Pumpkins & "Costumes"

Wow, what an amazing weekend with amazing weather!  Near 70s at the end of October is a gift to Chicago-ans anticipating winter weather around the corner. This weekend we had a couple of Halloween celebrations to attend; one being a Halloween parade at the near by pre-school.  I knew Mason would love it or want nothing to do with it; however with endless Dora's Halloween Parade episodes under our belt I was somewhat hopeful.  Mason being Mason wanted nothing to do with putting on his costume (a fireman coat) and was more interested in riding the elevator up and down. Surprisingly, he participated in the parade and walked around the gym with all the other kids in their Halloween costumes.  He then did a full on permanent exit when reaching the door out of the gym. Ha ha so much for that Halloween party.

Sunday at the Ruth Lake Pumpkin Patch was a different story.  Mason LOVED watching the hay ride taking the kids around.  He even wanted to get on the hay ride and try it out himself which he fully enjoyed.  We still weren't able to get him to put his fireman coat on but that's ok with me.  The entertainment dressed as pirates was also a big hit.  Pretty sure I don't need to say more:

Loved Playing on the Golf Cart.

Family Hay Ride!

Mommy Guilt

It's a thing....really it is and sometimes it just creeps up on me and in turn makes me doubt pretty much everything I am doing.  Mommy Guilt usually arrives in full force when we have a bad day or a bad few days.  I start asking myself several questions: Am I doing enough with Mason? Are we getting out enough doing enough kid friendly activities?  Am I creating or feeding into his "naughty" behavior?  Am I giving in too much with TV/iphone just to make my life easier; is that really the best solution? Should I have more patience?  The good news; regardless of how I am feeling I never question if he is getting enough love or the best care a we can provide.  I know those boxes are always checked (thanks goodness).

Honestly, I know I am being hard on myself and that I am doing the best I can (I think...).  With the colder weather creeping up on us and another babe on the way I'm worried about how we are going to survive what could be a VERY long winter.  Maybe it is the anxiety of it all or just that fact that I need a mommy time out because I know in a day or two we will have the best day ever and all doubt will vanish...like it never existed.   Even on our rough days that little voice calling out "mommy mommy" in complete excitement or getting a random hug while making breakfast is both heart melting and heartwarming.  Personally, I think being a mom is the best job in the world but with that comes the good, bad and the ugly.

*as an update our morning progressively got better which makes for both a happier child and mommy*

Here a two of my go to mommy blogs that tell the truth about parenting while always bringing a smile to my face! Happy Reading:

Camp Patton - Grace has four kids 4 and under and keeps things honest and comical all at the same time.

Coffee + Crumbs - a serious of stories about motherhood that are full of raw honesty yet very heartwarming.

Happy 2nd Birthday to our sweet boy!

10.10.14 Blowing out his candles.

Dear Mason - Happy 2nd Birthday! All signs of your infant self have completely vanished (where has the time gone)!?!?! You have continued to grow like a weed this past year and are still my good little eater (although these days you prefer snacks over lunch).  Your vocabulary is impressive for your age and you even surprise me at times with what you have to say.  You are extremely inquisitive; constantly asking "what's that noise" (aka noise or object).  You are so strong mentally (hello stubborn much) and physically.  You love cars and trucks, Bubble Guppies, your lion & monkey, being outside, running, gym class, going to nana & papa's, trips to the mall to see fountains, the zoo and the grocery store.

You are so full of life and energy.  You are loving and so very loved by all.  You are friendly, always sure to say hi to passers by or your trucks when you're done playing with them.  You love being tickled and I love your belly laugh.  You love to have fun and are so fun to be with; you have such a great personality.

The changes and milestones you have accomplished this year are amazing!  You are first and foremost my son but have also become my buddy.  We spend little time at home; spending many of our days out and about together.  I love getting you from you crib first thing in the morning; excited to hear what you have to say and rocking you each night "warm & cozy" on your rocker.  You have my heart and I love you more the words can describe.  I am so lucky to be your mommy and look forward to more adventures together.  With your sister on the way life is going to change and as much as I think baby girl is going to rock your world; I might have that wrong....she is going to rock our world.  We will quickly adjust like we always do and you are going to be an amazing big brother.

I love you buddy!

Love,
Mommy


Birthday Celebration on the night of your birthday; just the 3 of us:

Small Birthday Party the next day with some of your closet buds and other favorites:

Love singing Happy Birthday

28 weeks {yay for the 3rd trimester}

                       

  

I'm 28 weeks and I have officially entered my 3rd trimester.  With 12 weeks of pregnancy remaining I have lots on my mind.  We need to get the nursery in order as well as have baby girl clothes on hand and of course size 1 diapers.  I'm getting excited to have an infant around again; Mason is so far from a baby these days.  It is so hard to remember the baby stage when they grow up and change so quickly.  I'm still feeling good but it is clear I am getting bigger.  We have a few names picked out but nothing finalized; we plan on waiting to see the baby to actually make a decision.  I have been doing some nesting and lots of online browsing for baby girl's nursery.  Here is what I have in mind:

1. Rugs USA rug: they have great sales all the time.  We waited until they were having a sale and then browsed their very large collection.  We went with this bold pattern and are going to decorate based on the rug.
2. Rugs USA Pouf: I am kind of in love with this pouf but haven't looked too hard for other options yet.  I think this will be great accent piece for her room.
3. Kersey Recliner: I've been going back and forth about moving the rocker out of Mason's room into baby girl's room; however Mason is a bit attached to his chair.  He sits in it everyday and looks through books and we rock him before bed each night and read to him.  I was regretful I didn't go with a recliner the first time around so I knew if we were going to buy another chair we needed a recliner.  With a recliner I could get some sleep on those nights baby is up every hour (wishful thinking?).
4. Land of Nod Sheets: I found these at the outlet and the bold color works great with the bold patterned rug.
5. Land of Nod Changing Pad Cover: Another outlet find but excited to experiment with several patterns in her room which seems to be so in right now.  I hope I can pull it off.
6. First Light by Benjamin Moore: a subtle pink will be the wall color of choice.

Of course, we still need to pick out and purchase the essentials....hello crib and changing table/dresser.  It will all get done (I hope) prior to the baby coming or before I slow down and run out of energy completely.  I am really starting to get excited about being a family of four and meeting our little princess.

28 weeks with Mason

New obsessions!

Our Nespresso machine! I've been debating on taking the plunge and investing in one of these bad boys for awhile.  I've had a gift card burning a hole in my pocket for awhile as well but I had so many questions about this machine.  After getting some friend referrals and watching some youtube informational videos I was ready to invest.  We ended up going with the Citiz but honestly if you like lattes or cappuccinos I don't think you can go wrong.  We have had the machine for about 2 weeks and I have only ventured to Starbucks twice since.  Matt has even jumped on the fancy coffee bandwagon and enjoys a cup before work each morning.  I've order several different capsules so far and we have liked all of them.  If you like coffee and tend to head to Starbucks as much as I do (like everyday) this is so the machine for you.  As a bonus the caffeine levels are reasonable and work well with my pregnancy limits.  This is going to come in handy when baby girl arrives in the middle of winter and getting out of the house won't be easy.  I will be able to enjoy a nice latte without longing, plotting and planning on how to get to the nearest bux.  Still needed Starbucks vanilla syrup and we will be the new coffee shop in town.

Warby Parker, ok I will admit I haven't actually received the glass I have ordered but they will be here very soon and I can't wait!  I wear prescription glasses to drive be it day or night so I have totally put off getting new glasses....for like 5 years.  This is in part due to the price and in part why fix it if its not broke.  Well, last week Mason was climbing around my car and my glasses broke.  I called both Costco and LensCrafters to see what their pricing was like; while they both were very reasonable as far as an eye exam goes (Costco saving us a few dollars) the cost of lenses and frames add up quickly (again Costco being more cost effective).  I have read blogs about Warby Parker in the past but was concerned about the turn around time and the fact I wouldn't be able to take advantage of their Home Try on Program.  Either way I was able to do some trying on via their virtual try on center and ended up choosing these.  Orders take about 10 days from start to finish, however my order was completed on Friday and the glasses are expected to arrive today (Wednesday).  Long story short, if you are need of a new pair of glasses or sunglasses check out Warby Parker you can't beat the price!

On the hunt for: a new diaper bag that is suitable for two kiddos and isn't too pricey and the perfect pair of sorel boots for this winter (I can't seem to decide).  Suggestions welcome!