about to put it on the rental market so there are many various things to be done.

We had lunch at Wolfman Pizza - a favorite of mine that, sadly, is nowhere near our new house - and W just loved it. She is really into eating at restaurants lately - she likes to sit and look at everyone and be in the center of everything. My husband and I split our favorite pizza - with olives, feta and capers. Yum!

Saturday night we had my grandmother over for dinner and I made a butternut squash meatloaf and some sides, and a chocolate pecan pie for dessert. I love Saturday nights where my family is home, I'm cooking in the kitchen sipping on sherry, and can hear laughter in my house. I love sitting down to a meal with the people I love and enjoying good conversation (and watching W do her cute things, too)!

On Sunday, I made buttermilk biscuits and cut up a few pieces for W to eat off her tray - the first time I'd done that. She picked up a few pieces but couldn't quite get them in her mouth. We went to church and then had lunch at my mom's house. She played with W while my husband and I went to go purchase a new upholstered rocker/glider for the den. W has a wooden glider in her nursery, but I rarely use it anymore and we needed something that rocks for her downstairs. I'm really happy with the purchase - a navy chair with white piping - that looks really great in our home. I love that it doesn't look like a glider/rocker and I love that it reclines.

Last night we got a lot done around the house, and I also worked out, which felt great. I'm going to try and make it part of my nighttime routine in preparation for the holidays!

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

Thank you...

2010-11-11T08:49:00.000-08:00

...to all the men and women who serve our country.

My husband, Iraq, 2006

30 before 30

2010-10-12T06:31:00.000-07:00

Last month, I turned 28.

28 does not seem particularly old to me, and to be honest, 30 doesn't either. But 30 seems like such a milestone and an age at which you should have some clear idea of what makes you happy and where you are going. I don't feel like I am lacking in this department. Since my last big birthday - my 21st, which was spent in New York City at the 21 Club with my father, a delightful time, but that's a different post - I have graduated from college, lived in New York, gotten married, had a beautiful daughter, bought a house or two, worked (and currently work for) the best firm in my field. I would say I am the happiest I have ever been.

I don't feel a race to accomplish anything before my 30th birthday, and I don't think that anyone should. I definitely don't think everyone should be a married parent homeowner with a successful career before their 30th birthday. Rather, the "30 before 30" list, for me, should reflect the little things that make me happy - small personal accomplishments - rather than big, visible ones. Really, this list is a way for me to get motivated to do these things in a very public way.

Here goes.

1. Read the top 100 novels. There are many top 100 novel lists, but I like the English take on things, here. Some I've read, some I haven't.

2. Master Julia Child's roast chicken, boeuf a la bourguignonne, ratatouille, lobster thermidor, coq a vin, cheese souffle, Reine de Saba cake, and vichyssoise.

3. Run a half marathon in under two hours. I ran the New York Marathon a few years ago, but did not do well - my marathon buddy and I had to walk after mile 20, adding a very significant amount of time to the race. Sometimes, we have to adjust our goals to match our actual abilities, so I'm now going for a half.

4. Organize my photos. I've got boxes, scrapbooks, photo albums, you name it. I want to organize them all, by year, in books from blurb.com. Especially the ones of Willa.

5. Make a decision on grad school. There are several avenues I can take - I just need to decide on one and make it happen.

6. Finish my home projects list. We just moved into a new house in June and have made lots of progress, but we're not done. I know home decorating and updating is a neverending process, but I have a finite list of things I want to do, and I'm not going to work on any new decorating projects until my list is done.

7. Purge my home. I've done a good job of this in my closet, but I need to work throughout my entire home and give away what I truly do not use.

8. Go "oystering" on Edisto.

9. Stay at the Biltmore Estate.

10. Buy a piano and begin to learn to play.

11. Read The History of Art cover to cover.

12. Go apple picking.

13. Learn to sew beyond the basics. I can do household sewing, make curtains, and do simple projects like pillows. I want to learn to sew well enough to make my daughter dresses.

14. Hike part of the Appalachian Trail with my husband.

15. Fix up our Sunfish and go sailing on the lake.

16. Visit our local attractions that I never visit, like the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens, the National Whitewater Center and the Mint Museum.

17. Learn about gardening; enough so that I can fix up and keep up my yard and have fresh seasonal flowers.

18. Do a "365" photograph collection (take a picture a day for a year).

19. Buy a home carbonation system and make my own flavored seltzer waters at home.

20. Visit Quebec City.

21. Practice my French enough so that when I visit Quebec City, I can converse with the locals and read the papers.

22. Wear my size 2/4 clothes again.

23. Learn about early childhood education and Montessori methods enough to speak knowledgeably on the subjects.

24. Visit my favorite northeastern destinations at least once - New York, Boston, Martha's Vineyard, Baltimore/DC.

25. Plan a surprise 85th birthday party for my sweet grandmother.

26. Learn how to make cake pops well.

27. Become confirmed in the Epsicopal church (I wasn't confirmed as a child).

28. Begin my memory journal, where I chronicle random bits of information from my life for my daughter to read someday.

29. Take a classical music appreciation course.

30. Build a dollhouse for my daughter.

I'll be chronicling my progress here on the blog. Wish me luck and fun!!

Tips for organizing your closet

2010-10-01T07:16:00.000-07:00

I've moved a lot. I've lived in apartments with closets the size of a peanut (hello, NYC) or no closet at all (hello, Charleston). What this has meant for me is that I have had to get realistic and creative when it comes to what I keep and how I keep it.

We just moved into a new home this summer, and I hope to stay here for quite some time - if only to avoid the oh-no-another-new-closet phase! Since I am in the midst of major clothing organization, I thought I would share my methods with you.

Note that I don't organize clothes by designer, color, or even type of clothing (pants/shirts/etc). I have done all of those things before and none of them worked for me. Instead, I organize by how often I use the piece of clothing. If a random person opened my closet, it might not look how you would expect an organized closet to look - a few shirts hanging here, a few shirts hanging there - but it really does work.

1) First, you must purge. I've gotten pretty good at this and now my closet (mostly) contains classic, timeless items that I know I can wear for many years to come. We all know the mantra: if you haven't worn it in a year or it doesn't fit, give it away. This is mostly true. If you can't bear to give it away, though, put it in a box in the attic/basement/wherever. If an another year you haven't missed it or don't need it, give it away. Really do this. I used to stand in front of my closet thinking I had nothing to wear, and it's because, um, it was true. Everything was either out of style, fit incorrectly or wasn't appropriate for my day to day life!

2) Now that you have what you want, you can divide and conquer. My policy is that anything I wear less than once a month does not go in my regular closet. This means cocktail dresses, super fancy clothes, ball gowns, etc. This will be different for every person. Remove it from your closet. Put those items in another closet, if you have the space. If you don't have the space, get creative and find new storage. I used to raise my bed on risers (and get a long bedskirt) and double-stack those plastic underbed tubs. This advice goes for shoes, accessories, and bags as well. There is no sense in staring at flip flops in December.

3) Next, think about what you wear most often - those items need to go front and center. If you have a walk in closet, those items should go in the closest rack after you walk in. If you have a regular closet, those items should go in the center of the closet. Note that this can change over time. For example, when I was going to the office every day, I had work pants, shirts and dresses easily accessible. Now that I'm working at home, I have casual pants and shirts where my work items used to go. When I look at my closet each day, I immediately see those shirts, pants, skirts and dresses that I wear on a day to day basis.

4) Think about how to best utilize your space for your most often used items. For me, this means getting a hanging sweater rack so I can keep folded things in plain sight (dressers don't work for me). If you have several suits, buy the hangers that hold both the pants and jacket. Get the space saver hangers that can hold several items - for example, all your white work shirts or all your fall skirts.

5) If you change purses, scarves, accessories, etc on a daily basis, incorporate these items into your most-used-items area.

6) Moving deeper into your closet - or to the sides of the rack - put the things you use maybe once a week (dresses for church or brunch, outfits for an important meeting, etc). Then hang the items that are in season but are not part of the weekly rotation - for example, a dress or shirt with a very unique pattern or cut (people would notice if you wore it often) or your super super warm wool pants (can only wear when the temp dips way low or you burn up).

7) Use the space above and below wisely. Usually, below this means the shoes you wear most often. (Put the others further back in the closet, or use an over-door shoe hanger [my strategy].) Shoes I wear on a daily basis are on the closet floor - I can slip them on and off. Heels for work meetings, church or nights out hang behind the door. If you can easily reach the shelf above your highest closet bar, use it for things you use often, like those purses or accessories you wear on a daily basis. If you can't reach it, use it for out of season clothes or shoes.

8) Depending on where you live and how the seasons change, you may need to update your closet often. I really only need to do this twice a year - spring and fall - although I do bring out a few spring items a little earlier and a few winter items in December. Shuffle things out and in based on when you will really wear them.

I love having an organized closet that really works for me. But it does only work if I work with it - meaning I always put things back in their place and don't just shove things in there. In my opinion, it's worth it to not have to constantly look for items or forget about clothes.

Cheers to organization!

Reasons I love fall

2010-09-28T12:49:00.000-07:00

For a lot of people, summer is the most relaxing time of the year. For me, this has never been true - I've always been go-go-go during the summer: traveling nonstop, finishing projects, working late hours. My summer this year was especially busy - moving, working nonstop, taking care of my newborn and dealing with her surgery and resulting complications. There were also nonstop visitors and trips, and, as usual, by the end of September I'm in need of a major break.

So, fall has always been my summer: the time when I slow down, relax, get my bearings, and enjoy life. When I can really take a break and be creative.

This weekend it began to feel like fall to me. Not only did the temperature noticeably drop, my responsibilities seem to be slowing and my life is getting calmer.

So in honor of my favorite season and feeling human again, here's what I love about fall!

1) Opening up the windows in your house (before it gets too cold).
2) Needing a blanket when you sit on the sofa and read (and sitting on the sofa and reading, in general!).
3) A pot of chili, a cup of cider, and college football on TV.
4) Wearing boots, sweaters, jackets and scarves (is it any coincidence by favorite and best clothes are fall clothes?!).
5) Decorating my house for the season - there is something so welcoming about a fall wreath, pumpkins and warm colors.
6) Mountain trips to see changing leaves, and then watching the leaves change here a bit later in the season.
7) Hot drinks, especially ciders.
8) Fall comfort food. I love a good mac and cheese or casserole.
9) Crunching leaves when you step outside.
10) Watching the kids walk down the streets in their costumes on Halloween.
11) Seeing family often at big holiday gatherings.
12) Spending time out in the yard, under the gazebo, or on the back porch and not sweating to death.
13) Lighting candles all over the house.
14) Planning for Christmas (like a true planner, even when savoring one season I'm mentally moving on to the next)
15) Sitting by the fire feeling cozy.

This year, I've got another reason to love fall - I can celebrate fall with my baby girl! She's too little now to really know what's going on or appreciate the season, but she loves to be outside and she loves to be bundled up, so I'd say she's her mother's daughter!

Do you love fall? Do you have big fall plans?

Willa at 6 months

2010-09-07T06:01:00.001-07:00

Willa,

I can't believe you are 6 months old. Where has the last half year gone?! They say that the time with your children passes too quickly, and I now believe it.

You are a social, happy, smiling baby. You love to be around other people and read their facial expressions. You love to "talk" to us and laugh with us.

You have started eating solid foods. You get rice, baby oatmeal, and mashed up bananas for breakfast and dinner. You absolutely love to eat! Soon, you will try applesauce, peaches, and squash.

You've become a bit of a daddy's girl. Your daddy really calms you down when you are upset.

You have now been through two surgeries to correct your renal problems. You are so strong. The past week in the hospital was rough on mommy and daddy - we are hoping it was tougher for us than it was for you. It was so hard to see you in pain, but you are recovering so nicely now.

You rolled over a few times, but now you refuse to perform! We've tried to capture it on photo, film...you just won't do it!

If we sit you up, you stay sitting up for just a few seconds. You love this, but it makes you mad you can't stay sitting up for longer - you love to see the world!

You continue to prefer being outdoors. In our new house, we have a back porch swing and a gazebo by a stream - both favorite spots for you. In fact, sometimes we take your pack n play outside so you can nap and listen to the birds.

You really enjoy "reading" your books. Your favorites are The Little Engine That Could, Fluffy Chick and Friends, Baby Faces, Madeline, and your sing-a-long books. You are just now figuring out you can reach out and touch the books, feel the textures, and turn the pages.

We got you a jumper and you love it! You were a little unsure at first, but now you love to bounce up and down.

You've become a much better sleeper. You usually go from 7pm-5am, and sometimes you fall back asleep after that 5am feed. You're getting in a routine with your naps; usually during the day, you nap from 9:30-11:30 and 1-3.

And, lastly, you are beautiful. We love you so very much.

Prayers for Willa

2010-08-28T19:04:00.000-07:00

I've got a ton to catch you all up on: the new house, decorating, recipe ideas, my newest finds, recipes...but first things first.

My precious baby daughter, who will be six months old next Monday (where does the time go?) is having surgery on Monday morning. We knew this surgery was coming since she was four days old, and I trust her surgeon, but I'm slowing turning into a worried mama basketcase.

This is the second of two surgeries planned to fix her kidney/bladder/ureter issues. I wasn't blogging when I was pregnant, so I'll do some catch-up posts on this soon, but when she was three days old we found out she had a pretty serious issue and she had to have surgery the very next day. It was so hard for us to hand over our beautiful, four day old daughter to the anesthesiologist. I know lots of parents have it much harder than we do, but that moment just broke my heart.

I know it will be like that on Monday. I know I'll cry when I have to hand her over. I know I'll try and find things to do in the waiting room to take my mind off of it, but I know I won't succeed. All I hope is that this is much harder for us than it is for her.

Please pray for us: that her surgery goes smoothly; that the surgeon's hands are steady; that she does not react negatively to the anesthesia. That she has an uneventful recovery; that she heals perfectly; that she is not in pain. Any prayers you can send are very much appreciated.

Life, lately

2010-08-16T19:12:00.002-07:00

What a month it has been! I've got lots of posts coming up with photos and updates of Willa, pictures of our new house, and so on. I've got a backlog of pictures to edit on Photoshop, but my days are very long and leave no time for marathon photo editing sessions. I'm really looking forward to fall - when the busy season will be over at my job, when Willa's surgery will be behind us (more on that later), when our home will be organized, and when I will have more time for my hobbies. For now, though, my days go something like this:

6:45am: Wake and nurse Willa.
7:00 Get dressed and quickly do what I can with my hair and makeup while Willa plays in her Pack n Play and rolls around.
7:10: Head upstairs to get Willa changed and ready for the day. My husband leaves for the office.
7:20: Head to the kitchen, put Willa in her high chair, and start making both of our breakfasts (a mix of rice cereal, baby oatmeal and bananas for her; usually yogurt, fruit and a hot chai for me). Feed Willa her breakfast, give her her medicine, and clean her up.
7:45: Clean up the kitchen, open curtains, and put a few things away.
8:00: Willa's nanny, Susie, arrives. Susie takes Willa on her stroller walk (she loves to stroll past the flower gardens in our new neighborhood, and up the street to her great-grandmother's house!) and I head to my home office upstairs. I get to work and answer emails.
10:30: Willa is ready for her morning feeding. I usually leave documents I need to read for this time, so that I can nurse her with both hands but still look at my computer screen. Then, back to work.
12:00: I take lunch so our nanny can take lunch. Willa and I read her books, play with her toys, or play on her mat (she's rolling over now). I love to have this time with her midday. Beats the office anytime.
12:30: Back to work. It's "busy season", so I'm swamped.
2:30: Willa is up from her afternoon nap and is ready to eat!
3:00: Start to panic about the sheer volume of work I have to do before close of business. Tell myself I really can do it.
4:30: Our nanny is off, and I shut my laptop to go put Willa down for her late afternoon catnap.
5:00: When Willa gets up, we play for 30 minutes or so until my husband gets home; then she gets her "daddy time" while I start rummaging around in the kitchen putting some dinner together, or throwing some laundry in to wash, or running out to the shops for a quick errand.
6:00: I make Willa's dinner (oatmeal and bananas) and we feed her. Then it's up to her bathroom for a bubble bath. Afterwards we wrap her in her ducky towel and warm her up, then dress her in her footie pajamas. We read some bedtime books, I nurse her, and then turn on the lullabies.
7:00: Willa is fast asleep. I go back down to the kitchen, where my husband is working on dinner. We eat and chat about the day.
8:00: Back upstairs to the "office" for me. I work several hours until I just can't do it anymore.
10:30: I start on a house project, whether it's unpacking a few boxes, organizing a cabinet, hanging a few pictures, or researching a piece of furniture. I'm determined to get our house as done as it can possibly be by Willa's christening (late September), when we will have a large luncheon at our home. If I don't do a house project at night, I take a few minutes to catch up on blogs and the news. I've got to have a few minutes in the day for myself.
11:30: I take a shower and get ready for bed.
12:00: I go to the nursery to give Willa a "dream feed". She sleeps from 7pm-6:45am pretty consistently if I feed her around midnight. She rarely wakes up for the feeding.
12:30: I crash in to bed, exhausted, and do it all again the next day.

Changes, changes everywhere

2010-07-20T08:09:00.000-07:00

How it has been nearly a month since I posted, I will never know! It's been busy around here and I've been going full speed from sunup to way past sundown. My to-do list is neverending, but that's okay right now.

What have I been up to?

*My husband and I closed on our new house - finally - nearly a month after our original closing date. The delays were all due to clerical backlog, which made the wait frustrating, but it's done!

*The house we bought is a foreclosure. It's in good condition, but there are still a few things that need to be fixed. This has involved researching the right servicepeople and coordinating many appointments - with both my husband and I working full time, this has been a juggling act.

*We moved last weekend. I say it every time I move, but you never realize how much stuff you have until you have to pack it up. We don't plan to move for a long, long time.

*I've been looking through my design inspiration files and deciding how I'd like to decorate and fix the new place up. I have lots of ideas and can't wait to show you all before and after pictures. I finally committed to a color for the master suite last night.

*I have been doing lots of soul-searching about being a working mom. I came to the conclusion that working away from the home full time was not the right thing for Willa, myself or our family. After discussing this with my employer, we've decided on a work from home solution. I'll still be full time, but I'll work from my home office - this way, I'll gain commuting time and lunch and other breaks with Willa. I can also breastfeed without pumping. This is the perfect solution, I think - I get to spend more time with Willa but also stay involved in a profession that I enjoy. We are currently looking for a full time nanny so that we can make this happen!

*We are fixing up the home we just moved from - our South Charlotte townhome - so that we can rent it out. We decided that it was best to sell it when the market comes back, so we're hoping the renting thing works out!

*I'm beginning to plan for Willa's baptism, which is in September. We will be hosting a brunch at our home after the service, and I've been collecting inspiration photos and info from around the web. I love event planning - I've already begun planning for her first birthday party! {Yes, she is only 4 1/2 months old. I know, I know.}

As you can see, I've got a ton going on, with lots of changes and transitions. I hope that by the fall we are completely settled in our new home and my new work arrangement, and that we've found a nanny we like and renters for our townhouse. I haven't even begun to think about the things that will need to happen after we are settled - do we want to move to a closer church? Will we want to look at preschools in our new town (right outside of Charlotte) or in Charlotte? The questions go on and on!

I hope you are all doing well! I have kept up with Reader and will continue to do so, even if I'm not posting much during the next few weeks!

Happy Tuesday!

Cohen

2010-07-01T05:45:00.001-07:00

Willa is three months old

2010-06-29T17:44:00.000-07:00

{Yes, this post is several weeks late!}

Willa,

You are three months old, and I can hardly believe it. I never thought I'd say it, but the time goes by so fast!

You are starting to "wake up", as I call it - you are really paying attention to your surroundings. I love to watch you look around at people and places that you recognize. You still love to be outside and look at the trees, flowers, and plants. Nothing calms you down more than a nice walk!

The week you turned three months old, I went back to work. It was so hard to leave you, but I know you are in excellent care! You stay at your great-grandmother's (and namesake's!) house during the day, and I take you every morning and pick you up each evening. You have all of your favorite things over there - your swing, your bassinet, and your red and white play mat.

You are outgrowing your newborn sized clothes and starting to really fit your 0-3 month clothes (yes, you are a small baby - just 10 lbs at 3 months)! You are still wearing a size 1 diaper.

You are still eating every 3 hours, and while I am away during the day you drink pumped milk from a bottle. You seem to have no problems with the bottle, and gulp your milk right down! We are still holding you upright for 30 minutes after each feeding because of your reflux and because your stomach empties slowly.

We discovered that your stomach empties slowly at your first trip to the ER! You were throwing up and I got scared, and your pediatrician told me to take you in just to be sure. I was pretty sure I was going to pass out watching all the tests they gave you - much more painful for me than for you, I hope. Everything was fine, but we did discover this stomach issue - which may be why you seem to be in pain sometimes after you eat. You will grow out of this, though!

Your sleep habits are improving, but you are still not sleeping through the night. That is okay, though, as you are small for your age. You go to bed each night at 7pm and sleep very soundly until 1am. Then you wake to eat and go right back to sleep. Sometimes you wake up around 4am but we soothe you; then we need to wake up at 5:30am in order to get everyone ready for the day.

Oma Alston threw a beautiful "Welcome Brunch" for you at a country club here in Charlotte {separate post on that to come soon!}. Friends and family attended and it was so wonderful for everyone to celebrate you. Grandma Sarah and Grandpa Allen came up from Florida, Grandma and Grandpa Kirk came up from Edisto, Uncle Neil came from Charleston, Aunt Alston and cousins William and Oliver came from Asheville, and Uncle Andrew came from DC, among others. They all love you so much!

I love you, sweet girl! I can't wait to see what the next month will bring!

Love,
Mama

Weekly Recap

2010-06-29T08:47:00.001-07:00

We've had a lot going on around here lately! {Luckily, my day did get much better yesterday. I'm not sure what I would have done if it didn't!}

-My husband went to the US Open in California last week. He was only gone 4 days but it wore me out to have him away! It was the first time he has been away since Willa has been born.

-We continue to wait to close on our new home. We are simply waiting on Congress to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program, which they let expire on May 31st. Our new home is in a flood plane, and flood insurance is required to close. I contact my Senators daily, but still no action. I haven't heard about the flood insurance expiration in the news, but it's affecting 1200 closings per day in the United States. Now this is an example of ineffective government if you ask me!

-Last weekend we went to Edisto Island and Charleston. My in-laws live on Edisto, and it's great to have a "built-in" vacation spot. While there, I threw a baby shower for my dear cousin Dorothy at the Thoroughbred Club at Charleston Place. It was perfect, down to the last detail, and as soon as I get my hands on my sister in law's camera card, I'll post some pictures. Dorothy looks great for being 8+ months pregnant, and her daughter Ellison is really looking forward to being a big sister!

-The shower took up most of our day Saturday, but we were still able to fit in a trip to the beach early in the morning - Willa's first trip! - and a sunrise beach service on Sunday morning. Sunday afternoon we hung out at my in-laws' house and oohed and ahhed over Willa. She loves to play on her daddy's lap while he is tries to nap!

-During the week while we are at work, my grandmother watches Willa. This is great for both Willa {she gets spoiled} and my grandmother {who loves taking care of the baby}. Here's a photo of Willa taking a bath in my grandmother's sink - the same sink I sometimes took baths in almost 28 years ago.

-It's been nearly a year since I have worn heels, and I'm finding them uncomfortable to wear now on a daily basis. I'd love your recommendations on the best flats - for the office and for the weekend!

-My closet was due for a serious clean-out last fall - right when I was starting to wear my maternity clothes. Now that I've packed my maternity frocks away, I need new casual clothing! I have heard good things about Lands' End Canvas - have any of you ordered from them? Are the clothes good quality {good enough for trips to the farmer's market, lounging around on Saturdays, and the like}?

Happy Tuesday, friends!

Manic Monday

2010-06-28T07:53:00.000-07:00

I am generally a very organized person. I don't usually forget things; I have a planner with a million lists for varying daily responsibilities; and although I may be busy, I'm rarely frazzled.

Being a working mom has meant that I really have to be on top of my game. This means taking a shower and blowing out my hair every night, after Willa goes to sleep - instead of in the morning. It means laying out my clothes and having things ready to go the night before, since the mornings are so hectic. This is usually not a problem; although my days are crammed from dawn to dusk and beyond, I usually somehow get it all done.

And then there was today.

Last night, we got home from Charleston at about 10:30, and apparently the late night {yes, 10:30 is now a late night} threw me for a loop. Here's how my day has gone so far.

5:30: Alarm goes off. I hit snooze.
5:45: Get up, in a panic. I needed to start feeding Willa 15 minutes ago to get out the door on time. Wake Willa up and feed her.
6:05: Hand Willa to my husband to hold. {She needs to be in an upright position for 30 minutes after each feeding because of reflux.} Run around getting things ready that I did not get ready the night before - my breast pump bag and accessories, Willa's bottle accessories, my work bag, an outfit to wear. Put on makeup. Put my hear in a ponytail {hopefully, this ponytail says "I decided to wear my hair in a ponytail today" instead of "I got up late and had to wear my hair in a ponytail"}. Get dressed.
6:30: Change Willa's diaper and put her in a cute outfit. Get her bag ready. Put her in her car seat. We're ready to go!
6:45: Leave the house, 15 minutes late.
7:15: Arrive at my grandmother's house. She watches Willa during the day. Give Willa her medicine, kiss on her and say goodbye. Realize as I am leaving the house that I have left all of her bottles of milk at home. Uh-oh.
7:16: Call my husband and see where he is. Luckily, he's not too far from home. He can go back and get the bottles and meet me halfway.
7:40: Arrive at our meeting location halfway between our house and my grandmother's house. Realize I have forgotten to eat breakfast. Panic, as I'm nursing and need to keep production up. Run in a gas station to get a milk and a banana until I can get to work and get an actual to-go meal at a nearby restaurant. The milk is not organic. Panic more, but drink it. {I still feel guilty.}
7:50: My husband arrives with the milk in its little cooler. We say hello for .5 seconds and leave.
8:10: Arrive, again, at my grandmother's house. Put the milk in the fridge. Take her bottle accessories out of their bag and realize that somehow the bag has gotten dirty - there is sand from the beach in her bottle accessories. How did this even happen? We didn't have the bag of bottle accessories in the car when we went to the beach this weekend.
8:15: Wash and sterilize all the bottle accessories.
8:30: Get back in my car, drive to work.
9:00: Arrive uptown, and my parking lot is almost full. Have to park in the back. I'm already an hour late for work.
9:15: Finally walk into my office, and look a mess. My hair now looks like a frizzball. Stop in the bathroom to re-style hair and put myself back together.
9:20: My co-workers begin stopping by to ask about the status on some of our client's projects. I have to brush them off because I'm late to pump. I have to pump at 9am, 12pm, and 3pm. I run off to my pumping room. Feel extra bad because I have a doctor's appointment at noon at know I won't be able to help my co-workers then, either.
9:50: Stop in at the bathroom. Realize, with horror, that I am wearing my pajama shirt. How did this happen? Did I just reach for this shirt again, instead of the one I laid out? Sigh. Luckily, it does not look horrible - the shirt is a light pink fitted cotton tee with a ruched neck. I am wearing a grey suit with pearls. It sort of matches, it is not wrinkled, and no one has commented. Decide there is nothing I can do about it now.
10:00: Get some work done. Realize I have left my new medical insurance card at home {we just switched to my husband's insurance from mine; the cards came in the mail while we were in Charleston}. E-mail my husband to see if he can get a temporary proof of coverage for my doctor's appointment today. He can. I love him.
11:00: Since I need to leave at noon for the doctor, I have to do my noontime pump now. My stomach grumbles, and I remember: breakfast! Never had it! For a split second, think about going to get some eggs and fruit from downstairs, but know I won't have time to do that and pump before I need to leave. I go to the vending machine to get a granola bar. Not at all ideal but I've got to keep myself going. The machine gives me Chee-tos instead. I don't have another dollar - I rarely carry cash. Give up my quest for food and just go pump.
11:45 Co-workers are stalking me - but I have to leave for my appointment. Today is not my day.

Here's to hoping the rest of the day is better!

Happy father's day, R!

2010-06-20T17:51:00.000-07:00

I always knew you would be a great dad.

But watching you with Willa - the way you hold her, look at her, play with her - melts my heart more than I ever thought possible.

Willa is one lucky girl.

Happy father's day!

My fabric obsession

2010-06-20T16:31:00.000-07:00

Near Charlotte, there is a fabric lover's mecca. Mary Jo's Cloth Store has been a mainstay here for as long as I can remember.

This place is rather unassuming and is located at the rear of a shopping center. If you didn't know what was inside, you would certainly drive on by. It's huge, almost warehouse-like; and it's nothing fancy - the signs directing you to different fabrics are made of posterboard and Sharpie, hanging on wire from the ceiling.

It's the best fabric store I have ever been to, New York City included.

It works out well that it's so close, because I have a slight fabric obsession. I love choosing and matching fabrics. When it comes to curtains, pillows, table runners, you name it - there is no need for me to work with a designer. I just go to Mary Jo's and pick my fabric, and my mom - who is a great seamstress - sews up whatever I need.

When it came time to pick fabrics for my daughter's nursery - which, by the way, has been my all-time favorite fabric selection outing of all time - I naturally came to Mary Jo's. This is the "kid's and nursery" section.

Just piles and piles of beautiful fabrics.

You could create a dream nursery with the fabrics here. They are top brand and top quality, all in one place.

I think the nursery section is especially well suited for little girls.

I eventually chose Covington's "Over the Moon" fabric. My mom did curtains, a bed skirt, a basket, and recovered a glider. The nursery looks so fantastic, and I love it. {We're in the process of moving, so I'll post some pictures of the nursery once it's all assembled again.}

This time, I was at Mary Jo's to pick out fabrics for our new house. The house we are moving into is very different from our current townhome, so with the exception of the nursery, I'll pretty much need to start over. Sweeter words were never spoken!

I am attracted to these fun, bold prints...

...and also these more traditional ones.

I have a feeling many more trips to Mary Jo's will be in order before I make my final selections - but that's okay with me!

My proposal story

2010-06-18T08:56:00.001-07:00

Inspired by "Show us your life Fridays" over at Kelly's Korner, I am sharing my proposal story!

It was Thanksgiving 2007. I was living in New York City at the time, and my husband was living in Charlotte. At this point, we had discussed marriage and I had plans to move to Charlotte, but we hadn't really put a timetable on our plan - it was just "soon".

R, my then-boyfriend, was going to accompany me to Kansas for Thanksgiving. {I was born in Overland Park, Kansas City, but moved to Florida when I was a toddler. My dad's whole family still lives in Kansas, though, and I usually go back every year for the Thanksgiving holiday.} We decided it would be fun to take a road trip from Charlotte to Kansas (why we thought this, I do not know), so I flew from NYC to Charlotte, and we got on the road.

We arrived in one piece after a lo-o-ong drive and had a fabulous Thanksgiving day. My entire extended family was there, and there was lots of catching up to do and introductions to be made. We had a fabulous meal, watched football, and hung out at my aunt and uncle's cabin, which is in the middle of nowhere overlooking a beautiful bluff.

At the end of the day, my husband casually suggested that we go out on the deck to watch the sunset. It was truly beautiful - all orange and red and dazzling. I turned to look around at the panoramic views, and when I turned back around, R was on one knee holding a little tiny box! It took me a few seconds to register what was going on - I'm pretty sure I freaked out. Then R asked me if I would marry him, and I just kept saying "yes, yes, yes" over and over. It was one of the happiest moments of my life (only second to the day my daughter was born)!

The proposal was special to me because I truly was surprised. I hadn't expected a proposal over the holiday weekend, and I hadn't expected a proposal as we walked out onto the deck. He caught me off guard, which I loved.

After freaking out for a few minutes and staring at my ring - so gorgeous - R went to get my dad and my brother, and we told them what had happened privately on the deck. (Yes, R had asked my father's permission months before!) Then we all went inside and my dad announced to the entire family that we were engaged.

The one thing I regret about this day is that we did not take a single photo.

On the drive back to Charlotte, I made R stop at several bookstores so I could buy wedding planners and inspiration books. I was beyond excited.

I flew back to NYC, quit my job the next day, and moved back South three weeks later. And the rest, they say, is history!

Things I miss about New York City

2010-06-15T06:32:00.000-07:00

I moved to New York fresh out of college and lived there for 2 1/2 years. It was a wonderful experience, and there are some aspects of city life that I geniunely miss. {But read: I do not miss living in New York City - if I had the choice of moving back today, I wouldn't. I'm quite happy in Charlotte and my adopted hometown of Charleston - I'm truly a Southern girl, through and through.}

1. Balthazar

This was, by far, my very favorite restaurant in NYC. I'm sure that I had better meals at some uber-fancy places, but as far as overall ambience and menu go, Balthazar was it. It was my go-to: a nice but relaxed place to take out-of-town visitors, a great option for date night, the perfect spot for weekend brunch, and the best place in SoHo to stop for a post-shopping drink and snack. My favorite dish was the duck confit and at least weekly I wish I could pop in to order it!

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2. Specialty grocery shopping

I lived almost across the street from Agata and Valentina, which was an incredible treat. I would define myself as a foodie, although I haven't had any time at all lately to explore new ingredients. Agata provided me with both a place where I could get my weekly grocery standbys and a place where I could explore new products. A gem! I also loved that I could hop on the subway and get authentic groceries from Chinatown, bialys from NYC's excellent delis, or, for busy weeks, delicious and adventurous prepared dished at a moment's notice. Grocery shopping in New York City cannot be beat.

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3. Riding in a taxi through the city at night

So beautiful. I loved whizzing by all the bars and restaurants lit up and bustling with people.

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4. Fresh Direct

I absolutely LOVED having my groceries delivered. Not only was a it a huge time saver for me, I lived in a walkup apartment and lugging groceries upstairs was no fun. Another plus: no random shoppers handling your produce in the store before you buy. I used to smile every time I'd see the truck pull up. Charlotte definitely needs a delivery grocer!

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5. Central Park on Saturday afternoons

I don't care where you are in the world, there is no park that compares to Central Park. I could spend whole days there! There were many mornings spent reading under a cool tree, lunches from the crepe man by the lake, afternoons of laying in the sun in Sheep's Meadow, and dinners at The Boathouse. A perfect sanctuary for a busy city.

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6. Employees Only

My favorite bar and small plates restaurant. They also had the best steak tartare in the city (in my opinion)! The waiters and waitresses were so unique. This is the type of place you can come and get several large apps to split for dinner and stay for drinks afterwards. A hidden gem!

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What do you miss about any of your former towns?

Royalty

2010-06-09T08:21:00.000-07:00

I am not really one to care much about celebrities. I don't really keep up with celebrity news unless it's something too funny to miss (Tom Cruise jumping on Oprah's sofa, anyone?). I don't watch reality TV programs or many TV programs, for that matter. But when it comes to royal news - Kate Middleton in particular - I pay attention!

What is it about royal families that intrigues me so much? I'm not sure. Maybe it's that they are just normal people instead of trying to be celebrities; they like to keep their lives private instead of putting it all out there. Gossip on royal vacations and fashion is much more my speed than reading about Lindsay Lohan's latest escapades.

The sad thing is, I didn't even realize that I was such a royal- and Kate-o-phile until the other night, when my husband and I were talking about when to take a trip to London (my husband is half-British, and I just love the city). I commented that it would be fun to go during a royal wedding, and then proceeded to spout off tons-o-knowledge about Kate Middleton. It wasn't until I realized my husband was looking at me like how do you know all that information? that I realized I was a, uh, stalker.

I absolutely love her style - simple and elegant. She seems like she is well dressed in any situation, she carries herself well, and she can even wear those hats!

{image from here}

I would love to have access to her closet for just one week! (Is it that she wears a lot of black? Is this the ex-New-Yorker in me?)

{image from here}

If a royal wedding is in fact in the works, you can be certain I will be all over it and bringing you news updates daily (possibly from London?)!

Happy Wednesday!

Life as a working mom

2010-06-08T12:33:00.000-07:00

This? Is hard.

My baby girl is staying with family during working hours, at least for the summer, so that makes it easier to be away from her all day. I know she is receiving loving care and is being doted on every second of the day. Still, that doesn't make it any easier to be away from her. I get home at 5:15 - and she goes to bed at 7! I don't want to get used to only seeing my baby for an hour and a half each day.

Also, I've been surprised at the amount of time it takes in order to be prepared for the day. There is time spent shuffling her back and forth in the morning and in the evening. There is time spent washing and sterilizing bottles and my breast pump each evening. All of this, on top of waking for night feedings, trying to make dinner each night, getting basic household chores done, and attempting to find time for my family and friends in my life. It's really quite a lot.

Luckily, I work for a company that is very understanding. If I come in a few minutes late, they get it. They have provided me a room at work to pump in - and for this, I am very thankful, because breastfeeding is very important to me. I think every working mom should have the Medela hands free pump - you can pump while working on your laptop!

There is also something to be said for continuing to work when you have children. Life at home with a child (or children) can be all-consuming: this I know, if only from maternity leave. Paid work provides moms a place for independence and achievement, something I know that my stay at home mom friends complain is lacking in their lives.

To work or stay home? I don't think there is a blanket right answer for everyone. Someone once said to me, though, that when when it comes to work and motherhood, if you try to do both, you don't do either well. And right now, I am feeling that to be true.

Me vs. the microwave

2010-05-31T08:31:00.000-07:00

I hate the microwave.

I have never really used one. Generally when I cook, I don't have leftovers, and leftovers are the main reason for having a microwave...or so I'm told. I don't buy items that require cooking in a microwave - I simply prefer to cook on the stove or use the oven or whatever.

However, when I got married, I started seeing the benefits of cooking bigger meals and saving the leftovers for lunch, or the next night's dinner. The microwave (sort of ) became my time-saving friend.

I only use the microwave for reheating meals, though. My in-laws bought us a fancy-schmancy microwave with tons of controls, like for defrosting and other things that I assume 99% of the American population knows how to use. Me? Not so much.

So yesterday my husband, who was being wonderful and holding the baby while I caught up on some things, said, "hey, can you reheat my coffee in the microwave?"

Uh, sure. Just put it in for a few minutes, right? If it gets too hot, I'll just leave it on the counter for a few minutes to cool down, right?

Hello, elementary school science: what happens to water when it gets really hot? Yes. It boils. Boils rapidly. Boils enough to explode your cup of coffee in the microwave with a loud bang.

Oops.

Basic understanding of how a microwave works: 1. Me: 0.

Cheers to summer!

2010-05-30T07:16:00.000-07:00

Summer is here! (Yes, I know summer does not technically begin until June 21st, but for me, Memorial Day has always been the beginning of summer.)

With a baby, we don't have any big trips planned this summer - I plan to try to relax as much as possible and enjoy the simple pleasures!

I want to:

-Get down to Edisto Island as much as possible and put my toes in the sand, go kayaking, eat fresh seafood, and watch beautiful sunsets

-Enjoy fresh summer produce whenever possible. I absolutely love tomatoes.

-Take day trips to the mountains. We are about an hour and a half away from a cute mountain town I like, and about two hours from my sister in law's gorgeous place in Asheville.

-Set up the baby pool and watch my little sugar splash around.

-Make it down to Florida at least once. My dad and stepmom live there and we don't get to visit as often as I'd like. I would love to spend a long weekend at their home, dipping my toes in the pool and listening to the golfers go by!

-Explore more of Charlotte and the surrounding areas. When we want to do something fun, we usually get out of town. We never go to our local lakes, hiking trails, or wineries, and we need to take advantage more often!

What are your plans for the summer? Any big plans?

Yum yum!

2010-05-29T13:13:00.001-07:00

While browsing in Earth Fare today, my husband and I found these R.W. Knudsen Sparkling Essence drinks.

We got the cucumber and mint varieties. They are delicious! I'm trying not to drink Cokes while nursing, so these are a good alternative for me. Also, the cucumber flavor would be great with gin, and the mint flavor would be great with bourbon.

I'll definitely keep the house stocked with these!

The preppy home

2010-05-27T13:13:00.000-07:00

Whether our plans to move work out, or we stay where we are, decorating (or re-decorating) is in order. I've got a binder a mile thick of ideas I have collected from magazines over the years, but I haven't put many plans in action in our current place. I just didn't think we would be there very long!

However, most of the ideas in my "dream house" binder now seem outdated or inappropriate. I gathered most of the pages when I was younger and single, and I just don't think the styles would work with children and a family.

So, this has me thinking: how do I want to decorate my home, now, for my current reality? A reality of a busy life, growing daughter, and two dogs?

The first word that comes to mind is "preppy". I want something colorful and fun - but not too modern. I love stripes, dots, paisley, and argyle, but I don't want the house to look like a children's museum. I want our home to look grown-up, but not stuffy. How to strike this balance will be interesting.

Since I have no plans to hire a designer, I'm gathering inspiration myself. Googling the phrase "preppy home" leads me nowhere. I'm going to need to use my imagination and creative skills, it seems, to create the right vibe in my home.

Any resources or designers you would recommend to get a jump-start?

Oh, the cuteness.

2010-05-22T17:26:00.000-07:00

My baby girl, 2 1/2 months old.

Ch-ch-ch-changes

2010-05-22T17:16:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel like your life is totally and completely in flux?

That's how I feel right now.

Things have changed pretty quickly, and there may be other changes in store!

For starters, I had a baby. That changes your whole world automatically - and it doesn't change just your daily schedule. It changes the way you think about life, what is meaningful to you, and how you view the world.

But with a baby comes the inevitable questions about being a stay at home mom or a working mom. I am planning to go back to work June 1st with an open mind. While I consider myself a very driven person, enjoy my line of work and enjoy being a professional at what I do, there is nothing more important than my baby girl. Will I be able to handle working and being a mom? Will I be okay with being away from my little one for most of the day? Time will tell!

Speaking of work, I love what I do but am not feeling 100% fulfilled at it. Lately I've thought I could perhaps be happier in a related field, or change fields completely. Whether or not I continue to work or take a break, will I take the time to make a career change?

My husband and I are also thinking about moving. We bought our townhouse about a year and a half ago, and it was perfect for us then. But now - with a baby, two dogs and all the "stuff" that goes with that - it's absolutely too small. There is a specific house we are looking at, and I'm hoping we can make it work. Will we be moving soon? Hopefully I will know in the next few weeks!

So in the span of six months, I could be living in a completely different place with a completely different career - or none at all - with a baby!

I need a nap.

Willa is two months old

2010-05-10T14:11:00.000-07:00

Dear Willa,

I am amazed at how much you have changed in the past month! You now seem like a little baby, instead of a newborn.

*You are now 9 lbs and 21 inches long. You have grown 2 pounds and 2 inches in the past month! I can sure tell. It seems like you have grown so much overnight!

*In the past week or so you were giving us semi-smiles, and we weren't sure if they were gassy smiles or not. But Mother's Day morning, you woke up a fully smiling, cooing baby! It was the best present I could ask for. Now you're smiling and making baby noises all the time.

*You are holding your head up for longer periods of time, and your neck muscles are getting so strong.

*You are really interested in your environment. You love to be held looking outwards, so you can look around.

*You love to be outside. You love to watch the wind blow through the trees, and feel the breeze on your little feet. You love the noises the birds make and like the sound of cars passing by.

*You go to sleep at about 8:30 every night and wake about 2am for a feeding. Then you are back down until about 5am (when I feed you again) and you wake up for good at about 8:30 am.

*Your reflux has gotten worse and we are trying a stronger medicine for you. I hate to see you in pain and I would do anything I could to help you! You sleep on a titled mattress so you don't spit up as much, and we keep you upright for 30 minutes after every feeding. Still, you are uncomfortable. The doctor says you will outgrow this by 4 months.

*You absolutely love your baths. You've started taking a bath with me, so that I can hold you up and help you "swim" in the water easily. You love to splash your legs and arms around, and you are so happy when you're in the tub.

*You are eating about 7 times a day, and judging from your weight gain you are getting excellent nutrition! You are very happy at mealtime and make "contented baby" noises as you eat.

*You have discovered your sweet little hands - you love to move them around, put them in your mouth, and grasp things.

*We went to Edisto for a week so that Daddy could study for a big exam. While we were there, a tea party was thrown in your honor, we visited Dorothy and Ellison in Charleston, we went on lots of walks, and visited Botany Bay Plantation. You loved all your outings but were pretty fussy at the end of the day.

*We usually go for a mid-morning walk at Freedom Park in Charlotte. We do a few laps around the lake, and you usually sleep most of the time.

*You love to be sung to, especially while walking around the house so you can see what is going on.

I can't wait to see what the next month will bring. I love you, little one!

Love, Mama

Baby products: the first few months

2010-04-16T09:42:00.000-07:00

What works for everyone is different; but these products have really helped us in Willa's first few months, and these are all products I would recommend to new parents.

-Graco Bedroom Bassinet: Willa will sleep in our room until she is 3 months old. We have found this item - which is 20% smaller than a normal Pack n Play - to be perfect. (We don't need the bigger Pack n Play since we don't plan on using it as a playpen in the future.) The vibration feature on the mattress really helps her to fall asleep, and the nature and music sounds soothe her. This bassinet is also great for travel as it folds up quickly and easily, and has built-in shelving for clothing, diapers, etc.

-It wasn't part of our plan to use a pacifier, but Willa had to have surgery 4 days after she was born, and needed a bit of extra soothing. In the hospital, she got the Soothie pacifier, and we've been using them ever since. You can get them at Target. Willa loves them.

-The Halo SleepSack. We don't use blankets because of the SIDS risk, and this is the perfect alternative. We used the flannel model when she was a newborn and the weather was a bit chilly; now we use the regular, lightweight one. Even though we have the "swaddle" version of the sack, the swaddle part is removable - arms can be in or out. You can, however, get just the "sack" model.

-This might sound a bit crazy, but the Zaky hand - essentially a stand-in hand- has been a lifesaver for us. Willa does not like to be put down, and this lightweight item helps soothe her. She also has colic, and the slight pressure the hand puts on her stomach seems to alleviate some of her symptoms. We use this sometimes when we put her down for bed, for comfort in her car seat, etc.

-A car mirror so I can see Willa while I'm driving has been indispensable. I don't think the brand matters too much, as long as you can see your baby's face. If Willa is particularly quiet, I can glance back and make sure she is sleeping or quietly alert (read: make sure she hasn't turned her head to a position in which she can't breathe, etc).

-A stroller frame for our car seat. It has been very convenient to simply remove the car seat (ours is the Graco SafeSeat) from the car and place it on the stroller frame, thus avoiding waking a sleeping baby and undoing and redoing the harness system. This is especially convenient when I am running errands and popping in and out of lots of different stores.

-The Baby Mine lullaby album. These tunes soothe Willa and help her fall asleep. I have to admit, they are particularly calming; many of the songs are original; and sometimes I even find myself nodding off while listening to it.

-Mustela baby products. We use the 2 in 1 baby body wash and shampoo, baby lotion, and diaper rash cream, but I particularly love the PhysioBebe no-rinse cleaning fluid. This is a cleaning agent you can put on a cotton pad and it does virtually the same job as a bath - it's meant for the diaper area and face. Before Willa's umbilical cord stump fell off - and she couldn't have a bath - I used this every day, at the morning diaper change. Now I use it whenever she's had a particularly messy diaper or I think she needs extra cleaning on her face or hands.

-The Boppy pillow. I think this is probably on most new mom's registries, but I just want to reiterate how useful it is. It's a lifesaver while nursing, especially in the middle of the night. We have propped Willa up in it a few times, too, and will continue to do so as she learns to sit on her own. Note: I did purchase the My Brest Friend nursing pillow, as well, and found that I liked it better. It has great back support. However, you have to be sitting in a chair for it to feel just right - as opposed to the bed - and when you are dealing with a screaming baby, getting the pillow around you and locked it a bit of a challenge. I keep this pillow by the glider and use it when it works out, but normally I just grab the Boppy.

-Mylicon drops. If you've got a gassy baby, these are worth a try. Our pediatrician said they work in about 50% of babies, so I guess we got lucky.

-A play mat. We have a red, white and black one that was a hand me down; I don't think the brand really matters. These are great for short entertainment sessions and tummy time for baby. Willa loves to look at the hanging objects and now tries to grab and touch them. Get one that somehow plays music and one that has components that baby can shake or use to make interesting sounds.

-Organic sheets and blankets. They are noticeably softer than "regular" kinds.

-Graco's SweetPeace Newborn Soothing Center. This is not a "swing" in the sense that it does not go back and forth - it moves in a half-moon motion to mimic swinging in mommy's arms - but it works in pretty much the same way. Willa loves this and takes her day naps in this swing.

-Trumpette socks. So cute for a little girl, and I just recently found out they make them for boys, too.

-A single book that contains many stories. We have the Nursery Collection, which has about 150 stories, poems and nursery rhymes. The advantage is that we have just one book to carry around, which is especially helpful when traveling or on day trips. Of course, at this age, Willa is not even talking, much less asking for specific stories, and she wouldn't care if we read her the same story over and over again. However, reading to her is very important to us, even at this young age, and we want her to have some variety - and variety is good for us, too.

Food, glorious food

2010-04-09T16:03:00.000-07:00

When I was pregnant with Willa, I was obsessively careful about what I ate. I completely cut caffeine out of my diet (except for caffeine in small amounts of chocolate), stopped drinking soft drinks, wouldn't touch anything with high fructose corn syrup or artificial colors or flavors, drank only organic milk and ate only organic fruits and vegetables, watched my sugar intake, and drank 100 ounces of water per day.

I avoided the list-of-things-you-are-supposed-to-avoid-while-you're-pregnant: deli meats, alcohol, the aforementioned caffeine, liver, unwashed produce, anything unpasteurized, raw meats, meats with nitrate, pate - you name it.

I paid more than you would care to know each day for lunch that fit my diet preferences and nutritional requirements. I constantly calculated in my head each day: did I have enough vitamin C that day? too much vitamin A? how many servings of vegetables have I had?

This was exhausting, and by the end of the pregnancy, I gave in to frequent sugar cravings. Everyone said this attention to detail in what I ate was because it was my first pregnancy, and the next go around I would be much more lax. While that would be nice for me, that would not be so nice for baby - so we'll see.

Anyway, throughout the last few weeks of my pregnancy I would find myself literally daydreaming about a glass of wine and ham sandwiches. For me, food has always been a keen interest. I think it's fascinating how we take something as basic as sustenance and turn it into a science and an art. So for me to limit my favorite foods - which all, of course, fell into the avoid-while-pregnant category, was a big deal. (Of course, I never thought twice about it since it was what was best for my baby; but it truly was an act of love!)

The day after Willa was born, I ordered a turkey sandwich off the hospital's menu selection. What arrived was the largest turkey sandwich known to man on a buttery, flaky croissant. I'd never tasted anything more delicious in my life - and, let's be honest, we are talking about a hospital-grade sandwich here...far from gourmet. I ordered that very sandwich for lunch every day I was in the hospital. That's how much I missed deli meat!

We received a bottle of Veuve Clicquot as a gift while in the hospital. On the day we finally got to take our baby girl home, my husband and I popped open the bottle. Just watching those fizzy bubbles rise up in the glass made me happy. I took my first sip of alcohol in over 10 months - one of my favorite champagnes, no less - and felt like I was on top of the world.

Over the next few weeks, I slowly added things back into my diet that I had been avoiding for so long: smoked salmon on toast, prosciutto with melon, truffle pate on crackers, a Coke here and there. When offered dessert, I would have it. If I wanted a small glass of wine, I would partake. Eating my favorite foods made my day.

I can't wait to introduce my daughter to the world of food and drink. I can't wait for her to taste different flavors, herbs, and spices, and develop her own sense of what she likes and doesn't like. I also can't wait to teach her to cook and bake so she can continue trying new things after she goes off to college and beyond. I hope that she finds the same joy in delicious foods that my husband and I do!

On the other side of the coin, I hope she can avoid the relationship with food that so many people in America have. I want her to savor food and appreciate it, not gulp down a Big Mac on the way home. I want her to crave a plate of fresh vegetables in the summer and know how to cook them flavorfully. I want her to appreciate a small piece of fine chocolate more than a king size Snickers bar. This is a monumental task, I know. But I feel like it can be done as long as I am diligent and make food interesting for her.

Bon appetit!

Willa is one month old

2010-04-06T12:18:00.001-07:00

I want to remember everything about this time, so I'm going to write my daughter a letter each month. I will publish them here.

Dear Willa,

Tomorrow you will be one month old. The past month has flown by, but at the same time the day you were born seems like it was so long ago.

*I have been amazed at how much and how strongly I love you. From the moment I first laid eyes on you I knew you were perfect. And you are. I'll never forget how it felt to hold you for the first time, look in your eyes, stare at your tiny fingers and toes (and you were tiny at birth - 5 pounds 13 ounces and 18 inches long!), and watch you sleep. From the very beginning, I would do anything for you.

*Daddy and I were reminded of the depth of our love for you when four days after you were born, we had to turn you over to the doctors and surgeons for a day to have surgery on your ureters. Finding out you needed this surgery and then going through with it was the hardest thing in my life thus far. You were so innocent and beautiful, and it was agonizing to be away from you and know that you were possibly in pain. You had to spend a night in the NICU after the surgery, and it was tough to see you hooked up to those machines and be away from you for the whole night. You came through the surgery beautifully, though, and your surgeon is very happy with your recovery so far.

*Since you were a breech baby, Mommy was scheduled for a c-section on Monday, March 8th. The whole family came to town so that they could be at the hospital to meet you. But Mommy went into labor naturally on Sunday, March 7th - very early in the morning - so Mommy and Daddy went to the hospital, and you were born via c-section at 10:22 am. You were able to immediately bond with your Daddy while they fixed Mommy up, and then I got to hold you.

*There are so many people that love you. You have been born into a wonderful extended family and circle of friends. Your grandparents, aunt and uncle, and many, many cousins think you are adorable and want to do anything they can to spend time with you and hold you.

*You are named after Mommy's grandmother Willa Ryan, and Daddy's grandmother Anne Beck. You are Willa Anne Kirk! When Mommy and Daddy told Willa that you were named after her, she cried. If Anne were still here with us, we know she would be very honored, too.

*During your first weeks at home, we got to know each other and I learned your cries and facial expressions. We had lots of help at home - Grandmother Catherine, Grandma Lindy, Uncle Neil and Aunt Alston all came to help with homekeeping so I could take care of you. The first week home, we didn't do much except eat and sleep!

*After a few weeks had gone by and you were a little more settled, we ventured out and you were a lady about town! Our first outing as a family was to a birthday party - you slept through the whole thing - but then we went out to eat (the first time I fed you in public was at Cafe Monte), went grocery shopping, ran errands for baby and house items, visited the farmer's market, went to see Great-Grandmother Willa in Gastonia, went to church (you sleep through church - even the organ - and went up to get communion with Mommy and Daddy), and had Easter dinner with the family at cousin Kirk's house. You love riding in the car because it puts you to sleep, and since we have a snap-on stroller for your car seat, you don't even wake up when you get out of the car.

*We started out nursing every 2 hours, but now you eat every 3-4 hours. We have been to visit the lactation consultant a few times since you were so small at birth - we want to make sure you are getting the nutrients you need! Last week, you gained 8 ounces - which is more than the 7 ounces they had ideally hoped you would gain - and you now weigh 6 pounds 9 ounces. We go to the pediatrician on Thursday for your one month appointment, and we're hoping you weigh 7 pounds!

*You recognize Daddy and I's faces and voices, and you react when you hear or see us. You especially love to stare at Daddy's face when he gets home from work and before bed.

*You are generally a good sleeper, and go in 3-4 hours stretches at night. Once you wake up, Daddy changes your diaper and I feed you, and you go right back to sleep.

*You really do not like to have your diaper changed. You often will cry through the whole thing!

*Right now, you have a bit of reflux, which means you can't lay flat on your back without your dinner coming up! At night, you sleep in your Sweetpeace swing. During the day, you sleep in the Moby wrap on Mommy's chest, in your car seat or propped up in your bassinet. We have also tried sleep in the Pack N Play, which is elevated for you, but you only like it when the vibration feature is on.

*You have so many pretty clothes that everyone has given you! You have some beautiful dresses, footies, outfits, bubbles and onesies. You look so cute in pink! We have some headbands that we put you in when we are going somewhere special, and they are a hit!

*You have not yet discovered our puppies, Rocky and Adrian, but they are very curious about you. They want to sniff you and play with you, but they can't. Adrian has licked your feet a few times, and you're not sure what to make of that. When you get older, you will love playing with them, and vice versa.

*Mommy thinks you are a genius baby because you are holding your head up so well. You like to be held and then move your head back and look around. You can turn your head from side to side.

*We usually go for a walk in the stroller or sit on the front porch each day so you can get some fresh air. You like being outside and hearing all the "outside" sounds, like birds and cars going by.

*Sometimes when you cry, you stick your bottom lip out. We think this is the cutest thing.

*We were able to hook up webcams and show you to Gamma and Gampa. We hope to be able to do this often, so you can see your Grandparents in Florida just as often as your Grandparents in the Carolinas.

*When we go out with you, people stop us and tell us what a beautiful baby you are. They are right!

I can't wait to watch your grow and learn. I love you, little bear!

Love,
Mama

Welcome to Crown + Castle

2010-04-01T12:06:00.000-07:00

There is something to be said for cataloging your thoughts, ideas, likes and dislikes, and daily life. For me, the days seem to fly by lately, and I want to be sure to capture everything about this time in my life. For me, a blog is the best way to do that.

I'm a twentysomething wife and brand new mother - our baby girl was born at the beginning of March. We live in the South and I love all things Southern - give me a good oyster roast, a nice glass of bourbon, some good home cooking, and a front porch. However, just because the South is where I choose to make my permanent home doesn't mean I don't love other places too. When my husband and I got engaged, I was living in New York City.

I love my two Brittany spaniels, cooking, reading, decorating and organizing my home, written and printed correspondence, breakfast or brunch out, traveling, and most of all, spending time with my family.

We live in Charlotte, the "Queen City" - hence the Crown in my blog title. I hope to blog a lot about the home and what goes on in it, hence the Castle. Welcome and enjoy!