They Liked It So Much, They Put a Ring On It.

Back when my husband and I got engaged, we were what I refer to as "grad school poor." We could pay our bills (thanks to student loans), basic life necessities, and with a side job we could also afford some travel. There was little left over at the end of each month for any kind of luxury items, and when we began talking about getting married, it was clear that we would be doing so without the customary sparkly diamond ring. My husband sniffed around a bit, hoping that a family heirloom would suddenly appear from thin air, and after a while I offered up a basic band that had been my great-grandmother's. I had been wearing the ring for years, but it took on a new meaning when my husband moved it to my ring finger the night he proposed. We always said I'd have a "rain check" on the ring of my dreams, and over the years my taste changed so much that I was more than happy to wait until an occasion arose that warranted such a memorable gift. Sometime during my pregnancy, we decided that the birth of our second child would be a perfect time to find the perfect ring.

I knew early on that I didn't want a solitaire. Mostly for practical reasons, but also because on my too short and too stubby hands it would take one big rock to look right. I had always loved these Tiffany Legacy bands, and when we found out that we would be having another baby boy, I finally knew what kind of ring I wanted. Actually, it was more like three rings... one for each of my boys. Or, as I like to say, "they liked it so much, they put a ring on it."

The two sapphire bands have each of the boy's birthday's engraved on them, and on the diamond, my anniversary. I wear them on my ring finger and every time I look at them I am reminded of not just my commitment to my husband, but also to the family that we created together. Looking back, I am glad that we waited as long as we did. When you get engaged, you never really know what you are getting into. Now, some 9 years later, I know exactly what I signed up for, and to each of my boys I give an enthusiastic "I DO!"

Contrary to popular belief (my sister's) I did not choose them based on my obsession with nautical stripes  (I need a program) but the navy and white stripes are one just happy coincidence. :)

Water Babies.

Some parents want their kids to be athletes, some golfers, some avid readers, and some young scientists. While I would never pick anything for either of my boys, we have always said that it would be quite a shame if our kids were afraid of the water, given our undying love of the ocean. I remember when the LM was three months old, and we started group swimming "lessons," people would laugh at us saying that we were starting him a little young. I would always respond that there was no such thing. At the time I had no idea that eventually he would be part fish, like he is now, but I have to think that we played a part in his absolute comfort in and under the water. 

At this point, I'm not taking any chances with little squish. When your brother thinks he's going to be the next Michael Phelps, I'm thinking that at an early age this kid is going to need to learn to sink or swim. Literally. After seeing his comfort with the pool last week, I'm pretty sure that (thankfully) both my boys are going to be water babies. 

Here is Thing 1, in Costa Rica age 4.

... and Thing 2, from the Cape age 4 weeks.

Don't be fooled by that little scowl, the boy happily floated around the pool for almost twenty minutes!

Hmmmm.... guess I better sign up for those lessons soon ;)

A Grown Up Apartment... On A Budget.

I'm ending my hiatus! I thought it would only take me a week to get my s**t together, and couldn't believe it when I went on the blog and saw it had been over two weeks since I had last posted! Where has the time gone? I wish I had more detail regarding what we've been up to, but the last few weeks have been kind of a blur. A blur that involved endless diaper changes, feedings, and (sadly) sleepless nights... oh, and lots of similes too (melt.) I packed up and said goodbye to my two big boys, and have spent more than my fair share on Skype, hearing about all of the fabulous adventures they are having. I re-organized most of my house, and am finally getting some use out of my dream nursery. There was a mid-week trip to the cape with my sister, and squish which was definitely the highlight of my Summer. Lots of girl time, lots of kid time, even more pool time, and I even had my first legitimate New England Lobster Bake (the steamers were by far my favorite!) We even had a hurricane (err tropical storm) to boot!

You would think taking care of a newborn would have consumed most of my time, but alas it was my first born (aka my sister) who took up most of our "free time." I knew I'd owe her for all the help she has been with the kiddies, and as planned she collected by way of moving/assembling/ and decorating her new apartment that I procured for her. (Which just so happens to be right around the corner. Coincidence? Yeah, I don't think so ;))

She moved out a few weeks early, and straight out of college, the girl had nothing. NOTHING. We figured that since she was moving across the country it would be cheaper to buy everything new, than to ship, and we were working with a VERY strict budget. A under 1,200.00 budget. For EVERYTHING. When I say everything, I mean everything from the mattress, to the light bulbs. At first we weren't sure it could be done, but after hitting my favorite budget shops over the past few months (Ikea, Target, Urban Outfitters) we saw that it could be possible.

How did we do? You be the judge.

The before: 

5 hours into the assembly: Gray was overseeing the construction.

7 hours in: A much needed beer after realizing we put the wrong piece in about an hour earlier. (I blame Gray, he was supposed to be keeping track of the directions.)

Some two days later... the final (and fabulous) result!

A grown up apartment... on a budget!!!

I couldn't be happier with the end result and the best part is that it totally reflects my sis's young and bohemian style. Every pice of furniture does double duty (drawers are built in under the bed, a bookcase in the headboard, and wheels on the desk) and we can't believe how much storage she has in one tiny room! It is such a happy place, and perfect for a girl who, in my eyes, deserves the world!!!!

What do you all think??? Such a fun girl's room, right?

A Little Blogging Maternity Leave.

You know that saying "sleep when the baby sleeps?" Well,  I'm pretty sure these words were uttered by someone who did not have an active 4 year old to look after while said baby was sleeping. We are managing well with the two boys (with some serious help from my amazing Sis) and I feel like I am on top of everything... everything but the blog. Every time things are quiet around here, I am faced with the same decision, nap, shower, or post? As much as I love you guys most of the time you are beat out by the thought of an hour of uninterrupted slumber.

Next week that's all about to change. Big time.

Next week my two big boys (hubs and little man) are jetting off for a two week vacation back to Costa Rica, leaving me and squish to fend for ourselves (whatever will we do??? Oh I know... sleep, blog, bond, feed, relax... the list goes on and on.) Given that I have to get everyone ready for the big trip this week, I figure I will take a little more time off from here so I'm not just "phoning it in" to get something up each day.

Next week I'll be back... It's hard to believe that by then Baby Gray will already be 4 weeks old!


I hope you all have a great week.

Pinch Me.

Yes, Baby Gray is an awesome sleeper. This was not the case with the LM and I am acutely aware of just how rare this is.

For the past week he has been giving me a 4ish hour stretch at night which I could not be more grateful for.

Last night?

Well that was heaven.

9pm to bed, and I had to wake his tush up at 4 am to feed.

4 AM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dude would have slept all night.

Can someone pinch me?

I realize that the chances of this happening again are about 1 and 10,000... but at least there is a chance!!!!

Oh sleep, how I've missed you. You were a good friend to me. I hope soon we can be reunited on a more regular basis.

Happy Sunday to you all!

My Family.

The entire time we were trying to conceive our second baby, I would always say, "I really am okay if it's just the three of us, but I can't help feeling like someone will always be missing." Of course, my husband thought I was a little crazy (I was) but now, having my ENTIRE family here, I know for certain that it was always Gray who was the missing piece. Here, for the first time is my family. The family that was meant to be... all four of us. 

Beautiful photos taken by Jaimie, of Jaimie Arnold Photography. Thank you Jaim for capturing so perfectly one of the best days of my life! I am so blessed to have this wonderful family, and such amazing friends!!!

Bachelor Pad Recap. Bottom Line: I'm Obsessed.

You KNOW I had to take a break from all things baby, to watch last night's premiere of the Bachelor Pad (my absolute favorite guilty pleasure from last summer.)

Here are my thoughts...

Jake and Vienna (aka Sausage) are soooooooooooooooooooooooo boring. I love that they call each other "fame whores" and they both find that to be incredibly insulting. Hello! You are BOTH fame whores. Own it. Love it. Live it.

More on Jake.

1. He's a total douche. 
2. Who wants to date this guy? 
3. Gross.
4. Double gross.

More on Sausage. 

1. I think she looked way better PRE nose job. Talk about a waste of surgery. She should have spent that money on some meds/ or a new personality. 
2. Her hair cut/color is just plain wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong. I think it might be a wig. God, I hope so.
3. Why do all these guys want to date/ sleep with her? Is her vagina made of gold? I don't get it. 
4. Talk about fake tears. Whhhhhaaaaaaaa. 
5. Her bf is a wimp. He gives me the creeps. They are made for each other for these two reasons alone, 

Which brings me to Gia. Gia is hot. Crazy but hot. How is it that she has been dumped not once, but TWICE for Vienna Sausage? Just goes to show guys don't do crazy. Or I guess they do crazy for a while and then dump crazy for more crazy. I have never been happier to be married. 

Speaking of crazy... I love me some Michelle Money. She is so looney tunes, and makes for great TV. I can't wait for her one liners. It also makes me feel better that she is so insane, because that girl is WAY to pretty. The hair/ eyebrow combo is perfection. 

Tiara girl? I swear I saw this chick on Dr. Phil while I was in the hospital. There really are no words. 

The engaged/ broken up couple/ who then dated/ and are now broken up (I have no idea who these people are) might make for a good story line so long as that dude sacks up and stops crying. Awkward.

What's with the guy with the arm tattoo? I didn't watch Ali's season so I don't know the back story, but that tattoo sucks. I have it on good authority (aka from Us Weekly) that he is the playboy in the house. Really? It would take a serious man drought for me to drink from that well. 

Biggest tool? That honor goes to the Wrestler. Did he really say "rated R for reality star?"  

Love Ames. Love Jackie. Hope they get married and have genius, hipster, New York babies. Total cuteness. 

That's all I have for now...

Please feel free to discuss.

P.S. I love me some Chris Harrison.  Such a cutie patootie

I Know He's Quiet, But...

Earlier today my husband called to check in,

TH: How's my boy doing?

Me: Which one?

TH: What do you mean? Liam (the LM)??????

Me: You do know that we have two of them now, don't you?

TH: Oh yeah, I totally forgot. How's the other one?

Me: Really? I know he's quiet but... HOW DO YOU FORGET WE HAVE ANOTHER CHILD?

TH: Well, he does sleep a lot.

Okay, fine I'll give him that one. Maybe it's time I pass him on during one of his "not so quiet times." Oh wait, those only happen at 3am!

I predict some serious diaper changes in store for him this weekend!!!! It's time this baby makes his presence known!

Here's baby doing what he does best.

Fall Must Haves.

Okay, I know it's crazy early to be thinking about Fall clothes, and considering that it is about 1000 degrees in most of the country, the last thing that people have on their mind is flannel and wool, but for me the fact that I know longer have to shop in size "pregnant" has me planning ahead, and looking forward to wearing anything that doesn't have to have room for a spare human. Here are some of my "must haves" for fall. As in, I MUST have them. Hey, they say the early bird gets the worm, or in this case the early bird gets the awesome red blazer that is almost sold out ;).

I think I might have to go to "redaholics" anonymous this Fall. Same goes for you leopard. I. Just. Can't. Help. Myself. It's a sickness, really. As in these things are so sick how can you not love them!!!!!

Clockwise from top left:
Denim Shirt: Emersonmade
Blazer: J. Crew
Jeans: MIH
Scarf: Leigh & Luca (from Dress, Boston)
Silk Tee: Emersonmade
Skinny Jeans: J. Brand
Leopard Flats: J. Crew

Out With The Boys.

At the end of last week I started to get a bit of cabin fever, and figured that the weekend was as good a time as any to attempt to take both boys out... at the same time. Of course, it didn't hurt that Grandma and Grandpa were still in town, and with a 3 to 2 ratio, what could go wrong?

 Surprisingly, absolutely nothing. 

We took the T from Cambridge down to the Frog Pond, and since squish slept almost the entire time, we almost forgot that he was there. Having gotten that first trip out of the way, I can definitely say that I am already feeling much more confident to travel out with the boys on my own. These past ten days couldn't have gone any better and I almost forget what it was like to only have one little monkey to chase after. Almost. 

10 days??? Where has the time gone? Can someone please make it slow down? I feel like another 4 years is going to pass with the blink of an eye.