autumn air

like my brunette bud, I have a major crush on fall. and now that the temps finally broke and the mosquitoes left town, autumn is definitely in the air. I’ve had candy apples, cider donuts, spice lattes and pumpkins on the brain as of late. it only made perfect sense to kick off the season this past weekend at one of my favorites, linvilla orchards. us big kids satisfied our cravings and chucked a few apples while lo was mesmerized by all the barn yard folk. I hope lots of outdoor family activities are in this autumns future.

logan month-by-month

girlies five months. wait, what!?! this mini human, no doubt about it, has become our best little bud. and since she’s so laid back, she’s totally content on my hips and easy to bring along almost anywhere. this has made our transition into parenthood that much easier and enjoyable, especially since we don’t have many mini friends just yet. we’ll take it while we can, before she starts crawling off into toddler-hood. we’re pretty much obsessed and can’t get enough cuddles and coos (still dying for that giggle). so true that every stage becomes your favorite and that with every month you feel you’ve got this new gig down better than the last. until next month…

remembering

eleven years ago today…i remember walking out of my morning class with a rushed sense of confusion and panic coming from the buzz i overheard on campus, like it was yesterday. the urgent need to be connected and hear it for myself. i planted myself in front of the television for days with a heavy heart for the tragic stories i watched play out. i knew not a soul involved in the september 11th world trade center attacks, but felt such sorrow for the innocent lives of strangers. to this day, the stories of those heroes suck my attention. i can’t help but think of the lives lost and the families that still suffer from this tragedy today. i’m grateful for our country and the unknown heroes we’re surrounded by.

photo a day

for reals?! tomorrow is september and a new challenge list begins. i must admit, i’m running out of steam and interest. same time last year i threw in the towel. i’m determined to make it 356 days. for those of you who follow along, i feel your pain and appreciate you sticking around. here’s to a happy last day of august and an even better three day weekend!

mini favorites

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to a 4 month old, there’s nothing better than sprawling your legs out on a snazzy blanket surrounded by all your friends within arms reach. these are some of lo’s favorite things that just so happen to be aesthetically appealing enough to be some of my favorite things too!

earning her wings

i have to admit, the thought of flying with a baby was a bit intimidating. you’re the person everyone stares at while you parade down the aisle, in hopes that you don’t take the seat next to them. although it was scary, we made it! with flying colors! we learned a few tips and tricks along the way… exhibit a: throw a blanket [preferably a large changing mat that won’t suck up all the nasty] on the terminal floor and let your mini sprawl out and make lots of noise before boarding. exhibit b: do everything in your power to sit together [we were lucky enough to have friendly strangers switch around and make this happen] and occupy your mini for as long as possible before takeoff. exhibit c: layer that mini up, making her real warm and cozy. and the minute that aircraft starts moving, start feeding! if you’re lucky [like us] she’ll crash and sleep through the entire flight. i think you’ve passed the test when everyone jumps up to exit the plane and are shocked to see a baby in your arms. we’ll be taking this lady on many more adventures!

deep in the heart

our best-est of friends moved southwest last year and we miss them like mad on a daily basis. it was time we reconnect and acquaint logan with m+j. and, i just had to get my eyes [and hands] on that belly before it’s too late. that said, we spent this past weekend in dallas. basically we ate, and ate again, and ate some more and giggled like school girls while doing so. and thank heavens logan traveled and tagged along like a rockstar, cause if these two aren’t coming home anytime soon, i see lots of flying in our future. we just can’t live without them! thanks for having all three of us! until november [with the entire clan]…

logan month-by-month

this little chicken weighs in at 14lbs 2oz and 25 inches long at 4 months old. she’s currently on her first tour of the lone star state, visiting her favorite blonde in anticipation of meeting her mini blonde bestie in a few short weeks! more to report when she’s settled down and back home.

refueled

on friday, i cracked. i was completely exhausted and worn out. this super-mom mode can really suck the life out of you. especially if you forget about yourself in the daily mix. so after a few shed tears, my mr convinced me that i’m not losing my mind and sent me on my way. saturday, i stepped out solo…all. day. long! i spent my morning asleep and followed it up with the obvious…some retail therapy [while channeling my inner blonde] and an afternoon pool side finishing the book that’s been patiently sitting on my bedside table for months. i returned home refueled and excited to spend a night at home with my man and mug on my chubby cheeked mini. i learned its ok to check out and take time some for me. thanks paulie p!