Christmastime is here

Wow what a way to kick off the holiday season. It was so busy and fun the wee one is still recovering!

So we left on Wednesday and headed to the homeland (aka MD). Mags slept the entire way down. We stopped at my mom's work so all her co-workers could meet the Magster. Then a quick stop at Panera for my fave sandwich (roast beef asiago) {btw I love/hate that Panera puts the calorie counts on their hanging menu....just saying} and then on to my mom's house. Hung out for awhile, Maggie had the cutest laughing fit and later she fell asleep in the kitchen while we were eating dinner. I was a little nervous about how she would sleep while we were away. So we gave her a bath, dressed her in these adorable pjs...

And the little angel slept that night like a champ. She slept the entire trip really well, I was so proud (now last night...that's another story!) So Thursday morning we woke up and I had these sugarplum fairytale notions of watching the Macy's Thanksgiving parade with Maggie, but she wasn't really interested and ended up taking a nap.

Our first Thanksgiving was at 1pm and everything was so delish. I love the dumplings, dressing and of course the green bean casserole. So after stuffing my face at my mom's it was on to my dad's for another dinner. More delicious food to be had there! Needless to say I was hurting at the end of the night! After dinner Maggie did a little hunting after dinner with her Ppaw....


We spent the rest of the trip at my dad's. We relaxed on Friday, sitting around watching movies {"Eat, Pray, Love" was awesome} and then Brian and I went out to have some drinks with my brother at this really cool bar.

Saturday morning we got up and took some pictures for my dad's Christmas card and then it was back on the road. We made pretty good time getting home and decorated our house when we got home.

Sunday we went over to Brian's parents house to help them decorate their tree. Afterwards we went out to dinner. Mags got a little fussy at the end of dinner and then was pretty fussy when we got home. She is still a little fussy and we think she is just recovering from all the stimulation and activity. {Let's hope!}

And last but definitely not least this weekend we celebrated Maggie's 4 month birthday. If you can believe it..... Here are some pics!



Tomorrow we go for Mag's 4 month appointment. Can't wait to see how much she's grown!

Happy Turkey Day!

We're out of here folks....but before we go just want to wish you and yours a.......

Make it a great one!

An Anniversary

So in yesterday's post I forgot to mention a very important anniversary that we commemorated yesterday. November 21, 2009, is the day it all began. That was the day we started this amazing journey and it has been such a wonderful ride. I really feel so lucky and blessed that I get to be Maggie's mommy.

Curious how it all began??? Read about it here.

My beautiful baby girl

Wild about Weekends

Wow another weekend come and gone... why do the good times fly by so fast???

Friday, since it was gorgeous out and I was feeling adventurous, I packed up the Mags and headed out to some local boutiques...you know Le Target and El Giante (yep that's Target and Giant). I spent over an hour and a couple more dollars than I should have at Target, but the goal was a cute outfit for Thanksgiving and I think mission was accomplished {Thank you Tami, for the impromptu style advice via photo messaging...you are a true fashionista!}. Then it was home to make dinner for the hubs and curl up and relax with some Tivod shows we missed this week.

Saturday we decided to really do some cleaning of the casa in preparation for our Christmas extravaganza of decorations. {PS:Cutest thing ever??? Last weekend at Target [yea we like that store] as we were tooling around with the stroller and a cart, Brian takes the cart to look at something while I'm contemplating something in another aisle. Minutes later he returns, and in the cart??? A red, snowflake covered shower curtain, matching hand towel and floor mat. "What?," he says. "This is a really special Christmas and we have to make every part of the house extra Christmasy for Maggie's first Christmas..." How can you not love this man?}

So after what felt like an eternity of cleaning {actual time about an hour and a half}, we both got somewhat gussied up, dropped Mags off at the in-laws and went our first official date since Maggie was born. Nothing too crazy... Macaroni Grill for dinner and then "Harry Potter". Brian is not a Potter fan, but this was a part of my birthday gift, so he sucked it up and took one for the team {what can I say?? I am a lucky girl...}.

And then today we spent some time with my little sis {ASAs in the house} for a rather disappointing and underwhelming lunch. Luckily the company and catching up was awesome so the other stuff will quickly be forgotten.

Now we're home and just hanging out. Really re-charging and shoring up that energy, because this week is going to be a doozy. It starts the dreaded holiday traveling and it is definitely my least favorite part of this time of year. Oh how I wish we lived closer to my family...one day...

But I have decided that no mater what, this week is going to rock. It's Maggie's first Thanksgiving and I am going to make sure that it is a great one!

And to send you all off on the happiest of notes to brave your Monday morning... a picture of the cutest baby in the world....{sorry all other mommys, but she is just too dang adorable to be modest}

Oh and BTdubs, homegirl is sitting propped up by one little measly pillow. Sure she kept sliding...but this is progress people!!!

Norah Jones- Who Knew?

So I have been lucky enough to get to review Norah Jones' new compilation album "...Featuring" and I have to say that I am mighty surprised at what I found. I have always lumped Ms. Jones into the easy listening category and I know she had a brief foray into alt. country, but man I had no clue how versatile this woman is. This new album spans her entire career and includes the majority of her collaborations over the years. There are a few easy listening tunes included but there is so much more. From true country honky-tonk to pure hip hop, this woman is covering all her bases. There is even a little holiday ditty with none other than Mr. Willie Nelson, perfect for this time of year.
For my taste I have to say that I am a true alternative girl...raised in the nineties, so my faves on this album are, "Dear John" – Ryan Adams featuring Norah Jones and "Little Lou, Prophet Jack, Ugly John" – Belle & Sebastian featuring Norah Jones. Both of these songs are so mellow and rather dreamy, just the way I like my alt. rock.

But you have to take a look at the entire album to really get a feel for everything that is offered:

...Featuring Track Listing:

1. Love Me – The Little Willies
2. Virginia Moon – The Foo Fighters featuring Norah Jones
3. Turn Them – Sean Bones featuring Norah Jones
4. Baby It's Cold Outside – Willie Nelson featuring Norah Jones
5. Bull Rider – Norah Jones and Sasha Dobson
6. Ruler Of My Heart – Dirty Dozen Brass Band featuring Norah Jones
7. The Best Part – El Madmo
8. Take Off Your Cool – OutKast featuring Norah Jones
9. Life Is Better – Q-Tip featuring Norah Jones
10. Soon The New Day – Talib Kweli featuring Norah Jones
11. Little Lou, Prophet Jack, Ugly John – Belle & Sebastian featuring Norah Jones
12. Here We Go Again – Ray Charles featuring Norah Jones
13. Loretta – Norah Jones featuring Gillian Welch and David Rawlings
14. Dear John – Ryan Adams featuring Norah Jones
15. Creepin' In – Norah Jones featuring Dolly Parton
16. Court & Spark – Herbie Hancock featuring Norah Jones
17. More Than This – Charlie Hunter featuring Norah Jones
18. Blue Bayou – Norah Jones featuring M. Ward

Consider this one as a great holiday gift for the true music aficionado in your life, they will love it.


Disclosure: This review is my personal opinion and I am entered to win a gift card through One2One Network by participating.

Houston we have a roll over...

So big news here at the homestead...we had our first official roll over. And no I'm not talking about Brian (although he can roll over with the best of them)....this excitement is of course all about the incredible...so cute she might be edible....Magster.

The first sight of this amazing feat occurred on Sunday morning. We were up playing after our morning bottle and we were indulging in some tummy time, when Mags decided that it was time to be done. And just like she had been doing it her entire life, she pitched herself back and it was literally like T-I-M-B-E-R...total slow-mo, and there she was flat on her back. I of course flipped out and Maggie looked pretty proud of herself. Then to make sure it wasn't a once and done, I waited a little while, put her on her stomach again and sure enough, she pitched back and once again it was back city. Needless to say I am over the moon. We have such a little mighty munchkin on our hands. I can't believe I get to see this little person grow up right before my eyes!

So we have been testing it out since the other day and she is still a little rolling machine. We are still working on mastering the back to tummy roll, but she really almost had it today. I know it will only be a matter of time. And we are also progressing with the sitting on our own. Today she sat unassisted for about 30 seconds before toppling over.

But all this exertion....really takes it out of a girl....

Seriously how cute is that belly???

Oh the drama!

So in other news we had our photo shoot for our Christmas card over the weekend and from what I could see on the camera, it looked like we have some really cute ones, but I get the proofs today, so we will see. Super excited for that!

Side note: I totally could have vented on here about some family drama, but you know what they say "Sharing is Caring" and honestly I have to stop caring about the stupid things that people do....

Hope everyone is having a great Tuesday!

Five Question Friday

More fun this weekend....Jewelry party tonight, possibly a game night tomorrow night (if we feel up to it)and our Holiday card photo shoot on Sunday. I can't believe that Thanksgiving is less than 2 weeks away. Where has this year gone?

1. What is the most physically painful thing that has ever happened to you?

I have been very fortunate and would have to say that my most painful experience was labor and my c-section. I had no idea what to expect and it was pretty excruciating, but I have to say that I am pretty proud of the fact that I think I handled it pretty well. My husband and I thought that I wouldn't be able to handle it at all (we both thought I was pretty wimpy when it comes to pain) but I withstood the pain for quite some time and on my own (that's another story).

2. How much sleep do you get at night?

Ahh sleep, how I miss you! Nowadays, I get about 6 hours of sleep a night. And it is not a solid 6 hours. Normally Miss Maggie wakes up around 3am and I help her back to sleep and then she wakes up again around 5 and again I help her. I know, I know, I am going to have to stop this soon...I will. Right now, I am really fortunate that I am able to stay home for the time being and I do go back to sleep in the morning when Maggie does, and that is about an hour and a half of more sleep.

3. How long did you believe in Santa Claus? How did you find out that he does not exist?

You know now that I am a mom, this is something that I have tried my hardest to remember and I just can't. I have no idea when I stopped believing...I think I might ask my mom.

4. What was the last movie you saw in a theater?

The last movie I saw in the theater was Twilight's Eclipse. I was very pregnant and spent the majority of the movie running to the bathroom. I can't wait till the movie comes out on DVD because I'm sure I missed a lot! But next week we are having our first date night and we are going to see Harry Potter. Wow I kind of sound like a teenage girl with my movie choices. Oh well!

5. What do you wear to bed?

Well I am sandwiched between Mr. Always Hot and Little Miss Hot Stuff and I am naturally pretty cold, so I normally wear fleece pj pants, a t-shirt, a sweatshirt and socks. And yet I am always still cold.....

Weekend Warriors

This weekend was really all about the get up and go. That seems to be the norm around here lately and as a card carrying introvert, it is something that I struggle with occasionally. But this weekend was a blast.

It started (like most weekends) on Friday with a short but sweet happy hour. When the hubs and I were working for the same school, we became very close with some of our co-workers and our happy hours were leg-en-dary. They normally started around 4:30pm and ended when someone passed out (some earlier than others {not my fault...damn you BL!!!}) .

This happy hour seemed to reflect our new lot in life. We came, we laughed, drank one beer and got home before 8pm. My {new} kind of happy hour.

The entertainment for the evening...my daughter. And that's pretty normal because of her cuteness and squeezability...But tonight in an effort to make her look hip and trendy, mommy dressed Mags in her first pair of jean. The label said 3-6 months and considering we are well into our third month...I mean I did notice they were a little big, but I did not realize the real faux pas until we were at the restaurant....



Oh well...quite the comic relief. Then on Saturday we were up and out, on our way across the Mason Dixon to meet and greet with my brother and his fiancee's bridal party at my mom's house. Quite the shindig and after sleeping the whole way down, Magsterpoo (dude, this girl has more nicknames...) was quite the belle o' da ball (Oh The Office how I love thee). She was so friendly and had a smile for everyone... even the somewhat scary man with the huge beard (Rick, you rock!).

Then Brian and I went out for a little night out with my bestie. We had some food (amazing cream of crab soup...one of the many thing MD does best), some drinks and a ton of fun. Afterwards we crept back into my parent's house (not a high school flashback, I promise Mom) and were pleasantly surprised to find Miss Maggie sleeping like a little angel (the last time we were at my Mom's Maggie slept for about 3 hours that night). We were up at 5am for a bottle, but then she went back to sleep and slept like a champ till 9am. We had a nice morning and then headed over to a friend's house for some tea and muffins (yummster!).

Finally, we headed home....

But we take it all home with us!

Your three words

But seriously how funny is this?? My daughter the drama queen! Guess we know who she takes after!

So I literally sat here with this page open for way too long contemplating what to write. I could write about my busy weekend: happy hour tonight, going to MD for my brother's engagement party....
I could finally finish Maggie's birth story and post that....
All these things to talk about, but instead I let the blank screen completely overwhelm me and give me a mini panic attack.

That is not what blogging is supposed to be about.

I started blogging because I don't have that many friends with kids and I wanted to be a part of a community of moms, so I wouldn't feel so alone. Blogging was definitely not supposed to make me feel worse. When I started I used to post everyday, but lately that just hasn't been possible. I have picked up some more hours at work and Maggie is going through a growth spurt (I hope this passes) and has been up every night for a night feeding, which I thought we had gotten rid of. Both of these combined with the fact that I am still not sleeping that great does not put blogging high on my list of priorities, especially when it can put me into a tailspin.

So I am going to ease up on myself. If I miss a day, it's not the end of the world. I will not join any more 30 day memes (that one really upped the anxiety), unless it is something I think I can handle. And if I discover a few days in that I can't handle it, then I am allowed to quit. Blogging is not my job. It is supposed to be a relaxing pastime, and if I have to keep reminding myself, then why am I doing it??

Wow just writing all that and really letting it out has made me feel a lot better. I feel my blood pressure slowly decreasing.

I blog because it is fun and I will continue to do so as long as that it true!

More about meme

# Day 26 – your week, in great detail
Monday: Hanging with Maggie during the day; Tutoring in the evening
Tuesday: Me and the Magster all day
Wednesday: Mommy and Maggie; Tutoring in the evening
Thursday: Maggie Time; Tutoring at night
Friday: Maggie and Me all day
Saturday: Hanging out with the fam
Sunday: More of the above

# Day 27 – my worst habit
I am not the tidiest person. I wish that I was better about keeping things neat and tidy in our home.

# Day 28 – what’s in my handbag/purse
Nothing too exciting. Normally my phone, keys, tissues, makeup, mints....

#Day 29 – hopes,dreams, plans for the next 365 days
I would just like to raise a healthy and happy little girl. I would like to be able to stay home with her as long as possible. I want to continue building and growing in my relationship with my wonderful husband. I would like to be happy and healthy myself.

Who wouldn't love 365 days of this?

Living up to expectations

This weekend was the best. Exactly what I was hoping for! We went out for Japanese at an awesome Hibachi restaurant and everyone had a great time. Maggie really loved watching the chef do all his silly tricks and he thought it was hilarious that she never took her eyes off him. We then went back to my in-laws for cake and presents. I got a printer for my computer! I am so excited. I have been dying to get a printer to print out pictures and other fun stuff. So great!!!!! Here are some pics of little Maggie helping me celebrate...

You're how old Mommy???

Dude, this party is beat!

Happy Birthday Mommy! Where's my cake?

Then on Sunday we celebrated Halloween by going to a party and Maggie allowed us to put her costume on her, but only for a little while.

Umm, what exactly is going on here???

I'm an elephant??? But I didn't want to be an elephant!!!

Well at least this guy's entertaining...